The New Year is one of the most beloved holidays in Mongolia. As soon as December begins, the entire country eagerly starts counting down to the celebration. This time, we’re sharing some of the most common and unique New Year traditions in Mongolia.

• ✍️ Please note this article highlights widely practiced traditions, but celebrations may vary from family to family.

👪 A Family-Centred Celebration

The New Year is one of the most family-oriented holidays in Mongolia. On December 31, families typically gather at the home of their eldest members to welcome the New Year together. A unique, unwritten tradition sees guests placing money on the New Year’s tree, symbolising good fortune. While tinsel once dominated decorations, many households now favour more modern, minimalist styles.

• 🐣 When it comes to gifts, the focus is largely on children. Younger kids usually receive bags filled with sweets, while teenagers are more commonly given money.

Mongolia also has its own version of Santa Claus, Mongolian Santa, who wears a blue costume similar to Russia’s Ded Moroz. A decade ago, he was extremely popular, frequently invited by families, schools, and companies to deliver gifts during celebrations.

😋 Cuisine: A Festive Table

A Mongolian New Year table is unimaginable without cake and champagne. Alongside these, families prepare a variety of meat-based dishes, reflecting Mongolia’s culinary traditions. Equally essential are salads made with eggs, potatoes, and fruits. One distinctive feature is that most of these salads are generously dressed with mayonnaise, a strong influence from Russian cuisine.

🎁 Office “Secret Santa” – Monita

Meanwhile, in offices and schools, the New Year comes with its own tradition known as “Monita.” Participants randomly draw a name and, over the course of a week or longer, secretly leave small gifts or warm notes for that person. On the final day, everyone reveals themselves and exchanges the main gifts.

• 💃🥳 Beyond this, company and school New Year parties are major, often lavish affairs. Women dress to kill in elegant gowns or cocktail dresses, while men opt for suits or tuxedos. A standout moment of corporate celebrations is the announcement of the Employee of the Year, adding both excitement and motivation to the festivities.

Finally, many Mongolians enjoy welcoming the New Year at Sukhbaatar Square, where a large New Year’s tree and ice sculptures create a festive atmosphere for the midnight countdown. Just before the clock strikes 12 am, the President delivers a New Year’s address to the nation.

Yet even after midnight, the celebration is far from over. One of the most iconic New Year rituals takes place on January 1, when people hike up nearby mountains before sunrise to watch the first sunrise of the year, believing it brings positive energy and good fortune for the months ahead.