New Winter Festivities in Moscow
This December, New Year and Christmas festivities in Moscow are in full swing—including fairs, concerts, markets, and festivals. We have compiled a list of some of the most vibrant events taking place all around the city.
A Journey into Christmas
An annual Christmas fair is held in 35 different spots and venues around the city, offering visitors various forms of entertainment—including street food, open-air concerts, souvenir shops, and photo booths in scenic locations. The main fair promises to turn the centre of Moscow into a warm and magical place filled with Christmas spirit.
When: December 12–January 11
Where: Ploshchad Revolyutsii, Tverskoy Bulvar, ul. Tverskaya, ul. Kuznetsky Most, ul. Okhotny Ryad, ul. Novy Arbat, and more
Price: free
Christmas Concerts in Zaryadye Park
One of Moscow’s most prestigious music venues, located in Zaryadye Park, will spend the month of December hosting classical and jazz concerts as well as unique multimedia projects, such as a performance of Hamlet set to Shostakovich compositions. Though expensive, the music venue offers a unique winter programme with highly regarded musicians and stunning sound quality.
The City of Those Who Care
Visitors of the new fair on Bolotnaya Ploshchad can purchase various items (such as handmade gifts, clothes, decor, and souvenirs) from nonprofit organisations. ‘The City of Those Who Care’ is a charity fair—all the money from your purchases will go to charity.
When: December 6–7
Where: Bolotnaya Ploshchad
Price: free
Vorobyovy Gory
Another fair with gifts and souvenirs will take place in the Vorobyovy Gory district. This one stands out thanks to its special sound and light show and the opportunity to skate on the local ice rink free of charge.
When: December 10–February 28
Where: 17 ul. Kosygina
Price: free (with prior registration here) (site in Russian)
Jewish Film Festival
The annual Jewish Film Festival has been hosted in Moscow for the last 10 years. During the festival, screenings of the most important Jewish films from different countries are held in various cinemas around Moscow. Alongside the main competition, where the best films are shown to the public and awarded a prize, the festival features discussions with experts and critics.
When: December 7–14
Where: various cinemas depending on the film
Price: varies by film
More information on the official website
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The annual book fair is not only a market with books to buy (including recent bestsellers, new releases, and rare editions), but also a platform for lectures, public talks, and discussions on the hot topics of the literary world and the publishing industry. The fair is always an exciting event for those interested in literature and publishing both Russian and international.
When: December 4–7
Where: 4 Ilyinka, Gostiny Dvor
Price: 300 RUB (for students, Dec 4–5) or 500 RUB (for students, Dec 6–7)
Purchase tickets here (site in Russian)