In the Russia Christmas is one of the major holidays and one of the greatest church holidays next to Easter. Russian Orthodox Christian follows the Julian calendar and Christmas is celebrated on 7th January and not on 25th December.The new Soviet Government tried to change the Julian calendar to Gregorian just like in European countries and the rest of the world celebrates but the Russian Orthodox Church did not agree to it and made all important church celebrations according to the old calendar. Christmas in Saint Petersburg, Russia, sounds more like Happy New Year and Christmas than Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The first week of January in Russia is an official holiday from the New Year’s Day of Christmas.
Russian Christmas Tradition
Are you planning to spend Christmas holidays in Russia? Then you should know one thing: Christmas in St Petersburg, Russia, will not be celebrated on 25th December, but is celebrated on 7th January. It is one of the most profound religious festivals in Russia. People prepare delicious dishes like stuffed pig’s head, roasted goose with apples, pirogi, and pie with cake, candy, fruits, and biscuits. You will never go hungry on Christmas day. The table is full of an array of delicious dishes.
Russia is known chiefly as a haven for nature and art lovers. It is decorated with snow-capped domes, rich-quality glinting, troika rides, world-class museums, and many others.
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Christmas Weather In St Petersburg
Weather in St Petersburg during Christmas ranges from a temperature of 4⁰C to a maximum temperature of 13⁰ C. December is the winter month in Russia, and the month is noticed as a mixture of snow and rain throughout December.
January is more or less the same; however, the temperature also reaches sub-zero levels. So, keep a lot of warm clothes, expect snow, and a fun and exciting Christmas in Saint Petersburg.
Christmas In Saint Petersburg Food
As per the tradition of Russian Orthodox, people fast 40 days before Christmas, specifying that they avoid eating meat or dairy products during fasting days. St Petersburg’s restaurants will serve plenty of dishes like Lake Herring under a fur coat and a lot of glinting. Some of the food that is eaten on Christmas includes traditional foods like:
· Kutia- is made with little rice pudding cooked and served with poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and dried fruits.
· Sauerkraut- the dish is often served with cranberries and carrots.
People can enjoy the food and also their unique taste just during Christmas.
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Christmas Celebrations In Saint Petersburg
If you want to notice and experience the unique Christmas celebration in Petersburg, you should visit during Christmas to get an authentic look at Russian Christmas traditions. The Orthodox Church plays a very important role in the people’s lives and is considered the heart of the Christmas Season.
The Traditional Christmas Celebration begins on 7th January with a Holy Christmas Mass and the breaking of the Russian fast. The Kazan Cathedral is the Grand Cathedral of St Petersburg in Russia. Most Russian Orthodox Christians participate in the Orthodox service on Christmas Eve.
People must visit the Cathedral to see the enormous Christmas decorations and catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree outside the Cathedral. By visiting St Petersburg during Christmas, you can also find out more about Russian tradition, traditional dishes, and drinks.
Top Reasons To Celebrate Christmas In Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg in Russia is the place for the unusual celebrations and a unique Christmas experience. But what makes it exciting and unique to spend Christmas in this city? Here are some of the reasons why you should consider celebrating Christmas in Saint Petersburg this year:
1. Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience
Christmas in St. Petersburg begins by unveiling images of steaming banyas and frozen canals. You can catch the sight of snow-dusted domes followed by church bells.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience can only be seen in St Petersburg during Christmas. The festive decorations around the city will put you in a joyous mood. You can see happy smiles everywhere that really lift up your spirits. Everything is frozen. So, if you want a romantic white Christmas, Saint Petersburg is where you should be.
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2. Market During Christmas
Do you think there is a Christmas market in St Petersburg? You cannot afford to miss the City Market during Christmas. Makovsky Square, Gatchina Palace, and Pionerskaya are some of the cool places to visit during the Christmas market in St Petersburg. At these places, the Romanova family lived for almost four generations.
The travellers can also visit the impromptu concerts, gingerbread, toys, caves, and fairground rides. These festive markets are great places to do some Christmas shopping. Buy gifts for your family and friends, purchase souvenirs, and return some food items you can only find here. This is the best Christmas experience in St Petersburg.
3. The Largest Orthodox Cathedral
St Isaac’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Russia and the world. It is built with high-quality, rich marble, and it has awesome architectural elements and colourful mosaics.
It is one of the most beautiful and cool places to visit. You can visit it at any time of the year, but visiting during Christmas, when it is fully covered with snow, gives a magical view that our sights cannot miss.
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4. St Petersburg’s Regent Street
Regent Street, also known as Nevsky Prospect, was considered the main route to Novgorod. Now, it is a great place to find the best city shops, architecture, restaurants, and Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
You should visit the Arts and Square place and the Museum. If you are looking for happening places brimming with Christmas fervour, you should come to check out this street.
5. A Glimpse Of International Festivals
The annual International Festival is held in winter, and various cultures are showcased in Saint Petersburg. The cultures displayed are from across the globe, and Russian cultures are from some regions.
The previous international winter festivals were celebrated with events like Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Shakespeare. The organizers select a particular event for every year.
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6. Catherine Palace
It is one of the best places to visit in Saint Petersburg. The palace is named after Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great. Catherine I ruled Russia for almost two years after her husband’s death. Four architects reconstructed the building in 1743. The Imperial Court Chief Architect was allowed to redesign it to completion.
The present palace, completed in 1756, has a 1km circumference. More than 100 kg of gold was used to decorate the external palace during Elizabeth’s reign. It is one of the spectacular places to see and admire architectural beauty.
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7. Make A Way To Troika Rides
Visitors can do many things in the snow during the Christmas season. The visitors must carry some of the finest ear muffs and Cossack hats and visit Pavlovsk. Pavlovsk is situated just outside the city and is a home for summertime and royal retreats.
The palace has sufficient ground for organizing rides. Most commonly, one is the snowy troika ride and the Traditional Russian carriage, which is carried out by three horse members of the team.
8. Skate At The Ice Rinks
Christmas in St Petersburg is welcomed with ice skating, a sport that is one of the essences of winter. Ice skating is a favored pastime during Christmas celebrations in St Petersburg.
Visit New Holland, a new regenerated arts district loved by families for its nearby reindeer farms, which allow petting of animals, and its skating rinks.
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9. Theatre Productions
The skyline is bold and needs a particular sort of celebration. The uniqueness is clearly distinctive when you choose to visit the Mariinsky Theatre. St Petersburg Christmas celebration is incomplete without encouraging the festive spirits at a ballet. Mariinsky always performs one of Tchaikovsky’s important Christmas masterpieces in December,, such as “The Nutcracker or Swan Lake.”
10. Other Things To Do
Some other things to do in Saint Petersburg in Russia during Christmas include the following:
- The visitors can go ice skating and experience the joy of skating at New Holland Island. It is near to St Isaac’s Cathedral
- Buy a pot of red caviar, it is much cheaper here from Eliseevy, and take it to your home.
- Do eat the delicious cake prepared by the locals with honey and cream as the key ingredients.
- Visit the Vodka Museum to discover the Russian history.
- Taste the warming dishes of Russia, like pelmeni, meat-filled dumplings that resemble tortellini and are served with sour cream.
- Christmas in Russia is a family celebration full of religious traditions.
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Russians follow strict religious traditions during Christmas. Christmas in Saint Petersburg is mainly celebrated with family, friends, and relatives in Russian and worldwide. If the weather is covered with snow, people begin their party by ice skating or snowball fighting in the parks. The party is full of delicious dishes, hot drinks, cakes, singing and games that seem incomplete without them. People greet one another with S Rozhdestvom, which means Merry Christmas. Plan a trip to Russia and enjoy joyous Christmas celebrations in St. Petersburg.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Saint Petersburg
What is there to do in St Petersburg in December?
There are numerous interesting things to do in St Petersburg in December. The following are the most popular ones: 1. Visiting Winter Palace 2. Relaxing at the delta of the Neva River 3. Spending illuminating hours at Saint Isaac’s Cathedral 4. Going for sightseeing
What is the best area to stay in St Petersburg Russia?
The best areas to stay in St Petersburg, Russia, are the Tsentralny District, Admiralteyskiy District, Moskovskiy District, Primorsky District, etc.
Is English spoken in St Petersburg Russia?
Russian is the official language of St. Petersburg. However, English language is widely spoken throughout the country.
Is St Petersburg better than Moscow?
Both the cities are known for their exclusive experiences, however, St Petersburg is cheaper than Moscow.
How do you celebrate Christmas in Russia?
Russian Orthodox Christmas takes place on January 7th (following the Old Calendar, which is the 25th of December) and lasts for six days. In the Orthodox tradition, nothing is eaten or drunk on Christmas Eve until the first star appears in the sky.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
