Thursday, December 14

Exhibition: Christmas 

Already a little tradition, this annual exhibition captures the magic of Christmas through media installations, art objects, and even an upside down Christmas tree on the ceiling! Apart from awing at all this, you will get to explore the origins of holiday traditions and spread some kindness by taking part in charity projects that are represented at the space.

Friday, December 15

Exhibition: The Secret of Forgotten Fairy Tales 

  • From December 14, 11 am - 10 pm
  • Sevkabel Port
  • 800 rubles (1,200 on weekends)

We know this one requires a little splurging, but everything says it should be worth it: an immersive experience with beloved fairy tale characters? Count us in! The event promises to be something in between an exhibition, a quest, and a game set in a magical world, where you get to save the fairy tale inside yourself to keep believing in magic. Sometimes, life is just more fun that way, isn’t it?

Saturday, December 16

Christmas market at the Botanical Gardens

The days get shorter and darker – and we all start missing summer a little more… But wait, there is a way to keep your holiday spirit and enjoy summer warmth and greenery: the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden is hosting a Christmas market! Restock on those summer vibes and find some cool plant-inspired gifts along the way. Pro tip: if you are looking for more outside-the-box gift ideas, check out this article.

Sunday, December 17

The Nutcracker on the big screen

Did you know that this year, all performances of The Nutcracker in Moscow theaters were sold out early (in November!) – so, because only the most expensive seats were left, some people decided to visit performances in other Russian cities? Luckily, no such fate has yet dawned on our lovely Northern Capital and even though tickets to Mariinsky performances are still costly, you can visit a TheatreHD screening of the famous ballet. Filmed at the Vienna State Opera, this Rudolf Nureyev-choreographed performance is a slightly darker take on the legendary fairy tale. What a chance to enjoy sophisticated dances and Tchaikovsky’s musical winter wonderland on a Sunday night!

Monday, December 18

Exhibition: The Dark Prism of Matushka Medous

  • November 17 – February 11, 2024; 11 am - 11 pm daily except Tuesdays
  • Erarta Museum 
  • 700-1,000 rubles (includes an annual pass)

Okay, okay, you get it: everything is about the light, hope, and holidays, but what if your soul craves something darker and edgier? As usual, Erarta Museum has something for everyone: welcome to the gothic world of the St. Pete-based artist Matushka Medous, where you can embrace the darker memories of your childhood in a peaceful setting. If you’ve missed Netflix’s Wednesday this year, this exhibition is something to please your inner Addams. 

Tuesday, December 19

The Magic Flute on the big screen

Some more magic? Yes, please! Mozart’s The Magic Flute has just enough darkness, laughter, hope, and witchcraft to place it somewhere in between all the Christmas tales and the darker worlds like the exhibition above. This one will be an unusual performance – the story will be told as seen through the eyes of a child. Bonus: this could also be a gentle and joyful introduction to the world of opera! 

Note that the performance will be in German with Russian subtitles. 

Wednesday, December 20

Exhibition: Light And Air. Impressionist Traditions In Soviet Painting

Soviet times are typically considered the period of social realism – an art style focused on the ideals of socialist life. However, this exhibition aims to show that there was more to Soviet art: for instance, there was a place for impressionism, too, with its frivolity and breeziness. Brought to St. Petersburg from a dozen Russian museums, the exhibits on display tell a different story about Russian visual art in the 20th century – one that’s well worth exploring.