New Year in Tashkent and Samarkand: Where to Celebrate and How to Plan

New Year in Uzbekistan is one of the most beloved holidays. The country is decorated with garlands and fir trees, fairs open in squares, plov, Olivier salad and tangerines appear on tables, and families gather around a shared table. For a traveller it is a chance to see the cities in festive light without the summer heat. Here is where to celebrate and how to plan the trip.

How New Year is celebrated

New Year is marked on the night of 31 December into 1 January. Traditions are mixed: the fir tree and Father Frost ("Qorbobo" in Uzbek) sit beside national cuisine and hospitality. The festive table includes plov, samsa, kebab, salads, fruit and sweets. Many people go out to streets and squares to see the illumination and fireworks, then return to their families.

1 January is a day off, and in some years extra days off are added. Exact dates and shifts are announced officially.

Tashkent

The capital is the main place for New Year events.

• Squares and parks. Central squares are decorated with trees, arches and light installations. An evening walk along decorated streets is a pleasure in itself.
• Fairs. New Year fairs with souvenirs, sweets and hot drinks work in various parts of the city.
• Trees and shows. Children's performances, concerts, skating rinks and events in malls.
• Restaurants and hotels. Many offer special New Year programmes with dinner and a show. Tables are booked in advance, sometimes weeks ahead.
• Metro. It runs on a special schedule on holiday days, so check the timetable.

On New Year's night the centre is crowded, public transport runs to schedule, but taxis are hard to catch. Plan your return in advance.

Samarkand

Samarkand is beautiful in winter: blue domes in snow, an illuminated Registan, quiet. New Year events here are more modest than in Tashkent, but the atmosphere is intimate and cosy.

• The Registan. Illuminated in the evening, with festive events nearby.
• Fairs and cafes. Restaurants with festive menus and teahouses are open.
• Walks. Evening strolls along decorated streets and boulevards.

If you want a quiet New Year against the backdrop of ancient monuments, Samarkand suits better than the capital. Remember it is cold in winter: bring warm clothing.

Weather

In late December Tashkent and Samarkand see around 0 to +8 C by day and down to -5 C and lower at night, with snow possible. Damp cold feels stronger. Bring a down jacket, hat, gloves and warm shoes with tread. On the night into 1 January it is good to have an extra layer.

How to plan the trip

1. Lodging. Book one or two months ahead: hotels fill up for the holidays and prices rise. Choose places with reliable heating.
2. Transport. Train tickets for holiday dates sell out fast. Buy them as soon as sales open.
3. Dinner. Book a restaurant table in advance, or cook at home if you are in an apartment.
4. Opening hours. On 1 January many venues are closed or open late, so buy groceries ahead.
5. Cash. Take it in advance: fairs and street vendors do not always accept cards.

Getting from Tashkent to Samarkand

If you want to see in the New Year in one city and quickly go to another, there are several ways. The high-speed train is fastest. But on holiday days tickets sell out, and the road helps. The Tashkent to Samarkand route is about 300 km and usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours, more in snow and ice. In the Yo'ldosh app, drivers publish trips in advance: you choose a time, book a seat and see the driver's verified profile. Before holiday days it is best to book several days ahead and avoid returning on the very busiest evening.

For short trips from the capital out of town, for example to the mountains or Chirchik, the Tashkent to Chirchik route is convenient in winter: about 30 to 40 km, roughly 40 to 60 minutes. From there you can continue toward the Charvak reservoir and the mountain slopes where people ski in winter. Check the weather and road conditions before setting out.

How to keep the celebration safe

• Do not take to the roads on the night of 31 December after a feast. Arrange your return in advance.
• Watch your belongings in crowds and near fireworks.
• Do not set off firecrackers in prohibited places: fines are possible.
• Leave extra time for the road and traffic.
• Dress warmer than seems necessary.

Programme ideas

• 31 December. A daytime walk around the city and a fair, dinner in the evening at a restaurant or with friends, and a trip to the square near midnight.
• 1 January. A late breakfast, a leisurely walk, a museum.
• 2 to 3 January. A trip to a neighbouring city or the mountains, a bazaar visit.

Bottom line

New Year in Tashkent and Samarkand combines winter beauty, national cuisine and a warm atmosphere. Book lodging and transport early, dress warmly and leave time for the road. More details are on the pages for Tashkent to Samarkand and Tashkent to Chirchik.

Cover photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.