The time between the 25th of December and the 1st of January feels magical, doesn’t it? Happiness and joy are everywhere across the world, but after the New Year, when most of the world gets back to their daily routine, there’s one country that prepares for the festive magic to begin. Wondering who? We are talking about Christmas in Russia.
You must be thinking, why so late, right? Well, because their traditions are unique, deeply spiritual, and rich in history. If you truly want to understand the Russian xmas you have to come along with us to the standard December Calendar to know everything about how Christmas is celebrated in Russia.
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Mystery of the January Calendar: Why Christmas in Russia is Celebrated on 7 January?
You must be wondering why Christmas in Russia is celebrated on 7 January; the answer lies in an old calendar. Most of the Western world uses the Gorgian Calendar. But the Russian Orthodox Church still relies on the old Julian Calendar. The Julian Calendar runs 13 days behind the Georgian one.
Because of this time gap, December 25 of the Julian Calendar falls on 7 January of the standard calendar. This date is not a modern twist. It is a deeply rooted religious tradition that has survived for centuries.
Fun Christmas Traditions in Russia
Here in Russia, people don’t celebrate loudly. They just sit with their family and close ones and enjoy the festival. Here are the unique customs that define the holiday-
- The Holy Supper: A vegetarian dinner consisting of twelve dishes is held after the first star appears on Christmas Eve.
- Ded Moroz: Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter, Snegurochka, deliver gifts to children on New Year’s Eve.
- Kolyadki Carolling: Children dress up in costumes and sing songs to neighbours to get sweet treats.
- Sviatki Feasts and Family Visits: Families keep their homes ready for an unannounced visit by neighbours for tea, cousins bring pastries, and someone always brings dry fruits, nuts, or homemade jam.
- Decorations With a Russian Touch: Instead of shiny store-bought ornaments, Christmas in Russia is celebrated with decorations like wooden toys, straw angels, knitted snowflakes, and delicate glass baubles.
Travel Tips For Visiting Russia During Christmas
If you’re planning to visit Russia in January, schedule it for the first week of the month. The country transforms into a snowy wonderland, but travellers must be smart to enjoy it comfortably. Keep these important tips in mind for your journey:
- Pack Weighty Layers: Pack woollen coats, thermal wear, waterproof footwear, gloves, and headgear to brace yourself against freezing temperatures.
- Reserve Tickets in Advance: Book your train and theatre tickets well in advance, since local residents travel extensively during this week.
- Try Traditional Winter Food: Christmas in Russia is full of comforting dishes. Small cafes and family-run bakeries serve some of the best winter food, especially in older neighbourhoods.
- Carry Some Cash With You: Always keep some cash handy for minor purchases. Major restaurants, shops, malls, and hotels accept forex cards, but some smaller places, like street markets, may accept only cash.
- Use Local Public Transport Rather Than Taxi: Metro in cities like Moscow is extremely cozy, clean, and beautiful. You can avoid taking a taxi and travel by metro, as there’s a lot of traffic in the country during this time.
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The Magic of a Russian Winter During Christmas
Christmas in Russia offers a unique look into a deeply spiritual and historic culture. While most people return to work in early January, keep the festive spirit alive with beautiful lights, rich foods, and old traditions. The snow-covered streets and glowing church domes create an unforgettable holiday experience. It is the perfect destination for travellers who want to extend their holiday cheer, experience a magical, old-world winter, and stay longer.