The Best Christmas Markets in St. Petersburg 2021-2022

Photo by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay 

What better place to spend the Christmas season than a tour to snowy St. Petersburg? Icy but beautiful, St. Petersburg’s streets are adorned with ornate lights and frosted with snow, the winding canals and rivers are beginning to freeze over, and you really get a feel of the city’s imperial glory. St. Petersburg’s biggest Christmas tree holds pride of place on Palace Square, which looks even more wondrous than usual. What’s more, visitors to the northern capital have their pick of numerous Christmas markets where you can purchase last-minute presents, browse unique local products, fill up on Russian gingerbread and mulled wine, and enjoy the magical atmosphere.

Christmas Charity Market at Annenkirche

Photo by Thomas B. from Pixabay 

Inside one of St Petersburg’s most unusual tourist attractions, you’ll find a five-day Christmas charity market. Browse amongst rows of tables stocked full of local goods - handmade toys, trinkets, clothes, jewellery, artisan sweets and chocolate, local honey and jam. As well as a multitude of stalls, Annenkirche’s market hosts a cultural programme which includes tours around this fascinating burnt-out church, Christmas songs sung by local choirs, and concerts by famous local bands. Those visiting the market with children will also be able to visit Father Christmas!

New Year’s Bazaar at New Holland

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This annual bazaar is held at one of St. Petersburg’s classiest cultural venues, New Holland Island. In the centre of the rotunda building, you will find an 8 metre Christmas tree surrounded by stalls selling high quality goods. There are gifts for everyone - why not pick up some handmade Christmas decorations, traditional Russian shawls or valenki snow boots, wooden children’s toys or Scandinavian-style homeware. Those looking for edible presents won’t be disappointed with homemade jams ('varenye') and chocolate spreads, Russian gingerbread and local honey. If you get chilly, never fear - enjoy some fresh churros and mulled wine by the bonfires dotted around the courtyard. A Santa’s Little Helper’s Workshop is hosted nearby, where children can make calendars, trinkets and more, free of charge. And while you’re on the Island, make sure to check out New Holland’s ice-skating rink!

Christmas Market in Gatchina

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In Gatchina Palace, one of Russia’s imperial residences, you will find a wonderful Christmas market and holiday programme. The market will be held on the parade ground in front of the palace, with numerous stalls set up in tiny wooden houses. Browse handmade ornaments, toys and homeware, food and drink, and even watch artisan demonstrations such as blacksmithing! Children can meet Santa, enjoy sleigh rides, or ride on a reindeer. The festival programme includes concerts, dances, craft workshops, and themed excursions around the palace suitable for all ages. If you can, make time for a stroll around the town of Gatchina itself, which is beautifully decorated with wreaths and lights. Check out the website for information about the fair and other cultural activities going on in the town, such as light shows and performances.

Christmas Market on Malaya Sadovaya and Manezhnaia Square

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This huge and popular Christmas market goes on for one whole month! Situated in the very centre of St Petersburg, it is the perfect destination for those enjoying a frosty stroll along Nevsky Prospekt. Stalls are set up by people from all over Russia and abroad. Stock up on Russian specialties such as artfully decorated gingerbread, or unique gifts like carved wooden sculptures, beautifully painted china, or knitted slippers. As well as buying gifts and souvenirs visitors are able to sample local and international cuisines, such as Georgian, Indian and German food - what better way to warm up from the cold! The market will offer a concert programme featuring performances by more than 500 artists. Lovers of Russian culture are in for a treat - the market will be designed in Russian folk-art style to reflect the coming of 2020, designated the Year of Russian Folk Art.

Art-Elka Market at the Stieglitz Academy of Art and Design

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This market of applied arts and design is a must-visit for those searching for the most unique gifts. For the sixth year running, students and lecturers of the Stieglitz Academy and artists and designers from throughout Russia come together to offer a huge variety of products: handmade jewellery, ceramics, one-off homeware pieces, glassware and toys. You can also get involved yourself, with different workshops such as pottery making, glass blowing and staining, and even blacksmithing! There are tours given around the Museum of Applied Arts located within the Academy, as well as exhibitions of students’ work and live music performances. The market itself is held within the beautiful glass-domed hall of the Academy, under fairy lights strung from the ornate balconies - the perfect Christmassy atmosphere.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be in St. Petersburg during Christmas time, head to one of these markets and experience the warmth of Russian celebrations. Just make sure to wrap up warm! Read on to learn about winter activities in St. Petersburg and New Year celebrations in St. Petersburg.