Unique Experience in Moscow during winter

Traveling to Moscow during winter is a unique experience, and you will not lack things to do and see. Russians know how to enjoy the cold season with fun and festive. Few travelers think about traveling to Moscow in the winter, but while sub-zero temperatures and a covering of snow mean that you'll have to pack smart and bundle up well. 

 Moscow in Winter

A visit to Russia's capital city during the month of December, January, and February will offer unique cultural experiences. Winter is a time for exciting winter festivals enjoying ice sculpture, and getting outside for skating and cross country skiing.

Ice skating in Moscow: 

During winter, ice skating rinks are plentiful in Moscow. Young or old or couch potato, it doesn't matter- ice skating is the quintessential winter activity in which pretty much everyone Muscovite partakes. For that reason, Russian tends to be quite good at skating. Public ice-skating is more about embracing the crisp and chill winter mornings here than any other hardcore sporting endeavor. So expect high spirits and friendly atmospheres. In the heart of Moscow, there is an ice rink in front of the Gum department store in Red Square every year. Gorky Park usually features the latest artificial ice rink. It is so large that it is estimated that it can take 10 to 15 minutes on average to skate around the rink.

Play at the Planetarium: 

Take an enthralling look at the depths of the universe in this most famous interactive Planetarium, which also presents the occasional live music performance. The Planetarium also offers a glance at the marvels of several fascinating aspects of space, including a glimpse of the dazzling night sky at the large State hall- entertaining games and an illustrated explanation of scientific theories and ideas of spaces at the Planetarium.

Forgotten Ice Caves: 

This is one of the best–known tours on this list as not only it is the center of the most beautiful things to see in the entire country, the tours arranges for transport to and from the country itself. Food and lodging and everything else that the guest could need is provided for those who arrive in Moscow. Our tour slowly makes its way towards the countryside of Russia. Apart from sightseeing, this trip also makes people realize what to wear in winter.

Shout your lungs out at an ice hockey match:

 If there's one sport Russians are particularly passionate about, it’s ice hockey. Go and experience the fierce athleticism frequent on rink fights and rowdy crowds for yourself, and you'll see what all the fuss is about.

Ice breaker cruise on the Moscow River: 

Boat cruises down the Moscow River offer an amazing view of Moscow. Previously it was only available during the warm seasons. You can take an icebreaker boat cruise to break up the ice that crusts over the river during the winter. While enjoying dinner or lunch during this 2 hrs cruise, you can view the snow-capped sights of Moscow from within the glass-enclosed deck.

Snowmobiling to Shunut Mountain is the absolute highest point of the entire Ural Mountains and can be pretty difficult to reach there because of the snow. However, one can visit this often breathtaking tour by using snowmobiles to get to the Shunut Mountain.

Snowman Parades: 

The snow is so plentiful in Moscow during winter that it is possible to create legions of snowmen within a small area. Look for snowman parades on Arbat Street and elsewhere in Moscow. Keep on the lookout for snowmen competitions which are likely after a heavy snowfall. Dog sledding in the countryside: another tremendous and sporty activity to do in winter is to enjoy a day outside of Moscow doing dog sledding. Those who don't like it can enjoy some shashliks ( meat skewers) in the forest. So enjoy a warm and perfect day in the countryside fighting winter with dog sledding and shashliks.

What to Pack: 

Packing for winter weather can be difficult. Winter clothing is bulkier, heavier, and more expensive than summer clothing. When you pack to travel to Moscow in winter, think about what you would pack if you go skiing. You'll need accessories to cover your extremities, footwear that provides tread and insulates both the upper part of your foot and leg, and a jacket that breaks the wind and provides protection against the low temperatures of Russia in December, January, and February.

Events:

Moscow’s winter events line-up includes seasonal and cultural events. Travelers can't experience any other time of the year. New Year’s Eve is one of the most significant events in Moscow. Though some people head to Red Square to await the fireworks display, others opt for ringing in the holiday while attending private parties or events. The bitterly cold nights in Moscow, as well as the inability to easily remove yourself from the festivities on the square to get to restrooms, can make you stand around for hours uncomfortable to those unaccustomed to Russian winters. 

Russian Winter Festival in Moscow:

The Russian Winter Festival in Moscow is an annual attraction starting from mid-December to mid-January with ice sculptures, entertainment, and events. This festival pays homage to the celebration and traditions of Russian Christmas, New Year, and Svyatki (Russian Christmas). There are other winter festivals across Russia. The popularity and size make the Moscow version of the Russian winter Festival one of the biggest and best to attend.

Delight your taste buds at Sokolniki Market: 

A short walk from the Sokolniki metro station, you can heat liveliness in the air as shoppers haggle over the price of local produce. Each stall has mountains of handmade items plus different colored fruits and vegetables like firm red tomatoes, sweet red berries, and leafy green spices of all shapes and sizes. If you can't make it to this stall in time, don't feel disappointed, as many Christmas fairs are springing up during the festive season at places like Gorky Park, The Red square, Pushkinskaya Square, and many more.

Sometimes around the end of November, Moscow turns into a snow-covered festive paradise practically overnight. It’s getting tempting to stay indoors with a blanket, but these seasonal activities are sure to get you out of the house.

So whether you are outdoors braving the chilly temperatures or indoors and safe from the cold, there are a variety of activities to keep you busy during this time.