A magical city in the snow
St Petersburg in winter is one of the most picturesque city in the world. Admire its cathedrals and palaces covered in snow, its frozen canals and streets decorated with New Year lights. A true fairy-tale city!
Less tourists, more time to enjoy St Petersburg museums
Visit the Hermitage Museum without the crowd, walk through the halls of the Russian Museum, discover the splendid palaces of St Petersburg as the Yusupov Palace. Do not forget to stop by the city museum apartments, like the Alexander Pushkin one on Moika 12 or the Dostoyevsky one, where the famous writer wrote his last novel "The Brothers Karamazov". And, of course, enjoy the Russian ballets of St Petersburg during your winter evenings.
Celebrate the New Year with Russians on the Palace Square
New Year - this is a unique moment in the year, when all the Russian people become one, waiting all together midnight for the new year to come. Join the celebration in St Petersburg on the Palace Square, and share those unforgettable moments with Russians around the huge New Year tree next to the famous Winter Palace. С Наступающим!
What is the winter like in St Petersburg?
From November to December
The first real snow begins to fall from the end of November/beginning of December. Although the daylight hours are short during this first part of winter, the temperatures are still good (average of -4°C), and it is a good period to walk in St Petersburg's parks, enjoy the Christmas fairs or participate in open air sport activities. The atmosphere of the city becomes magical, with everyone getting prepared for the New Year celebrations.
New Year holidays
From December 31 to January 10, the whole Russia stops...This is the traditional Russian New Year holidays when Russians gather with their friends and family. Numerous concerts and performances are held in the city, new films are released in cinemas, cafes and restaurants organize special events...everything is done to start the New Year in an unforgettable way!
From mid-January to March
From mid-January to late February/beginning of March, the real St Petersbug winter sets in, with average temperatures around -8°C, a drier air and snow covering the whole city. As the days gradually lengthen, the sun slowly returns and it is the time for beautiful pictures with sunny skies and snowy landscapes.
Return of spring and Maslenitsa celebration
In 2021, Maslenitsa ('Масленица') will be celebrated from March 8th to March 14th. According to the ancient tradition, burning the effigy of Maslenitsa on the Maslenitsa Sunday helps nature to pass the winter season, and speed up the return of spring!
7 things not to miss during your winter stay in Saint Petersburg
- Have a walk in the snowy residence of the Tsars (Tsarskoe Selo)
- Buy Russian souvenirs at the traditional Christmas market fair
- Admire the Kazan Cathedral from the Cafe Singer on Nevsky
- Taste Russian blini with caviar and Russian vodka
- Watch a hockey match of the local team at the Ice Palace
- Ice skate at the ice rink on New Holland island
- Enjoy a Russian ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre
