Sure, the cold weather can make life a bit tricky in the wintertime, but it ain't a good excuse to give up all the fun winter activities – so follow our advice and let this weekend be the one to remember before going back to school or work.

Winter at Nikolsky Market

  • December 23 - February 28, Tue-Fri 3-9.30 pm, Sat-Sun 11-9.30 pm
  • Nikolsky Market (Gostiny Dvor)
  • 200-600 rubles (see price list)

This winter, the Nikolsky Market will suddenly turn into an open-air oasis of winter cheers and holiday warmth. If you’re scrambling for last-minute holiday gifts, want to take some cool pics, climb up on a viewing platform, go down a slide, or have a heart-warming chat by the fire with your family and friends contemplating the beauty of the city’s downtown – then this is the place to put on your list. The Market offers activities for all tastes, so don’t miss your chance to keep your festive mood for a little bit longer and find glimpses of winter even in gloomy weather.

Winter Fair at Okhta Park

  • December 25 - January 10, daily 11 am - 10 pm
  • Okhta Park
  • See website

For those enjoying long getaways, there will be winter fair festivities at Okhta Park: a wide mix of the world’s cuisines – from spicy Mexican chorizos to Czech trdelníks – a shining holiday carousel decorated with colored lights, and a beloved-by-many ice rink. If you’re a true outdoor type, you are assured to gain unforgettable experiences in the fair’s vast activities. Plan your weekend getaway right to make your soul and tummy happy. 

Food Truck Park

And speaking of foods, having quick bites may not be a healthy lifestyle but when it’s something that delicious – we can’t help but say yes. At the Food Truck Park, you can enjoy Hawaiian pokes, Vietnamese tom yum soups, Italian piadina flatbreads, fresh truffle smashburgers, falafel shawarmas, and many types of potatoes with different sauces – let alone hot seasonal drinks. The New Year’s atmosphere, retro-style garlands, and cool playlists will make you want to come back again next year. Don’t forget to take a pic at the photo booth to capture the last days of the winter break.

...but that’s not all! The holidays are also a great time to try your hand at various winter activities. Check out our handy guides to conquering the city’s ice rinks and hills that will help you get your head around things like ledyankas and vatrushkas, as well as simply have a great time in the fresh air. Urban explorers must visit the most festive venues after the holiday rush: take a pic of the real fir tree inspired by the Soviet times on the Palace Square, stroll along the Nevsky Prospekt to enjoy numerous artworks, see the decorations of multiple festive markets, and so on.

Keep up with our weekly guides to find things to do – both online and offline – and make the best of the snowy days in St. Pete.