Russia during Christmas is a magical experience, with snow-covered landscapes, festive decorations, and winter activities that transport you into a winter wonderland. While Russia doesn’t celebrate Christmas in the same way as many Western countries (as the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7), the holiday season in December and January is still filled with winter festivities, traditional markets, and spectacular views. Traveling by train across Russia during this time offers a cozy, festive, and unique way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Here are some of the best places to visit by train for a Christmas holiday in Russia.
1. Moscow: The Heart of Christmas Celebrations
Moscow is one of the best places to experience the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Russia. The capital is alive with lights, decorations, and traditional markets, creating a fairy-tale winter experience.
Christmas Highlights
- Red Square and GUM Department Store: Red Square is transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and beautiful holiday lights. The GUM Department Store, located on Red Square, is renowned for its grand Christmas decorations and the stunning tree that fills its main hall.
- Moscow Christmas Markets: The city’s Christmas markets offer a wide range of festive food, gifts, and crafts, along with traditional Russian holiday treats like pyrizhki (savory pies), sushki (small sweet pastries), and hot drinks like sbiten (a traditional Russian winter drink made with honey and spices).
- The Kremlin: The Kremlin and its grounds are beautifully illuminated during the holiday season, with festive concerts and events that highlight Russia’s rich history and traditions.
Best Time to Travel
Moscow is especially magical during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period (late December to early January), when the city is covered in snow and filled with seasonal cheer.
2. St. Petersburg: A White Christmas in the Venice of the North
St. Petersburg is known for its elegance and beauty, and during Christmas, the city becomes even more enchanting with festive lights, grand decorations, and a peaceful, snowy ambiance.
Christmas Highlights
- Nevsky Prospect: This main street in St. Petersburg is lit up with Christmas lights and adorned with decorations. The stunning architecture of St. Petersburg, combined with snow and twinkling lights, creates a winter fairy tale feel.
- Palace Square and the Winter Palace: The Winter Palace, part of the Hermitage Museum, is beautifully illuminated for the holidays, and the nearby Palace Square hosts a Christmas market with festive foods and Russian handicrafts.
- Traditional Russian Christmas Concerts: Experience traditional Russian music and ballet performances, which are particularly popular around Christmas and New Year’s in St. Petersburg.
Best Time to Travel
The winter months (December through January) are ideal for Christmas travel in St. Petersburg, as the city’s canals and streets are transformed into a winter wonderland.
3. Lake Baikal: Christmas on the Frozen Lake
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas experience, traveling to Lake Baikal during winter is an incredible option. Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, freezes over during winter, creating a mesmerizing landscape of ice and snow.
Christmas Highlights
- Circum-Baikal Railway: Take a train ride along the Circum-Baikal Railway, which offers stunning views of the snow-covered shores of Lake Baikal. The train travels along frozen sections of the lake, providing a rare and scenic way to experience one of the world’s natural wonders in winter.
- Ice Fishing and Winter Activities: During the winter, Lake Baikal becomes a playground for outdoor activities such as ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. There are also opportunities to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the frozen lake, with stunning views of the snow-covered hills in the background.
- Traditional Russian New Year Celebrations: In the nearby towns of Irkutsk and Listvyanka, you can participate in traditional Russian New Year’s celebrations, which often include folk music, dancing, and local winter foods.
Best Time to Travel
Late December to January is the ideal time for experiencing Lake Baikal in winter. The lake is fully frozen by this time, and the weather conditions are perfect for winter sports and activities.
4. The Trans-Siberian Railway: A Christmas Adventure Across Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway offers one of the most epic train journeys in the world, and it’s an excellent option for travelers looking to experience Russia’s winter landscapes and Christmas charm. The journey stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok and passes through some of the most scenic and remote regions in the country.
Christmas Highlights
- Winter Wonderland: Traveling across Russia in winter on the Trans-Siberian Railway offers views of snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and vast expanses of untouched wilderness. The winter landscapes are especially magical as the train moves through Siberia, where snowflakes seem to cover the endless stretches of land.
- Christmas Traditions in Remote Regions: Along the way, you’ll pass through Russian towns and villages that have their own unique Christmas traditions. You can visit local markets to shop for traditional Russian handicrafts and enjoy winter festivities that are deeply rooted in Russian culture.
- Lake Baikal and Beyond: As you travel through Siberia, you’ll pass by Lake Baikal and other incredible winter landscapes, all while experiencing the comfortable warmth of the train.
Best Time to Travel
Traveling in late December to January offers the best Christmas experience on the Trans-Siberian Railway, with scenic snowy landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy Russian holiday traditions.
5. Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana: A Winter Escape in the Caucasus
If you prefer a more active holiday and love skiing or winter sports, a trip to Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana is perfect for your Christmas holiday. Sochi, known for its Black Sea beaches in summer, transforms into a snowy mountain retreat in winter.
Christmas Highlights
- Krasnaya Polyana Ski Resort: This world-class ski resort in the Caucasus Mountains offers a perfect winter escape with skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The resort is beautifully decorated for the holidays, with Christmas markets and festive events.
- Winter Festivals: Sochi hosts a variety of winter festivals and concerts around Christmas and New Year’s, with performances ranging from classical music to modern Russian pop. The resort towns are beautifully lit up for the season, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
- Relaxation by the Black Sea: After a day of skiing or snowboarding, you can relax in Sochi, where the winter weather is milder compared to much of Russia, and enjoy seaside views while surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Best Time to Travel
December to February is the best time to visit Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana for winter activities, as the ski resorts are open and the festive atmosphere is in full swing.
6. The Kola Peninsula: Murmansk and the Arctic Circle
For the ultimate Christmas adventure, travel to the Arctic Circle in the far north of Russia. The Kola Peninsula, especially Murmansk, is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights and experience true Arctic winter.
Christmas Highlights
- Northern Lights: One of the most enchanting aspects of visiting the Kola Peninsula in winter is the chance to see the Northern Lights. The long nights of the Arctic winter provide the perfect conditions for viewing this incredible natural light show.
- Arctic Wildlife: Murmansk and the surrounding regions are home to Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, polar bears (rarely seen), and Arctic foxes. The landscape is dominated by snowy tundra and icy coastlines.
- Winter Adventures: Engage in Arctic activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. You can also experience traditional Russian New Year’s festivities, which include hearty meals, folk music, and celebrations.
Best Time to Travel
The ideal time to visit the Kola Peninsula is from late December to January, when the Northern Lights are visible and winter activities are in full swing.
Conclusion: Russia’s Christmas Train Travel
Traveling by train in Russia during Christmas offers an incredible opportunity to experience the country’s winter landscapes, cultural traditions, and festive atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring Moscow’s Christmas markets, admiring the frozen beauty of Lake Baikal, or enjoying the winter sports of Krasnaya Polyana, Russia’s train routes provide a cozy and scenic way to travel during the holiday season. With the right preparation, these train journeys offer unforgettable experiences that combine the magic of Christmas with Russia’s vast and diverse natural beauty.