Winter Festival Packages in Russia
Feel the chill thrill of Russia’s winter magic with festival packages tailored for your frosty fancies. If you’re coming from Austria, these spots and shindigs are all set for you.
Must-Visit Winter Destinations
Russia in the chilly season throws an epic snow show for our Austrian amigos. Check out these must-see places:
- Moscow: Hit up the legendary Red Square and swing by the grand Winter Festival (mid-December to mid-January). You can glide on the ice, gawk at ice sculptures, haggle at craft markets, or cozy up in a troika ride (56th Parallel).
- St. Petersburg: Wander through the Hermitage and Catherine’s Winter Palace, snow-draped and less crowded, so less time queuing, more time ogling (Travel Triangle).
- Lake Baikal: Dive into a dazzling winter wonderland with its crazy 53 flavors of ice, including the legendary transparent turquoise. Skate on the biggest rink Mother Nature offers (Discovery Russia).
- Yamal Peninsula: Keep it real by joining the Nenets on their annual reindeer road trip. Camp out like a nomad and you might just get a front-row seat to the Northern Lights show (56th Parallel).
Festive Atmosphere in Russia
Russia’s winter parties make it the ultimate hotspot for Austrians looking for a good time. Here’s the lowdown:
- Traditional Outfits: Folks dress in snazzy traditional gear, making the snow-covered sights even more Insta-worthy.
- New Year’s Eve: A huge bash everywhere—fireworks, dances, the works. This is THE party, making Christmas look like a rehearsal.
- Street Festivities: Markets brimming with scrumptious snacks, homemade treasures, and festive bling. The snow makes everything pop like a real-life Christmas card.
If you’re eager for a deeper dive, check out our guide on winter fun in Russia for Austrian travellers.
| Destination | Highlights | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow | Winter Festival, Ice Sculptures, Troika Rides | Mid-Dec to Mid-Jan |
| St. Petersburg | Hermitage and Winter Palace under snow, Fewer crowds | Dec to Feb |
| Lake Baikal | 53 Types of Ice, Largest Ice-Skating Rink, Crystal Grottoes | Dec to Feb |
| Yamal Peninsula | Reindeer Migration, Northern Lights | Dec to Jan |
For more chills and thrills, uncover Russia’s winter wonderland travel deals.
Your trip from Austria to Russia is bound to be loaded with memorable marvellousness. Discover the captivating scenery and lively culture of Russian winters with these special festival packages.
Winter Festival Experience
Russian Winter Specialties
Imagine yourself wrapped up in a cozy scarf, hearty meals steaming up before you. In Russia, the winter festival isn’t just a time to enjoy the sights; it’s a culinary delight, especially for anyone travelling from Austria. You’ll find a smorgasbord of comfort dishes sure to leave you warm and satisfied. Getting hungry? Don’t pass on these wintertime classics:
- Borsch: Dive into this beetrooty goodness, a soup that’s rich and red, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream to add that creamy zing.
- Pelmeni: Think of them as dumpling parcels of joy, usually packed with meat and served up with a dollop of butter or another smattering of sour cream for extra decadence.
- Hot Tea: Is it even winter without a steaming cup of strong, black tea? Russians like theirs sweetened with a touch of jam, a tradition worth sipping in on.
- Mulled Wine: Say ‘Glintwein’ around here and you’re talking about the sort of warm, spiced wine perfect for a nippy evening at the festive markets.
Feasting on these goodies gives you more than just a full belly; it’s an experience that captures the heart of Russian culture. For a deeper dive into celebrating a Russian winter, click on our travel guide from Austria to Russia.
Souvenir Shopping in Russia
What’s a trip without a bag full of keepsakes? And if you’re wandering through the festive hustle and bustle of Russian streets, winter shopping turns into an event itself, loaded with sales and markdowns that are hard to resist. Here’s a hit list for the perfect take-homes:
| Souvenir | Description |
|---|---|
| Matryoshka Dolls | These nesting dolls double as classic Russian soul and quirky shelf friends. |
| Fur Hats (Ushanka) | Keeping warm has never been more stylish than with these snug head-toppers. |
| Porcelain Bowls | Each bowl is a crafted masterpiece, often shining with detailed artwork. |
| Jewelry | Sparkling offerings with Russian charm for an extra twinkle. |
| Traditional Shawls | A blend of warmth and style, these shawls ooze elegance and are perfect gifts. |
Shopping local isn’t just great for snagging deals. It’s your ticket to diving deep into the Russian vibe. For tips on finding the best treasures, look no further than our article on best buys and bargains in your winter trek from Austria.
Soak in the festive cheer and transform your winter fest into a memorable ride. With our insider tips, make the most of snowy splurges and tuck into the taste of Russia. Need more travel picks? Peek at our handy guide to embracing Russia’s winter in style.
Winter Festival Packages Options
Festival of Lights at Oglebay
Looking for some sparkle during the chillier months? The Festival of Lights weekend package at Oglebay in Wheeling, WV could be just what the doctor ordered for your family trip to Russia this winter. Offered from November 8, 2025, to January 5, 2026, with prices kicking off at $229 per night on Fridays or Saturdays, this deal is all about family fun. Families of four can bunk down comfortably, with kids staying and enjoying breakfast on the house—perfect for your festive escape from the hustle and bustle.
This is more than your average light show, it’s dazzling! Imagine over a million twinkling lights stretching across 300 acres, brightening up the dark winter nights. Throw in the chance to get snapshots with Santa himself and hands-on holiday crafts, you’ve got yourself a recipe for a holiday treat that’ll glow in memory.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 8, 2025 – January 5, 2026 |
| Price | Starting from $229 per night (Fridays or Saturdays) |
| Activities | Over one million lights, selfies with Santa, holiday crafts |
| Family Perks | Free stay and breakfast for the kids |
For a deeper dive into making the most of your winter trip, take a peek at our tips in how to celebrate winter in Russia: a guide for Austrian travelers.
Magical Midweek Stay at Oglebay
Not a fan of jostling through weekend throngs? The Magical Midweek stay package at Oglebay’s Festival of Lights could be your perfect ticket. Running from November 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026—Sunday to Thursday nights—prices start at a sweet $199. It’s easier on the wallet and comes with an exclusive drive-through pass for the light spectacle.
Geared towards families of four, this option promises a snug stay with breakfast sorted. Enjoy the beauty of the festive displays in peace and avoid the weekend hustle.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 7, 2025 – January 6, 2026 |
| Price | Starting from $199 per night (Sunday through Thursday) |
| Pass | Super special driving pass included |
| Family Perks | Comfortable lodging, breakfast for four |
Visit our page on experience Russia’s winter wonderland with these travel deals for more fantastic offers and packages.
These hand-picked packages don’t just deliver warmth; they’re a bargain too, promising a magical winter festival visit. Given how these deals fly off the shelf, booking early is the way to go.
For more handy insights about organising your wintry festival adventure, hop over to our detailed guide on planning a winter festival trip to Russia from Austria.
International Winter Festivals
Beyond the mesmerizing snow spectacles of Russia, there’s a world full of winter festivals that are worth sticking on your travel calendar. Consider these international fests brimming with chilly delights.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
In Minnesota, the St. Paul Winter Carnival turns the city into a snowy spectacle. Slated for January 25 to February 3, 2024, this bash covers all ages. Just picture grand parades, snow sculpting battles, ice fishing for the daring, a winter orchid show for the serene, and all-out parties for those who love to celebrate (Country Living). If you’re jetting over from Austria, add this gem to your journey and soak in the heart-warming embrace of American winter lore and traditions.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| St. Paul Winter Carnival | January 25 – February 3, 2024 |
Don’t miss out—check out ways to keep the winter magic alive abroad with our world winter guide.
Lake Geneva Winterfest
Next, set your sights on Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva Winterfest, running from January 31 to February 4, 2024—home to the epic National Snow Sculpting Championship! It reels in top creative minds, all carving out their icy masterpieces. Round out your frosty fun with tasty local treats, sizzling bonfires, skiing escapades, zip line thrills, and some art eye candy (Country Living). It’s a well-blended brew of fun for both families and thrill-chasers.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Lake Geneva Winterfest | January 31 – February 4, 2024 |
For more snowy delights, peek at our write-up on best Russian winter festivals for Austrian tourists.
Winterlude in Ottawa
And then there’s Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada. Held from February 2 to 19, 2024, this festival echoes Canadian heritage loud and proud! Glide along the Rideau Canal on skates, cheer at the quirky Ice Dragon Boat race, and dive into a mix of heart-thawing activities (Country Living). It’s a slice of Canada’s winter bliss that invites you to join in the fun.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Winterlude in Ottawa | February 2 – 19, 2024 |
Austrians eager for more snowy escapades can hop over to our advice piece on planning a winter fest trip to Russia from Austria.
These winter festivals don’t just sprinkle a touch of snow over your travels—they offer a flurry of festive fun from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re lured by American winter carnival antics or Canadian crisp clean activities, there’s a snowy adventure waiting with open arms. Make your winter travels unforgettable with a mix of global wintry joy.