Russia’s winters are long and cold, but they are also filled with festive celebrations and activities that embrace the chill. Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities in the country, and many of Russia’s winter festivals highlight this beloved pastime. From grand ice skating exhibitions to open-air rinks in the heart of Moscow, Russia offers a wide array of winter festivals where ice skating takes center stage. Whether you’re looking to watch world-class performances or simply enjoy skating in a magical winter setting, there’s an event for everyone.
Here’s a guide to the best winter festivals with ice skating in Russia, where you can experience the country’s vibrant winter culture, celebrate the season, and glide across beautiful ice rinks.
1. Vasalisa Festival (Moscow)
Location: Moscow
Dates: December to February
The Vasalisa Festival in Moscow is one of the most anticipated winter festivals in Russia. Held in the city’s most famous public spaces, including Red Square, the festival combines ice skating with Russian winter traditions. The festival showcases a spectacular array of ice skating performances, live music, and seasonal markets, bringing the magic of winter to the heart of the city.
Why It’s Great:
- Ice Skating Performances: The festival features incredible performances by professional ice dancers and figure skaters, many of whom are renowned Russian athletes.
- Outdoor Ice Rinks: Moscow’s Red Square transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink, where locals and tourists alike can skate while enjoying the surrounding festive atmosphere.
- Winter Wonderland: The event is a true winter wonderland, with ice sculptures, holiday lights, and traditional Russian treats sold at nearby stalls.
Best Time to Visit:
The festival runs from December to February, with ice skating activities available throughout the winter season.
2. New Year’s Eve Ice Skating Gala (Sochi)
Location: Sochi, Krasnodar Krai
Dates: December 31st – January 1st
Sochi, known for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, is famous for its beautiful winter events, and the New Year’s Eve Ice Skating Gala is one of the highlights. Held at the Adler Arena (an Olympic venue), this event brings together ice skating performances, music, and celebrations in a unique coastal winter setting.
Why It’s Great:
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: The gala is a spectacular way to ring in the New Year, with figure skating performances by Russian and international athletes, along with a festive atmosphere that includes music and fireworks.
- Ice Skating Shows: Expect breathtaking ice skating performances from elite athletes, often accompanied by themed choreography and music.
- Beach and Snow: Sochi offers a rare combination of coastal beauty and snow, creating a picturesque backdrop for skating and festivities.
Best Time to Visit:
The New Year’s Eve Ice Skating Gala is perfect for those looking to celebrate the holiday season on December 31st, with ice skating available throughout the winter.
3. Ice Sculpture Festival (Kemerovo)
Location: Kemerovo, Siberia
Dates: Late December to February
The Ice Sculpture Festival in Kemerovo celebrates the beauty of ice in all its forms. The festival not only features elaborate ice sculptures but also provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy ice skating in a fantastical winter wonderland. With art made from ice and snow, skating through these sculptures is a truly magical experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Ice Sculpture Displays: The event features some of the most intricate and detailed ice sculptures in the country, and these sculptures are often integrated into the skating area, creating a unique atmosphere.
- Skating Under the Stars: The festival’s outdoor ice rinks are set against the backdrop of beautifully lit ice sculptures, making for an unforgettable skating experience.
- Family-Friendly: The festival is perfect for families, with ice skating lessons and other activities for children, including ice carousels and skating races.
Best Time to Visit:
The Ice Sculpture Festival typically runs from late December to February, with the peak of festivities occurring around the New Year holiday.
4. Kazan Winter Festival (Kazan)
Location: Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan
Dates: January to February
The Kazan Winter Festival is one of the largest winter celebrations in Russia’s Volga region, and it offers a variety of winter sports, including ice skating. The festival spans several days, with performances, competitions, and outdoor ice skating events held across the city.
Why It’s Great:
- Ice Skating in the Heart of Kazan: The festival hosts large outdoor ice rinks where visitors can skate surrounded by the beautiful cityscape of Kazan, with its rich blend of history and modernity.
- Traditional Russian Celebrations: Along with skating, the festival features traditional Russian winter activities, including folk music, outdoor games, and festive markets.
- Skating Competitions: The festival includes amateur and professional ice skating competitions, allowing visitors to witness both graceful performances and exciting races.
Best Time to Visit:
The festival runs from January to February, with ice skating activities available throughout the winter months.
5. Ice Skating Carnival (St. Petersburg)
Location: St. Petersburg
Dates: December to January
The Ice Skating Carnival in St. Petersburg is a celebration of both the elegance of figure skating and the excitement of outdoor skating. The festival takes place at various locations across the city, including the famous Catherine Park, where a large outdoor rink is set up for both skating and entertainment.
Why It’s Great:
- Stunning Outdoor Rinks: The main rink in Catherine Park, with its beautiful winter scenery, is the highlight of the festival. Skaters can glide on the ice while surrounded by historic architecture and majestic trees covered in snow.
- Ice Skating Shows: The festival often includes professional ice skating shows, where Russian figure skaters perform intricate routines and breathtaking choreography.
- Festive Atmosphere: The event is accompanied by music, food stalls, and light displays, making it a great place to enjoy winter festivities in one of Russia’s most beautiful cities.
Best Time to Visit:
The Ice Skating Carnival is best enjoyed in December and January, especially around the New Year and Christmas holidays.
6. Lake Baikal Ice Festival (Siberia)
Location: Lake Baikal, Irkutsk Region
Dates: February
Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, provides a stunning setting for the Ice Festival held each winter. The festival combines the beauty of the frozen lake with winter sports, including ice skating, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. The natural ice formations on the lake offer a truly unique experience for skaters.
Why It’s Great:
- Skating on Frozen Lake Baikal: Skating on the vast expanse of Lake Baikal, with its thick, crystal-clear ice and breathtaking surroundings, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Ice Skating Races and Events: The festival hosts speed skating races, ice dancing performances, and public skating sessions for visitors.
- Winter Wonderland: Besides skating, the festival showcases various ice sculptures and offers a chance to experience the pristine beauty of Siberia in winter.
Best Time to Visit:
The Ice Festival at Lake Baikal takes place in February, when the ice is thickest and the weather conditions are ideal for outdoor winter activities.
7. The Ice Fairy Tale Festival (Murmansk)
Location: Murmansk, Kola Peninsula
Dates: January to February
In the Arctic city of Murmansk, the Ice Fairy Tale Festival celebrates the region’s long winter with a dazzling display of ice sculptures, ice skating, and other winter activities. The festival is a true celebration of the Arctic winter, with a focus on family-friendly fun and entertainment.
Why It’s Great:
- Arctic Ice Skating: The festival features several outdoor ice rinks, where visitors can skate while enjoying the beautiful snow-covered surroundings of the Kola Peninsula.
- Ice Sculptures and Shows: Stunning ice sculptures and theatrical performances are a key part of the event, making it a truly magical winter experience.
- Unique Arctic Atmosphere: The cold Arctic air and Northern Lights add a surreal touch to this festival, making it a unique destination for ice skating lovers.
Best Time to Visit:
The Ice Fairy Tale Festival typically runs from January to February, when the region is fully immersed in winter’s beauty.
Conclusion: Embrace Winter with Ice Skating Festivals in Russia
Russia’s winter festivals are a celebration of the season’s beauty and the joy of ice skating. Whether you’re gliding on the ice in the heart of Moscow’s Red Square, skating on the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, or enjoying outdoor rinks in St. Petersburg or Sochi, there is no shortage of spectacular events to enjoy. These festivals offer the perfect combination of festive atmosphere, cultural celebrations, and outdoor fun, making them an unforgettable way to experience Russia’s winter charm. So, lace up your skates, embrace the cold, and enjoy the elegance and excitement of ice skating at Russia’s best winter festivals.