The mere mention of a Russian winter usually brings to mind images of frostbitten people in thick overcoats and large Russian fur hats, shuffling joylessly down bleak, snow covered streets lined with tenement buildings. It is true that you can find many such scenes in Russia during the long winter, but the whole winter experience in the beautiful city of St. Petersburg is much cheerier. As the Neva begins to freeze, citizens move indoors to the bars and restaurants, to the Opera, the ballet, and to symphonies. Two Christmases (Russian Orthodox and European), and two New Years are celebrated.
The city also hosts a film festival during the winter, as well as several other annual events and festivities. St. Petersburg winters aren't nearly as frigid as Moscow winters because St. Petersburg is so close to the Gulf of Finland. The first snow usually flies in November, then the Neva freezes over, and the snow continues to fly until the end of February.
The New Year celebrations are particularly festive. People wait in the main square for the arrival of "Father Frost" to ring in the New Year. Fireworks and parties follow that last until dawn. Russian winter in St. Petersburg is a festive and happy time, full of tradition and culture.
Russian Winter in St. Petersburg
If you are considering visiting St. Petersburg, you may want to plan on seeing the famed Russian winter. Winter is the off-season as far as tourism goes, so rates can be much cheaper. The busy winter opera season and ballet season begin and the restaurants serve up hearty portions of Russian cuisine. Winter in St. Petersburg is a truly romantic and magical time.
Read Next 5 Articles
Mariinsky Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Accommodation In Saint Petersburg
Guide To Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg Hotels