Winter In Moscow: Fairy-Tale Season For Indian Travellers

Moscow is becoming an increasingly popular destination among Indian travellers — and the trend is rising rapidly. In the first half of 2025 alone, arrivals from India grew by 43 percent year-on-year, confirming the strong interest Indian tourists have in exploring the Russian capital.

Why Moscow in Winter?
- Rising Popularity: In the first half of 2025, arrivals from India to Moscow grew by 43% year-on-year, showing strong interest in winter travel.
- Festive Atmosphere: New Year in Moscow is now one of the most beloved destinations for Indian tourists, thanks to sparkling lights, snowy streets, and warm Russian hospitality.

Winter in Moscow Festival (Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026)
- Scale: Over 400 venues hosting 1,000+ events.
- Journey to Christmas Festival:
- Across 35 venues, featuring 6,400 master classes, 4,900 hours of sports activities, and 1,700 New Year performances.
- Charity events, dazzling decorations, interactive installations, and festive traditions.

Outdoor Magic
- Skating Rinks: 26 across the city, including:
- VDNH (massive rink)
- Gorky Park (elegant ice paths)
- Red Square (iconic rink)
- Kolomenskoye (1.7 km illuminated ice route, longest in Europe, decorated with 140 km of lights)
- Winter Fun: Husky rides, sledding, snow-scooter tours, ice fort building, fairy-tale themed figure skating shows.
- Decor Themes: Streets transformed into fantasy worlds—marshmallow lane, gingerbread houses, shimmering winter forests.

Cultural & Heritage Highlights
- Moscow Estates Festival: Historic mansions hosting performances, immersive walks, and storytelling shows.
- Moscow Tea Time: Celebrating Russia’s tea culture with samovar ceremonies and pastry workshops—resonating with Indian travellers.
- Museums & Ballet: Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum, Kremlin Armoury, plus winter performances of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.

Modern Attractions
- Dream Island: Europe’s largest indoor amusement park.
- Radisson River Cruise: Heated panoramic boats along the Moscow River.
- Moskino Cinema Park: Outdoor film village with themed sets and guided tours at Gorky Film Studio.

Indian-Friendly Touches
- Hotels with English-speaking staff, vegetarian & Jain-friendly dining.
- Growing Indian restaurant scene and Indian Vibes in Moscow guide.
- Streamlined e-visa system for easy travel planning.

Takeaway
Moscow in winter offers Indian travellers a blend of fairy-tale charm, cultural depth, and modern leisure—from skating under glowing lights to sipping tea in historic estates. It’s positioned as one of the most memorable winter holiday experiences worldwide.