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Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland
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Christmas Journey Festival 2026 in Moscow
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Christmas Journey Festival 2026 in Moscow

Imagine a winter wonderland where the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled day of festive fun and make memories that'll last a lifetime. That's what you'll find at the Christmas Journey Festival 2026 in Moscow, Russia. It's a great value for money, with plenty of activities and entertainment options to suit all ages. You'll find everything from delicious food and drinks to shopping opportunities that'll keep you busy all day. Don't miss out on the chance to make this holiday season one to remember!
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Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland

summarizeEditor's Summary

Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland is a holiday destination that's a must-visit for anyone who loves the festive season. I spent a week exploring the city's stunning decorations, festive atmosphere, and unique festivals. From the New Year's Tree Exhibition to the 'Winter in Moscow' festival, there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland is a treat for the eyes and the soul, with its variety of locations to explore, including GUM and Manezhnaya Square, and opportunities to buy unique gifts and souvenirs.

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KararMükemmel
Koruma8/10
Havalim9/10
Kolaylık8/10
GörselEfekt8/10
Hey everyone, happy holidays!
I'm a total winter fan, not just for the chill in the air, but for the amazing holiday spots that pop up all around the city. Every year, my family and I make it a point to hit up GUM, where we check out the New Year's Tree Exhibition and soak up the festive vibes.
Moscow's main squares get totally transformed into unique festivals every year. Last year, it was the Chinese New Year, and this year, we've got 'Winter in Moscow' on Manezhnaya Square and 'A Journey to Christmas'. A lot of these festivals overlap, so you might see some duplicate photos – and that's all part of the fun!
So, what was 'A Journey to Christmas' all about, you ask?
The festival had all the usual suspects: New Year's markets, ice skating rinks, free curling, a Post Office for Santa, and ice shows featuring Russia's top figure skaters.
The longest ice skating rink in Moscow this year was located on Tsar's Embankment in 'Kolomenskoye'.
I'm planning to check out the ice skating rink on Tsar's Embankment soon, but we managed to catch the figure skating show on Manezhnaya Square – from a distance, unfortunately, as it was packed!
The ice skating rink was set up right next to the free carousel that was a total hit this year – you just had to wait in line to get on, no tickets needed. It was really beautiful!
Everywhere in the center, they'd set up these amazing light displays and decorated the building facades. Plus, they had a mailbox for Grandfather Frost and a holiday train with wagons where you could take photos.
Getting a photo with the train itself was pretty much impossible, though – there were tons of people with kids who were having a hard time getting them to leave.
Every corner had these big, beautifully decorated balls, Christmas trees, and natural pine wreaths that smelled amazing...just like the whole center does during the holiday season. It's a totally different story the rest of the year, of course.
This New Year's and Christmas idea in Moscow was a nod to Russian style and decoration from the Soviet era. Think paper and wooden flags, big balls, no tinsel, lots of twinkling lights, and of course, giant stuffed toys. It was set up on Manezhnaya Square, surrounded by a Christmas market.
The giant figures of Soviet kids were a real showstopper. I had the idea to take a photo with them, but it was a total fail, but at least I was able to get a decent shot of the displays when I got a bit closer.
And of course, you can't miss the giant Christmas tree on the Manezh, where people were packed in like sardines – adults and kids alike, it was like rush hour in the metro, but there were so many happy and shining eyes!
I was blown away by the number of Christmas markets and kids' play areas we stumbled upon!
And let's not forget the main square, which was transformed into a giant Christmas market where you could buy all sorts of festive treats, like mulled wine and chocolate-dipped pretzels. There was something for everyone to enjoy.
I had an absolute blast at the festival and every year I'm still amazed and delighted by how beautifully Moscow transforms during the winter holidays. It's truly magical!
I highly recommend swimming at Rubskoye Lake in Ivanovo Oblast
One of the most unforgettable experiences in St. Petersburg is taking an excursion on the city's rooftops
♥ Discovering hidden gems in various cities ♥
♥ My off-the-beaten-path travels ♥

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the best times to visit Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

The best times to visit are during the weekends and weekdays when the weather is mild. Try to avoid visiting during peak season, which is usually from late November to early January.

What are the main festivals and events to see in Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

Some of the main festivals and events include the New Year's Tree Exhibition, 'Winter in Moscow' festival, and 'A Journey to Christmas'.

Can I buy gifts and souvenirs in Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

Yes, there are many shops and stalls selling unique gifts and souvenirs throughout the city.

Is Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland accessible for people with disabilities?

Some areas may be difficult to access for people with disabilities, so it's best to check ahead of time to see what accommodations are available.

What kind of food and drink options are available in Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

There are many food and drink stalls and restaurants throughout the city serving a variety of traditional Russian cuisine.

Can I take public transportation to get to Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

Yes, there are many public transportation options available, including buses and metro lines.

What are the best ways to get around Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

Walking is a great way to get around, but you can also take public transportation or ride-sharing services.

Are there any special events or activities for kids in Moscow's Magical Winter Wonderland?

Yes, there are many activities and events for kids, including face painting, crafts, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus.

check_circlePros

  • •Free admission to the festivals and exhibitions
  • •Stunning decorations and festive atmosphere
  • •Unique festivals and events throughout the city
  • •Variety of locations to explore, including GUM and Manezhnaya Square
  • •Opportunities to buy unique gifts and souvenirs
  • •A great place to soak up the holiday vibes
  • •Something for everyone, from families to couples
  • •A great value for money
  • •Build quality of the decorations is impressive

cancelCons

  • •Some areas can get very crowded, especially during peak season
  • •Limited parking and transportation options
  • •Some festivals and events may overlap, making it difficult to see everything
  • •Weather can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and snow
  • •Some areas may be closed due to maintenance or construction
  • •Limited accessibility for people with disabilities
  • •Not suitable for those who don't enjoy crowds
  • •Can be expensive to buy gifts and souvenirs
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