Print
Email
Bookmark & shareMoscow's festivals have shaken off their 'joyous workers' march' image and are now shaking booty with the best of them.
A great many festivals are derived from Orthodox church tradition. Orthodox Christmas begins with midnight mass on 7 January. Orthodox Easter, known as Paskha, falls some time in March or April - it begins with a midnight church service, after which people eat special dome-shaped curd cakes and swap painted wooden eggs.
In odd-numbered years, the Moscow Film Festival hits the city's screens in autumn. The Russian Winter Festival is pretty much a tourist affair with troika rides, folklore shows, games and vodka, and is celebrated between 25 December and 5 January. Novy God is the Russian New Year celebration, and is the main gift-giving festival of the year, with presents placed under the traditional fir tree. Muscovites see out the old year with vodka and welcome the new one with champagne.
Browse by Month
January
Orthodox Christmas
7 Jan
festival/event
Russian Winter Festival
25 Dec-5 Jan
festival/event
December Nights Festival
Dec/Jan
festival/event
Novy God
1 Jan
festival/event
New Year's Day
1 Jan
official holiday
Russian Orthodox Christmas Day
7 Jan
official holiday
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
