Yearning for a winter escape that’s enchanting, unique and extraordinary? Consider Moscow for your vacation. From October to March, Moscow experiences subzero temperatures and blankets itself in pristine white sheets of snow. The city’s vibrant landmarks have a high-definition essence, standing starkly contrasting against the snow-white landscape. The air is crisp and chilly, and the scenery in the township sets an ambience for a cosy, wintry holiday. So, wrap on your heavy fur coats and woollen stoles, mittens and woollen caps and head off for a wintry expedition to Russia’s capital city. Here’s what this enchanting city in winter has in store for you when you visit Moscow for your vacation.
Things to See and Do in Moscow during Winters
Visit Red Square, Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral
Moscow’s historic architectural heritage is timeless and popular among tourists. The vibrant Red Square and vividly hued St. Basil’s Cathedral are absolute not-to-miss attractions to visit during winter. The scarlet hues of the Red Square and the multi-coloured onion domes and tented roofs of St. Basil’s Cathedral against the white snowy background make for a stunning sight. Capture a picturesque moment here, which can easily become your holiday postcard to send out to your family and friends! Against the white, icy backdrop, the city’s picturesque landscape stands out dramatically, giving it a fairy tale charm. Go beyond these and admire the wintry scenic landscapes at Kolomesnkoye Estate, Kitay-Gorod and many of Moscow’s charming parks that look gorgeous sprinkled in powdery snow.
Go Ice Skating
As soon as it starts to snow in Moscow, the locals dust off their Ice skating shoes as it officially indicates that ice skating season is almost here in Moscow. This Russian city is known for Ice skating and has over 1400 ice rinks! It is a beloved sport of locals to spend a delightful time with friends and family, and kids love it too! Visitors are graciously invited to join them. So, strap on your skates and practice your skating skills, gliding on smooth ice at VDNKh, GUM Ice Rink, Gorky Parkand Bauman Garden.
Shop at the Winter Markets
Winters in Moscow transform spaces in the city into enchanting winter markets which offer enticing retail therapy. As the scenery changes to a Christmas setting, a series of charming Christmas fairs and markets emerge. These markets offer an eclectic blend of traditional artefacts, handworks and epicurean delights amid festive cheer. One of the best markets to visit in Moscow during this time is the Red Square Market, which is the most popular spot but quite crowded during Christmas time. The Christmas Village on Revolution Square and Sokolniki Market, on the other hand, are two great markets brimming with festive flair and stalls selling everything Russian homemade. Be it souvenirs, gifts, woollen clothes or sampling street food, you will get everything 100% Russian here. These spots are great for buying Russian Matryoshka Dolls, Russian scarves, Ushanka, resin and lacquer art at reasonable prices. The scenic, bustling markets also invite you to explore plenty of Moscow winter activities that will add a thrill to your vacation.
Explore the Food Scene
The food scene in Moscow explodes with delectable flavours during winter. The scent of mulled Russian wine hangs heavily in the air, blended with freshly baked aromas. Have a hearty breakfast of oladyi or syrniki with Russian tea to sip. After you explore the city sights, warm up at Russian cafes lined along the streets for a strong cup of coffee and pastries. Famished? Then, delve into dishes like borscht, beef stroganoff and pelmeni. The Russian winter foods get a hint of a festive vibe during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and you can find restaurants and cafes showcasing their best dishes and desserts for the winter season. But if you are seeking comfort food, enjoy a good bowl of Solyankathat, which will spread warmth in you.
Spend Christmas and New Year in Moscow
Did you know Russia celebrates Christmas on 7th January instead of 25th December? That’s because it follows the Russian Orthodox Calendar. However, by the turn of mid-December, Moscow starts adorning itself with Christmassy vibes. The last leg of the year and the advent of the New Year add extra splendour to the holiday spirit. The New Year’s Eve, the first day of New Year and the Christmas celebration call for a weeklong celebration for the locals of Moscow. New Year’s Eve in Moscow is a grand celebration that sets the stage for a festive galore of Christmas just a few days later. Christmas is a dazzling affair in Moscow, where no stones are left unturned to ensure the city sparkles with plenty of party lights, fireworks and Christmas trees. The shops, houses and cosy cafes lining the streets all twinkle in festive illuminations, adding a soft, gleaming Russian fairy-tale vibe to the ambience. The winter months in Moscow bring in a variety of other winter festivals apart from Christmas and New Year, such as Journey to Winter Festival and Moscow Gastronomy Festival, which are a delight to partake in as tourists and mingle with the joy of locals.
Try a Russian Banya Experience
Just like Turkish Hammams and Roman Baths, Russia has its way of de-stressing the body and mind with a soothing, warm Banya experience. Indulge in a traditional therapeutic Russian sauna and hot bath experience at Sandunovsky Bathhouse – a 200-year-old banya that exudes grandeur with amazing interiors and royal architecture, making it a popular choice among locals. Vorontsovskie banya is yet another gracious spot to experience banya in Moscow. These public bathing and sauna rituals have been traditionally carried out for ages and are one of the popular cultural experiences to witness in Moscow. There are private banya experiences that can be arranged as well if you feel uncomfortable in a public setting. In winter, this experience is definitely not to be missed. A Russian Banya isn’t just a bath, it is a cultural ritual, a therapeutic experience, and a chance to connect with your body and mind.
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Getting around Moscow is quite easy and comfortable. The city’s public transport is quite efficient and a cheaper way to travel. The city is well connected with the Moscow Metro and can be used extensively to get anywhere in the city, especially to view all the popular Moscow winter attractions. The transport buses are your next best travel buddy if you are budget-conscious. You can get a travel card, ‘Troika Ticket’, which lets you commute on the Moscow metro without having to fuss about getting tickets every now and then.
- Popular attractions can get very busy during the daytime, especially during the festive season, hence, to avoid crowds, it is best to explore the city early morning. Also, it gets dark quite early in the winter months. Hence, it is recommended to visit places early.
- For your purchases in Russia, make sure to have cash on hand, either in US dollars or local currency. To get past the language barrier, bring along a Russian phrasebook and practise your Russian a bit.
- An important winter travel tip to follow is to make sure you pack more winter woollen clothes as the temperatures dip below -10 degrees easily during winters. Wear waterproof gloves and shoes. Make sure you wear layered clothes to protect yourself from the chilly weather. Thermals are mandatory requirements to ensure being cold-proof.
Conclusion
If snow-covered landscapes excite you and chilling in the chilly weather isn’t a bother, then Moscow is a beautiful choice of holiday destination for you. Moscow, the bustling capital of Russia, transforms into a winter wonderland, captivating visitors with its beauty. The stillness of the snowy landscape shatters during the festive vibes and despite the frigid temperatures, the city’s enchanting charm and festive spirit make it an unforgettable destination. Though Russia is one of the coldest countries in the world, it shouldn’t discourage you from visiting and enjoying the breathtaking sights and delightful festivities of Russia. With the right attire to complement the winters of Moscow and proper planning for winter travel, Moscow holiday packages can be a one-of-a-kind, off-beat holiday experience to enjoy.
