Published on December 5, 2025
Moscow joins Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and other top destinations in Russia for a festive Christmas and New Year 2026 season, offering a spectacular array of celebrations that blend rich cultural traditions with vibrant winter festivities. From Moscow’s grand Journey to Christmas festival featuring ice shows and street performances to Saint Petersburg’s historic New Year countdown on Palace Square, these cities are set to captivate visitors with their dazzling light displays, festive markets, and exhilarating holiday events. Whether it’s enjoying fireworks over the Neva River or skating through city parks, Russia’s cities offer an unforgettable experience for holidaymakers looking to immerse themselves in the season’s magic.
As the winter season sets in, Russia’s cities come alive with festive cheer and celebration, offering travelers a chance to experience the country’s rich traditions, stunning winter landscapes, and vibrant holiday spirit. The cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg, along with Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and other leading destinations, host a range of exciting events, from grand New Year’s Eve fireworks to traditional Christmas celebrations. Let’s explore what each city offers this holiday season.
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Moscow, the heart of Russia, hosts the renowned “Journey to Christmas” festival, transforming the city into a magical place for visitors and locals alike. This city-wide celebration spans several weeks, from late December to early January, and includes over 30 venues offering street performances, ice shows, food stalls, gift markets, and much more. Central Moscow becomes a winter wonderland, with the iconic Red Square illuminated with a giant New Year tree, and fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey to Christmas Festival | Late Dec–Early Jan | Central Moscow | Street performances, ice shows, workshops, and more. |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks | 31 Dec | Red Square | Midnight fireworks and celebrations at iconic locations. |
| Second New Year (Old New Year) | 14 Jan | Central Moscow | Extended festivities, including concerts and traditional events. |
Saint Petersburg, often known as the cultural capital of Russia, offers an unforgettable holiday experience. The famous Palace Square hosts the midnight countdown to the New Year, where crowds gather to watch the President’s speech, sip champagne, and enjoy the spectacular fireworks over the Neva River. The city also offers a Christmas Gift Fair at the Expoforum, featuring hand-crafted items, holiday decorations, and more.
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| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace Square Countdown | 31 Dec | Palace Square | Midnight countdown, fireworks, and President’s address. |
| New Year Gift Fair | 11–14 Dec | Expoforum | Holiday shopping and festive market experience. |
| Ice Skating | Throughout December | Dvortsovaya Square | Public skating on an outdoor rink in the heart of the city. |
As the largest city in Siberia, Novosibirsk offers a winter wonderland filled with ice sculptures, festive lights, and family-friendly events. The city’s central squares host various winter activities, from skating rinks to seasonal markets. Museums and cultural venues also host holiday events, making Novosibirsk a great spot for both winter sports lovers and culture enthusiasts.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Sculptures | Throughout Dec–Jan | Central Squares | Admire intricately designed ice sculptures. |
| Russian-German House Concerts | Throughout Dec | Russian-German House | Seasonal concerts and exhibitions. |
| Winter Riverfront Walks | Throughout Dec–Jan | Ob Riverfront | Scenic winter strolls by the river. |
Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains, is known for its vibrant nightlife and outdoor winter adventures. The city offers a variety of New Year parties and live music events at restaurants and clubs, while its winter parks provide perfect spots for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
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| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve Parties | 31 Dec | City Venues | Set menus, live music, and midnight countdowns. |
| Winter Sightseeing at Vysotsky Business Center | Throughout Dec–Jan | Vysotsky Business Center | City views from the observation deck. |
| Skiing and Snowboarding | Throughout Dec–Jan | Local Winter Parks | Winter activities including skiing and snowboarding. |
Nizhny Novgorod offers a unique blend of historical charm and festive cheer. The city hosts musical performances, theatrical shows, and New Year concerts at major squares, while the famous Nizhny Novgorod Fair area is decorated with ice sculptures, music, and food stalls. The festive atmosphere is perfect for those seeking both tradition and modern holiday fun.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year Concerts | 31 Dec | Central Squares | Interactive performances and live music. |
| Ice Sculptures and Markets | Throughout Dec–Jan | Nizhny Novgorod Fair Area | Ice sculptures and holiday stalls. |
| Theatrical Shows | Throughout Dec | Local Theaters | Holiday-themed performances. |
Chelyabinsk, located in the Ural region, is known for its robust industrial landscape and festive celebrations during the holiday season. On New Year’s Eve, the city hosts midnight celebrations with fireworks and outdoor events, while its parks and central squares are decorated with holiday lights and Christmas trees.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Celebrations | 31 Dec | City Squares | Public concerts and fireworks. |
| City Winter Ambiance | Throughout Dec–Jan | Central Parks and Shopping Centers | Decorations, lights, and smaller events. |
| Cultural Performances | Throughout Dec–Jan | Cultural Venues | Local concerts and performances. |
Samara, Rostov-on-Don, and Omsk offer a more laid-back, yet festive atmosphere during the holiday season. With Christmas trees, markets, and light installations, these cities are perfect for families seeking a traditional winter holiday experience. Whether you’re browsing local crafts at a holiday fair or enjoying an outdoor ice rink, there’s something for everyone in these festive cities.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year Fairs | Throughout Dec | Samara, Rostov-on-Don, Omsk | Holiday-themed fairs for gifts and souvenirs. |
| Ice Skating and Winter Activities | Throughout Dec–Jan | City Parks | Outdoor ice rinks and winter performances. |
| Family Gatherings and Cultural Events | Throughout Dec–Jan | Cultural Venues | Themed performances and concerts for families. |
Moscow joins Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and other top destinations in Russia for a festive Christmas and New Year 2026 season, offering a captivating mix of grand celebrations, winter festivals, and unique cultural events. These cities will enchant visitors with dazzling lights, ice shows, holiday markets, and unforgettable experiences throughout the holiday season.
From the festive streets of Moscow and Saint Petersburg to the charming holiday celebrations in Siberian cities like Novosibirsk and Omsk, Russia offers a diverse array of Christmas and New Year experiences. Whether you’re seeking grand fireworks, traditional markets, winter sports, or family-friendly activities, Russia’s top destinations provide something for every type of traveler. The holiday season in Russia is a magical time to explore the country’s rich cultural traditions and enjoy the winter beauty of its cities.
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Friday, December 5, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025