New Year in St Petersburg

New Year celebration in St Petersburg

New Year in St Petersburg is a holiday that in just a little while will be brightly celebrated. For Russians, The New Year has always had a great significance. Beside festive dinner, giving and receiving gifts and spending time in the family circle, there are plenty of public activities, that can make the celebration even more memorable. Learn, what events are the most expected for the New Year in St Petersburg.

New Year parade on Nevsky

There is a good tradition for the New Year in St Petersburg to organize a parade, that is headed by Ded Moroz (‘’Father Frost’’, or Russian Santa). Every year on December 31 he rides his carriage along the main street of the city, Nevsky prospect, to reach his destination — Palace square. There is a whole procession of musicians and artists following Ded Moroz. The procession is accompanied with live music and illumination. Once it reaches the square (at around 6 pm), the celebration starts. The New Year concert, games and fireworks on Palace square — nobody will be left cold!

Road closing

When planning to celebrate New Year in St Petersburg keep in mind a few important things. First of all, it is a great idea to stay informed about road closures. Secondly, check public transportation schedule. During the festive night some central streets can be closed. When going to downtown St. Petersburg, take into account that late at night on December 31 Nevsky Prospect is going to be closed for traffic up until January 1. The easiest will be to use the subway, that will be open during the whole night.

Snow games and ice-skating

Russian New Year is unthinkable without snow and ice. Thus, every year a lot of public snow games are organized in the city. Both locals and visitors have a lot of options how to spend their first day of the New Year in St Petersburg. All around the city you will be able to find skating rinks and sites for snow fights. Some of the places are listed below:

• In Primorsky Victory Park you will be able to skate in the open air. Enjoy the biggest skating rink in St. Petersburg, organized specially for the New Year holidays.
• Kirov’s Park of Recreation and Leisure is going to open two skating rinks. One of them is free of charge. The other one requires an admission fee, that can be paid on the spot.
• The Park of the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg will hold the biggest snow fight at the beginning of January. The winners will be rewarded with special prizes and memorable gifts. Great mood is guaranteed!

Activities in the imperial residences

Beside guided tours to the imperial palaces, there is a great opportunity to have fun in the imperial parks. For example, Pushkin (Catherine Palace), Gatchina and Peterhof parks offer riding a Russian troika (team of three horses), sledges and skis.