Winter Festivals in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Winter festivals in Russia focus on the celebration of both Christian and Pagan holidays, as well as Russia's strong musical tradition. In both St. Petersburg and Moscow, classical music festivals are in full swing during December and January. If you want to enjoy Russian traditions, visit the Winter Festival in either city. Moscow's Maslenitsa Festival survives from pagan times, and is a traditional way to welcome the warm weather come the end of the cold winter season. If you're really immune to the cold, or just want to get in on the party, head to Moscow's Red Square for New Year's Eve to join the crowd's countdown to midnight.

• Moscow Winter Festivals
• Petersburg Winter Festivals