The festive program for New Year 2026 in St. Petersburg offers a magical atmosphere, seasonal events and the best highlights of the winter season. During the New Year holidays, the city prepares countless surprises: lively fairs, ice rinks, stunning holiday decorations and concerts filled with festive spirit. In this guide, we explain where to celebrate New Year’s Eve and how to enjoy your winter holidays to the fullest.
If you are looking for an unusual way to welcome the New Year, consider joining a guided night tour — it may be exactly what you need.
For the winter season, EASYBOOKING has created a special New Year guide — not just a route, but an inspiring story about experiencing the holiday beautifully in St. Petersburg. We have selected the most atmospheric places, the brightest locations and key holiday events so you can see the city the way it appears only on this night. The lights of Palace Square come alive, fairy-tale characters appear, winter music fills the air — and the city itself becomes the main character of your journey.
Christmas celebration on a night tour
We invite you to experience Christmas in the unique festive atmosphere of the city. This Christmas tour takes place only once a year and offers a rare opportunity to see St. Petersburg at its most magical. The program includes a night bus tour through the illuminated city center, stops near the main cathedrals and participation in the Christmas service.
It is a warm and heartfelt way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas.
The main city tree — at least 20 meters tall — will once again delight visitors with its festive decorations: nutcrackers, small houses, horses, candies and more. The celebration includes an interactive costumed show.
Approximate schedule for December 31, near the Winter Palace:
20:00 — Interactive program on Palace Square
21:00 — Light show on the facades of the Guards Corps building, with magical winter scenes. Installations will run until 03:00 on January 1
23:00 — Farewell to the outgoing year
00:00 — Arrival of 2026 and the President’s address broadcast
00:05 — Continuation of the New Year festivities
Main festive locations in the city center
St. Petersburg will be decorated in a true winter fairy-tale style. Central districts will shine with spectacular light installations, and the city’s bridges and embankments will turn into magical scenery.
Isaakievskaya Square, Palace Square and other key locations will feature grand Christmas trees. The Blue Bridge near St. Isaac’s Cathedral will be transformed into a “forest” of illuminated arches — an ideal spot for holiday photos and evening walks.
Throughout the city, trees will be decorated with stars and gold-and-silver ornaments, while squares and avenues will be adorned with festive arches, fountains and glowing compositions.
The best ice rinks in St. Petersburg for the New Year mood
During the holiday season, the city turns into a paradise for skating lovers. Ice rinks offer session-based entry, skate rental, warming areas and festive lighting.
New Holland
Open from mid-November to March. The rink offers a warm gallery, evening music, and a New Year market in the courtyard of the “Bottle” building — all surrounded by festive lights.
Flagpole Ice Rink
A large rink with views of the Gulf of Finland, ice disco shows, a food court and photo zones — perfect for festive outdoor fun.
“Brusnitsyn” Quarter
Famous for its magical laser lighting that resembles the northern lights. The site includes a warm pavilion and a rooftop observation deck overlooking the Gulf.
If this festive selection made you want to see it all yourself…
We’ve prepared a special New Year tour to St. Petersburg — a ready-made solution for those who dream of celebrating beautifully, comfortably and without any stress.
This is a carefully designed 4-night itinerary with a convenient flight, cozy accommodation, breakfasts, transfers and excursions to Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo and the city’s most festive winter locations. You explore at your own pace while we take care of all logistics.
Do not miss the chance to celebrate New Year exactly the way you imagine it.
Book your tour now — call the short number 1240.
Let your New Year begin in a city where winter turns into a fairy tale.
With EASYBOOKING, it will be effortless, comfortable and truly festive.
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