The easiest way to feel Christmas in Saint Petersburg is just walking! Streets are fantastically decorated with all the Chritmas glitz and glamour, awe-inspiring lights and trees, including the main one on Palace Square. And don’t forget to spend a few minutes around Dom Knigi (the House of Book) as it’s famous for it’s New Year’s thematic window displays. Here are more Christmas Things To Do in St Petersburg.

Christmas and New Year in St Petersburg 2016-2017 guide including festive events, ice-rinks and Christmas markets.

 

Christmas markets in Saint Petersburg

1. Christmas markets on Moscow Square

The Moscow square is the biggest one in Saint Petersburg. Its area is about 13 hectares. Here you will find gifts, Christmas decorations and candies in fairy cabins and carriages. Not only can you taste exceptional street food but also try to ride! You will see a Santa Claus’s exhibition of ice sculptures with penguins, reindeer and gingerbread houses.

When From December 24 to January 8

Where The Moscow Square

How much free

2. Christmas Market on Yelagin Island

Kirov Central Park of Culture and Recreation on Yelagin Island is a unique natural complex. Today Kirov Central Park is a dynamically developing cultural and recreational space, suitable for audiences of different age groups and interests. In winter there are two skating rinks (natural and artificial) and a ski run.

You will find here a lot of handmaid souvenirs and candies as well as counters with hot drinks!

When December 16 to 30; January 3 to 10, 13 to 29

Where Yelagin Island, 4

How much free

3. Christmas Market on the Pionerskaya square

The Pionerskaya square just near the famous Bryantsev Youth Theatre, which is one of the first children’s theatres in Russia, opened in 1922. It will be the 11^th time that New Year’s fair opens its doors here. You will see charming merchant houses with delicious products from a number of Russian provinces and from foreign countries. You can learn about New Year traditions in different countries with the help of artists dressed in traditional costumes. In addition, you can take part in culinary master classes.

When From December 24 to January 8

Where The Pionerskaya square

How much free

4. Christmas Market in Gatchina

On December 29 near the beautiful Great Gatchina Palace will open the 5th New Year fair. The Great Gatchina Palace was built in 1766–1781 in Gatchina town (near St. Petersburg) by Antonio Rinaldi for Count Grigori Grigoryevich Orlov who was a favorite of Catherine II. The Gatchina Palace is located on the hill above Lake Serebryannoe. It combines themes of a medieval castle and a country residence. Here you will find many traditional things such as rich shawls, valenki, clay ceramic and Tula spice-cakes.

When From December 29 to January 8

Where Gatchina town, Krasnoarmeyskiy street, 1

How much free

5. Christmas ”Culture fair” in Lumiere Hall

This one is famous all around Russia. It is held several times throughtout the year. The fair is extremely popular amoung all handmade and vintage lovers. If you are looking for a unique present, it’s the right place.

When December 24-25

Where Obvodniy Kanal embankment, 74A

How much free

6. Festival and fair ’Les’ (or just ’Forest’)

Another kind of event that is only seen in Saint Petersburg. Here you can not only buy some presents, but also meet charming foxes and owls or take part in various lectures.

When December 24

Where Obvodniy Kanal embankment, 60

How much free

Christmas and New Year holidays in Saint Petersburg are an amazing idea, but to make your expierence even more memorable you need one fun thing – ice-skating. Just imagine a nice sunny frosty afternoon spent on the rink! Sounds like a setting to a romantic movie, doesn’t it?

Best outdoor skating rinks in St Petersburg this Christmas Season

• Moscow Victory Park

The ice rink in Moscow Victory Park has been operating since Soviet times. Locals like to have their first dates on this rink. There is a small amusement park in front of it and combined with old retro songs you will feel the romantic atmosphere of old times.

Where: Kuznetsovskaya ul., 25.

• Disco Ice Rink 3000

Real ice party right in the middle of Primorsky Victory Park. The space of ice rink is 3000 m which makes it one of the biggest open ice rinks in the city. There is always bright illumination and live concerts every evening.

Where: Batareynaya dor., 8.

• New Holland

The ice rink was opened in an open-air art place, New Holland. Come and feel like a professional hockey player as it’s the main venue for winter sports event. Together with evening skating you can enjoy modern art exhibitions and buy some Christmas presents or local delicacies at the annual market.

The only place where you can listen live music during ice-skating.

Where: Admiralteyskyi Kanal embankment, 2

• Ice Park Rink

One of the most stunning rinks right at the bank of Gulf of Finland in front of Pribaltiyskaya Hotel. Come here for a brightly decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the skating, which is illuminated in the evenings.

Where: Savushkina str,. 141.

• Ohta Park

This is the only place with forest ice rink in Saint Petersburg. Beautiful illumination, hot drinks and scenic nature will unleash your inner romantic.

Where: Syargi village, St Petersburg

• Ostrovsky Square

Enjoy the atmosphere of a party in the historic center of the city. This year you will hear national music of 16 countries and enjoy master-classes from hockey teams on this ice rink.

Where: Nevsky Prospect, 95.

For more winter wonderland, magic Christmas trees and Christmas lights check out this list. You may want to take a day trip from St Petersburg to have an ultimate experience of Russian winter.

Fun winter activities in St Petersburg

If you’re sick of all the buzz and want to enjoy solitude and nature, such places as Peterhof parks and Pavlovsk are for you. We have rather snowy winter this year, so with no doubt the view will be amazing. Beisdes, some parks have free entrance during the winter and in case it’s very cold for a long walk you can also visit great palaces.

1. Peterhof: Alexandria park

Not so famous as Lower park and the Grand Palace, but much more suitable for a lazy walk. It’s not so formal either. It’s full of twisting little roads, little cute palaces and the view of the Gulf of Finland is outstanding!

2. Peterhof: Lower park

Well, you cannot see its fountains at this tiem of the year, but you still can explore wonderful park for absolutely free and without any crowds! And, of course, the Grand Palace is always there for you.

3. Pavlovsk: Pavlovky Park

It looks more like a forest that a traditional park. Gorgeous nature is all around you. Except a few neat pavillionss, arbours and bridges the whole area is just trees, cannals and squirrels, in case you have some nuts to share. And, surely, Pavlovsk Palace welcome you!

4. Gatchina

Another amazing destinatioen for those who seek a great landscape.

5. Ekaterininskyi park

Tsarskoye selo is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which is worth visiting in winter to see how a traditional French park looks like under a snow coat.

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