ArtDocFest

Where: Angleterre Cinema, Malaya Morskaya st. 24

When: December 7-12

The 11th festival of documentary film ArtDocFest comes to St. Petersburg. Films from Russian and foreign filmmakers, both young and old, all focus on the vast Post-Soviet landscape and the stories of individuals - sometimes tragic, sometimes bizarre, but all highly fascinating. While most of the films are in Russian, most are shown with English subtitles (see picture above). The list of films (with trailers and descriptions) are available at the festival’s website. Tickets can be purchased online on the cinema’s website or at the reception of Hotel Angleterre.

Christmas CultMarket

Where: Balty Loft, Mitrofanyevskoe rw. 2

When: December 9-10, 11:00 - 18:00

The holidays are near, and so the fair season is in full swing. Yet another fair, this one is more Christmas-themed. In addition to the hand-made crafts market, guests can feast on sweet treats and hot drinks. Or maybe you’d just like to attend the workshop on how to make a truly ugly sweater.

Live Jazz at Soviet Arcade Machines Museum

Where: Soviet Arcade Machines Museum, Konyushennaya sq. 2

When: December 8-9 and January 3-6, 20:30

On December 8 and 9, you can spend your evening relaxing to the sweet, sweet sound of live jazz. There are no covers or renditions - the musicians will pour all of their emotions into unrestrained, improvised jazz. Buy tickets here (website in Russian).

Hand-Made Fair

Where: SKK Peterburgsky, Yuria Gagarina pr. 8

When: December 9-10, 10:00 - 19:00

If you want to bring home a souvenir from Russia, why buy cheap factory-made trinkets when you can splurge a bit more and get something made by hand from the craftsmen themselves? The “Designer Doodads” hand-made fair is just the place. Festive cookies, national dresses, Christmas decorations,  jewelry and toys; the list can go on forever. Maybe you’ll be so taken with the festive spirit, you’ll even want to buy some arts & crafts supplies and make something of your own!

Entrance is 150 rubles, but bring your student ID and get in for just 50!

Silent Film at Rodina

Where: Rodina Cinema, Karavannaya st. 12

When: December 10, 17:00

An extraordinary opportunity to see the films of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle on the big screen - and with live music! The showing includes the silent classics “Oh! Doctor!” (1917), “A Night Out” (1915) and “The High Sign” (1921). The Easy Winners Ragtime Band will score the movies - this long-lived band plays 20’s tunes on all sorts of instruments, including a washboard and a “washtub bass”. Hurry - there aren’t many tickets left!

Nowness Festival of Happiness

Where: Dom Kino, Karavannaya st., 12

When: December 9-10, 10:00 - 22:00

Mulled wines, punch, and fizz cocktails. Ceviche, escabeche, tacos and Peruvian chocolate. Craft cheeses, biodynamic wine and purple hot dogs. Nowness is all about food. Sure, there are the usual souvenir stalls, workshops and lectures, but the real draw here is the exotic, rare and experimental foods.