The easiest way to feel Christmas vibes is strolling through Christmas markets in St Petersburg! 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 all Christmas markets in St Petersburg you can do on One Day in St Petersburg with your friendly local guides (the tour can be customized to meet your preferences). Or venture on your own!

 

Christmas markets in Saint Petersburg

Winter Petersburg will be drowning in the lights and you’d better have a special state of mind not to get lost in all this incredible Christmas maze. This season we can’t wait to see the Winter Garden on Nevsky Prospekt, a huge Nutcracker, hundreds of garlands, galleries of luminous arches, a beautiful fir-tree on Palace Square. The fairy-tale transformation will be complete by December 20 and here are all the hot spots for all the things Christmas in St Petersburg.

Christmas markets on Moscow Square

Christmas markets in St Petersburg means live performances, celebrations gifts, Christmas decorations and candies in fairy cabins and carriages. There are a million of fun winter activities in St Petersburg and you can find all of this at the Moscow square, the biggest one in Saint Petersburg with the area about 13 hectares.

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: December 24 to January 8

Where: The Moscow Square

How much: free

Christmas Market on Yelagin Island

Get in the spirit of Christmas in this unique natural complex – Kirov Central Park of Culture and Recreation on Yelagin Island. Today Kirov Central Park is a dynamically developing cultural and recreational space, suitable for audiences of different age groups and interests. Have fun at two skating rinks (natural and artificial) and a ski run. If you are a fan of ice rinks you definetely have to try these winter things to do in Moscow.

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

Christmas Market on the Pionerskaya Square

The Pionerskaya square is 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 11th 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 abroad.

You will learn about New Year traditions in different countries with the help of artists dressed in traditional costumes. In addition, take part in culinary master classes which is always fun.

When: December 24 to January 8

Where: The Pionerskaya square

How much: free

Christmas Market in Gatchina

Check out the 5th New Year fair in the beautiful Great Gatchina Palace. 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. Come here for traditional things such as rich shawls, valenki, clay ceramic and Tula spice-cakes.

When: December 29 to January 8

Where: Gatchina town, Krasnoarmeyskiy street, 1

How much: free

Christmas Market in Lumiere Hall

Prime people watching happens at Lumiere Hall, whether you’re checking its art exhibitions, looking for vintage gifts or sipping a spice latte at the cafe. Be prepared for a diverse crowd of strollers that ranges from young and crazy students to families to bohemian artists.

Lumiere Hall is extremely popular both in Moscow and St Petersburg, especially among handmade and vintage lovers. If you are looking for a unique present, this is the right place.

When: December 24-25

Where: Obvodniy Kanal embankment, 74A

How much: free

Festival and Christmas market “Les”

Another kind of event that is only seen in Saint Petersburg. It is a hot spot for at Christmas, but all the magic happens here once the lights go down. Apart from souvenir shopping, you can also meet charming foxes and owls here and take part in fun activities.

When: December 24

Where: Obvodniy Kanal embankment, 60

How much: free

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