Winter in Moscow: A Fairy-Tale Season Beckons Indian Travellers
Chennai, December 2025: Snow-dusted streets, glowing festive lights and rich cultural traditions are drawing Indian travellers to Moscow in growing numbers. Russia’s capital is fast emerging as a preferred winter destination, with arrivals from India rising by an impressive 43 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2025 alone, reflecting a strong and accelerating interest in the city.
While summer has traditionally been Moscow’s peak tourist season, winter is now winning hearts. Indian travel companies note that New Year in Moscow has become one of the most loved festive experiences, where sparkling décor, snow-covered boulevards and warm Russian hospitality combine to create a truly magical holiday atmosphere.
A year-round resort city, Moscow comes alive in winter with festivals, cultural showcases and immersive programmes that feel straight out of a fairy tale. Cosy cafés, vibrant markets, illuminated streets and a packed calendar of indoor and outdoor events make the season especially appealing to Indian visitors seeking a unique winter escape.
At the heart of the season is the citywide Winter in Moscow programme, running from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026. More than 400 venues across the capital will host over a thousand events, ranging from creative workshops and theatrical shows to food tastings, guided tours and open-air celebrations.
A major highlight is the much-loved Journey to Christmas festival, which transforms Moscow into a dazzling festive wonderland across 35 locations, featuring thousands of master classes, sports activities, New Year performances and charity events.
Ice skating remains one of Moscow’s favourite winter pastimes. This season, the city will open 26 skating rinks, including the iconic rink at VDNH, elegant ice paths in Gorky Park, a rink on Red Square, and a spectacular new 1.7-kilometre illuminated ice route in Kolomenskoye along the Moscow River — the longest in Europe. Many rinks will also host special figure-skating shows inspired by Russian fairy tales.
Beyond skating, visitors can enjoy classic winter activities such as husky rides, sledding, snow-scooter tours and lively outdoor performances, while Moscow’s winter décor turns the city into themed fantasy zones — from gingerbread-style streets to shimmering winter forests.
Winter is also a perfect time to explore Russia’s rich heritage. The Moscow Estates Festival brings historic mansions to life with immersive performances and guided tours, while Moscow Tea Time celebrates the city’s centuries-old tea culture with samovar ceremonies and pastry tastings — a tradition that resonates deeply with Indian travellers.
For warmth and culture, Moscow’s world-class museums, including the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the Kremlin Armoury, offer inspiring escapes. Legendary ballet performances such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, indoor attractions like Dream Island, cosy river cruises and vibrant shopping districts complete the winter experience.
Adding to the charm is the Moskino Cinema Park and the historic Gorky Film Studio, offering film-themed experiences that hold special appeal for Indian visitors, given Moscow’s growing connection with Bollywood.
With English-speaking hospitality, vegetarian and Jain-friendly dining, a growing Indian restaurant scene and an easy e-visa system, Moscow is exceptionally welcoming to Indian travellers. This winter, the Russian capital promises an unforgettable blend of snow-filled adventures, cultural richness and warm experiences — a true fairy tale waiting to be discovered.
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