Christmas in Russia, celebrated in the Russian Orthodox Church, is observed on 7th January annually. A Christmas occasion is a significant blessing to individual homes.Christmas Eve feast is about being together with your friends and family and making everyone happy. Exchanging gifts is one of the traditions of celebrating Christmas. Primarily, it is observed on the 25th of December. On this day, the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Christmas Eve is celebrated by decorating the Christmas tree all over the town, greeting people, cutting cakes, attending church, and much more. What makes this day special in Russia is its unique customs and traditions. Be a part of the celebrations of Christmas in Russia during your winter holidays, and have a fun-filled vacation experience!
About Christmas In Russia
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In the early Soviet days, Christmas was not celebrated in Russia, and even other religious celebrations were discouraged. Despite all the discouragement, the Soviet regime celebrated Christmas on 25 December. Celebrating Christmas is one of the best things to do in Russia.
All the traditional customs of Christmas Eve were re-adopted in Russia after the October Revolution. Nowadays, people traditionally return to their homes to celebrate with their loved ones and have a great festive Holy Supper. In the present day, Russia is the largest country in the world area-wise. It even has the most significant city as its capital, Moscow.
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Top Places To Visit During Christmas In Russia
Christmas, a festival of gifts, brings a festive mood. Vacationing at such a time becomes even more joyous as you see celebrations all around. So, here are a few places you should visit while in Russia if you decide to take a Christmas trip to this country.
1. Moscow
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Moscow is considered one of the most popular cities in Russia. During Christmas in Russia, the whole city is decorated with colourful Christmas decorations and traditional Christmas trees. Taste the lip-smacking Christmas feast here. Moscow also offers excellent opportunities for an array of outdoor activities. Kids and adults can both learn figure skating while visiting here.
There are many tourist visiting places in Moscow like Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, Kremlin Armory, Tretyakov Gallery, Novodevichy Convent, Grand Kremlin Palace, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and many more. Christmas in Russia is best celebrated in Moscow.
Places To Stay: Hilton Moscow, Holiday Inn Moscow
Major Attractions: Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, The State Tretyakov Gallery, Gorky Central Park
Things To Do: Go skating, watch a ballet performance, experience Russian banya
2. Suzdal
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Suzdal is considered an ancient place in Russia. This place is incredibly dedicated to conserving ancient monuments. Some of the places that must be visited during the Christmas holidays in Russia are Suzdal Kremlin, Monastery of Saint Euthymius, Museum of wooden architecture and peasant life, Torgovyye Ryady, Uspenskaya Tsekov, Transfiguration Cathedral, Wax Museum, Venerable bell tower, Friday church, and many more.
The ancient city of Suzdal transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Local restaurants serve traditional Christmas dishes like kutya (wheat porridge), while the famous Suzdal medovukha (honey mead) warms visitors in the crisp winter air. This place is a must-visit for everyone!
Places to stay: Pushkarskaya Sloboda, Suzdal Spasskaya Gorka
Major Attractions: Church of the Nativity, Pokrovsky Monastery, Kremlin Street
Things To Do: Visit the Suzdal monasteries, visit the Suzdal Kremlin
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3. Yaroslavl
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Yaroslavl is an ancient city in Russia. It is even considered a place where ancient monuments and churches are located. Some places that must be visited during Christmas in Yaroslavl are Khram ll’i Proroka, the Museum “Music and Time,” Yaroslavl Zoo, the Baptist church, Strelka, and much more.
On January 7th, Yaroslavl celebrates Orthodox Christmas with spiritual devotion and winter magic. The UNESCO-listed city centre glows with holiday lights, while snow dusts the golden domes of ancient churches. Families gather here for traditional feasts featuring roast goose and pirogi while children enjoy ice skating and snow sculptures along the dam.
Places To Stay: Dostoevsky Hotel, Kuptsov Dom
Major Attractions: Khram ll’i Proroka, Yaroslavl Zoo, the Baptist church, Strelka
Things To Do: Participate in Carole, taste Christmas special feast
4. Saint Petersburg
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It is considered the second-largest city in the world. It is also known for celebrating widespread occasions famous across the entire country and the world. This city is regarded as one of the most modern cities in Russia. The places that must be visited during the Christmas holidays are the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Moika Palace, Summer Palace, Bronze Horseman, Field of Mars, Marble Palace, and many more.
While you are here, do not forget to visit St. Issac’s Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Russia. Also, do not miss out on the Christmas market, one of the best places to shop here. If you love a vibrant Christmas, this place is one of the ultimate options!
Places To Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, Bristol Hotel
Major Attractions: Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Moika Palace, Summer Palace
Things To Do: Go Christmas shopping, explore St. Issac’s Cathedral, visit Catherine Palace
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5. Kazan
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Kazan is also a famous sports city in Russia. The city also played host to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. During a trip to Kazan, Russia, critical destinations include the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan, Suyumbike Tower, Epiphany Orthodox Cathedral, Pedestrian Baumana Street, The Farmers’ Palace, and more.
Bauman Street transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive markets. Locals enjoy traditional Tatar and Russian holiday treats like chak-chak and pelmeni. Millennium Square hosts ice sculptures and winter activities. The city’s mix of Eastern and Western traditions creates a distinctive holiday celebration unlike anywhere else in Russia. If you are visiting Russia in December, this is a must-visit place for everyone.
Places to stay: ibis Kazan, Osobnyak na Teatralnoy
Major Attraction: Kazan Kremlin, Qol Sharif Mosque, Annunciation Cathedral
Things To Do: Go sightseeing, enjoy hot cocoa, and visit Kazan Kremlin
6. Novgorod
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Novgorod is one of the oldest cities in Russia, dating back to 859 AD. The striking silver and golden domes of St. Sophia’s Cathedral brighten up during December, and visiting this cathedral from the 11th century during Christmas is the best. The city showcases the unique aspects of its celebrations with excellent markets and cathedrals that pull the best of celebrations over the festive time.
The historic marketplace has traditional festivities, including folk performances and seasonal markets. Families enjoy troika rides through the snow-covered city while traditional dishes like koulibiaka (fish pie) grace holiday tables. The nearby Museum of Wooden Architecture Vitoslavlitsy recreates ancient Russian Christmas traditions.
Places to stay: Rachmaninoff Hotel, Truvor
Major Attractions: St. Sophia’s Cathedral
Things To Do: Visit the cathedral, go sightseeing
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7. Lake Baikal
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A remarkable fact about celebrating Christmas at Lake Baikal is that the winters are milder than the summers. Lake Baikal is a serene paradise that seduces with its exotic beauty! It’s the world’s largest freshwater body, surrounded by spectacular vegetation, assuring a pristine Christmas vacation experience!
In December, Lake Baikal freezes. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the magical phenomenon of a frozen lake. Also, make sure to try the local food for a delightful adventure.
Places To Stay: Mini-hotel Baikal, Legend of Baikal
Major Attraction: The Lake Baikal
Things To Do: Visit the Lake Baikal, enjoy a snowy Christmas
8. Vladivostok
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Celebrating Christmas in Russia without including Vladivostok is a crime. It is one of the finest places in the country to celebrate Christmas. The most impressive characteristic of the city is the markets and events that take place throughout it. The lights, citadels, cathedrals, and squares are full of festive spirits that run high in the air.
Places To Stay: Lighthouse – Маяк, Dream Catcher Hotel
Major Attractions: Christmas markets, skating grounds
Things To Do: Go skating and sightseeing
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Weather In Russia During Christmas
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The weather during Christmas in Russia is cold. The temperature ranges between a high of -3°C and a low of -7.6°C. You must stock the maximum amount of woollens in your kitty, as it will be mighty. However, the average daylight hours is only about 7 hours, so you can expect many festivities to be celebrated in the evenings, which is the best time during the day for celebrating Christmas traditions in Russia.
Different Activities During The Christmas Eve In Russia
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Christmas is celebrated on chilled days. Thus, Christmas activities in Russia include lighting a bonfire. They light a fire in honour of the Sviatki tradition. Russian people even believe in the tradition of fortune-telling. Usually, it is practised for fun, but in some homes, it is one of the ancient traditions practised on Christmas Eve. They even sing Christmas carols together with friends and family. They make a great Christmas supper and spend quality time with family.
Like Santa visiting their homes on Christmas Eve, the Russian people have faith in visiting Ded Moroz and Sengurochka on Christmas Eve. Even decorating the Christmas tree is an important ritual and tradition in Russian culture. The Christmas tree in Russia has a great fairy decoration with an elegant attraction.
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Traditional Cuisine During Christmas In Russia
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Russian Christmas Eve traditions include a great supper. Some people follow a vegetarian diet on Christmas Eve, and some even fast. But Russian Christmas food, starting from pork, goose, and other speciality meats, is accompanied by delicious cakes, pastries, and other fabulous desserts.
Even Christmas traditions in Russia offer vegetarian delicacies like stuffed beans, stuffed potatoes, different desserts, and much more. Offering these sumptuous suppers is a way of honouring the great festival of Christmas in Russia.
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Christmas in Russia is one of the most significant and beautiful occasions. From decorating the Christmas tree to welcoming the Russian Santa, every traditional ceremony in Russia is filled with great happiness. Russia is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and worth watching. Plan a trip to Russia to celebrate Christmas this winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Russia
How do they celebrate Christmas in Russia?
The Russian Orthodox Church is dominant in Russia, and they follow the old ‘Julian’ calendar for observing religious days. Therefore, Christmas in Russia is celebrated on the 7th of January rather than the 25th of December.
What is a typical Russian meal?
A typical Russian meal usually includes appetizers and a hot main course of potato, fish, or meat. Russians are also fond of tea after dinner. Some traditional Russian meals include Borscht, Solyanka Soup, Olivier Salad, Blini, Kotleti, and Pelmeni.
What is Russia’s national food?
Pelmeni is the national dish of Russia. There are many restaurants in Russia where you can taste Pelmeni and other dishes from traditional Russian cuisine.
What do Russians eat at Christmas?
A Christmas dinner in Russia usually includes a lot of non-vegetarian dishes: 1. Roasted Pork 2. Stuffed Pig’s Head 3. Whole Fish 4. Kholodets (Jelly) 5. Goose with Apples 6. Sour Cream Hare 7. Lamb
What is Santa called in Russia?
Russian Santa Claus is also known as “Ded Moroz,” which translates to “Grandfather Frost” in English.
What is the last day of Christmas called?
The last day of Christmas is January 5, also called “the Twelfth Night.”
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