Russia: Events & Holidays

Easter and Christmas are celebrated with midnight services, candlelight processions and flourishings of folk art.

  • In April, St Petersburg celebrates Music Spring, an international classical music festival, and the last 10 days of June feature the White Nights, a time for general merrymaking and staying up late.
  • A film festival is held in Moscow in autumn in odd-numbered years.
  • The Russian Winter Festival is celebrated in St Petersburg, and Novgorod from late December to early January, and includes folklore shows and vodka.
  • The other main winter celebration is New Year, celebrated with presents, champagne and yet more vodka.