A Russian friend once told me, “Our Christmas comes after the world has calmed down.” At the time, I didn’t understand what that meant. But the more I read about it, the more it made sense.
Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7 because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. Traditions include a 12-dish Christmas Eve supper, candlelit church services, star-caroling, fortune-telling, and visits by Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. Families share kutya and sing carols.
I didn’t expect to feel so connected to a tradition so far away, but something about Russian Christmas (its slow pace, its rituals, its quiet beauty) kept tugging at me.
Why Russia Celebrates Christmas on January 7
Russia’s Christmas date goes back centuries. When most of the world shifted to the Gregorian calendar, the Russian Orthodox Church chose to stay with the older Julian calendar, which today runs 13 days behind. That’s why their Christmas falls not on December 25 but on January 7.
But the difference isn’t just about the calendar. It has shaped the entire mood of the holiday. In Russia, New Year’s Eve became the big, festive celebration filled with fireworks, gifts, and gatherings. Christmas, on the other hand, remained a quieter, more spiritual day meant for reflection, family, and tradition.
The slower timing also adds to its charm. By early January, the noise and rush of the global holiday season have faded, leaving room for a celebration that feels calm, meaningful, and deeply rooted in faith.
It’s a Christmas that’s less about shopping and more about rituals that have stayed the same for generations.
Fun Christmas Traditions in Russia
Christmas in Russia isn’t loud or hurried. It moves slowly, like the snowfall outside, and every tradition feels intentional. Being there makes you realise how much meaning can sit inside the smallest rituals.
1. The 12-Dish Christmas Eve Supper
The Christmas Eve table in a Russian home looks less like a meal and more like a quiet ceremony. Every dish (twelve in total) is placed with intention. Nothing contains meat or dairy; the simplicity reflects fasting, but somehow the spread feels abundant.
Kutya sits in the center, loaded with honey and poppy seeds. The bowl isn’t just food; it is tradition, memory, and blessing all at once. Grandparents stir it gently, whispering wishes for good health and peace. Children sneak small tastes of baked apples or vegetable pies while pretending to help.
Everyone waits for the first star to appear. The house goes silent for a moment as eyes turn to the frosty window. When a tiny star finally flickers through the winter sky, conversations restart, chairs slide back, and the long-awaited supper begins. The room fills with warmth that no heater could ever create.
2. Candlelit Church Services
Stepping into a Russian Orthodox church on Christmas Eve feels like entering a different world. The warm glow of hundreds of candles reflects off golden icons, filling the space with a soft, steady light. The choir sings old hymns that echo through the tall arches, and even the air seems to move slower here.
People stand close together in their winter coats, listening quietly, absorbing every note. The service stretches past midnight but time doesn’t feel linear inside this space. By the time it ends, the night outside feels still and peaceful, as if the snow itself is listening.
When you finally step back outside, the cold air hits your face, and the city feels unusually still, like the entire world paused for a moment of quiet.
3. Star-Caroling (Kolyadki)
Nothing captures the joy of Russian Christmas like the sound of children singing in the streets. It brings a burst of joy into the cold winter evenings. Groups of children walk through snowy streets carrying a bright, hand-made star on a pole. Their songs are a mix of fun, tradition, and winter cheer.
Doors open, people smile, and offer bowls of candies or pastries. The children leave with red cheeks, full pockets, and lots of laughter. Even the neighbours who don’t step outside can hear the cheerful chorus moving from house to house, warming the whole neighbourhood.
There’s something about the sound of laughter mixing with crunching snow that makes the tradition feel both ancient and timeless. It’s not polished or rehearsed, that’s why it’s beautiful.
4. Fortune-Telling During Sviatki
Sviatki, the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany, turns Russian homes into playful little fortune-reading corners. Wax melts slowly over a candle flame, dripping into cold water. When it hardens, people lift the shape to the light, guessing what the form means for their upcoming year.
A shape that looks like a shoe? Travel. Something like a ring? Maybe a wedding. A vague blob? Endless debates.
Shadow-reading is even more fun, a crumpled paper held against the wall under candlelight, creating strange silhouettes. Everyone takes turns interpreting them, mixing superstition with imagination.
Laughter fills the room, and for a moment, fortune-telling feels less like predicting the future and more like sharing dreams.
5. Ded Moroz and Snegurochka
Ded Moroz doesn’t sneak down chimneys; he arrives with presence. Dressed in a long embroidered coat, carrying a tall staff, he looks regal, more like a winter king than a jolly grandfather.
Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden, walks beside him in her silver-blue gown. Children run toward her first, pulling at her sleeves, asking questions, holding her hand.
Together they tell stories, lead songs, and give small gifts. Seeing them in parks or town squares feels like watching a Russian fairytale come alive, a blend of folklore, winter magic, and childhood wonder.
6. Decorations With a Russian Touch
Russian Christmas decorations feel handmade and nostalgic. Instead of shiny store-bought ornaments, you’ll find wooden toys, straw angels, knitted snowflakes, and delicate glass baubles passed down through generations.
A small table near the window often holds an icon, a candle, and evergreen branches. When lit at night, the glow spills softly onto the snow outside. It’s not about extravagance; it’s about warmth and sincerity.
Even streets follow the same aesthetic, soft lights, gentle colors, snow-covered rooftops. Everything feels like a painting in progress.
7. Sviatki Feasts and Family Visits
Sviatki is when Russian hospitality shines most. Families keep their homes ready for visitors. Neighbours drop by unannounced for tea. Cousins show up with pastries. Someone always brings dried fruit, nuts, or homemade jam.
The conversations stretch for hours. People share stories from the year, sing small folk songs, and pass around plates of cookies and piroshki. Kids run around the house with red cheeks from the cold, adults sit near the samovar sipping hot tea, and the atmosphere feels soft, familiar, and unhurried.
It’s not a celebration built on big gestures, it’s built on presence, warmth, and the comfort of being together.
Travel Tips for Visiting Russia During Christmas
Visiting Russia in early January feels magical. Streets are quieter, days are shorter, and the cold sets the pace for everything, including how you plan your trip.
1. Prepare for Real Winter, Not “Holiday Season” Winter
January in Russia isn’t mildly cold, it’s a deep winter. Temperatures can drop far below freezing, especially in northern cities. Warm layers, thermal socks, a good coat, gloves, and proper boots make a huge difference. Once you’re dressed right, the cold stops feeling harsh and starts feeling part of the charm.
2. Expect Short Daylight Hours
Winter days are brief, and the sun sets early. Planning sightseeing in the first half of the day helps, especially for places that look different in natural light, like palace exteriors or snowy parks. Evenings are perfect for church visits, Christmas markets, slow dinners, and quiet walks through decorated streets.
3. Keep Some Cash for Small Purchases
Big restaurants, malls, and hotels accept forex cards easily, but small kiosks, local bakeries, and market stalls sometimes prefer cash. Keeping a mix of rubles in hand plus a reliable BookMyForex travel card makes payments smooth everywhere you go.
4. Check Holiday Timings in Advance
Because Christmas falls on January 7, many places have unusual hours around that week. Museums may open later, some shops take extended breaks, and churches can be crowded for evening services. A quick check of timings saves long walks in the cold.
5. Try Local Transport Instead of Taxis
The metro in cities like Moscow is warm, fast, and beautifully designed. Some stations look like underground palaces, and riding it becomes a part of the experience. Taxis work fine but can be slow in snow or traffic, the metro keeps you moving.
6. Join Evening Activities
Early sunsets don’t limit the experience. Nights are when Russia actually feels magical. Christmas lights, frozen rivers, and snow-dusted buildings make evenings unforgettable. Night strolls in Red Square or along Nevsky Prospekt feel safe, lively, and full of seasonal charm.
7. Try Traditional Winter Food
Christmas in Russia is full of comforting dishes, honey cookies, warm drinks, baked pies, and hearty soups. Small cafes and family-run bakeries serve some of the best winter food, especially in older neighbourhoods.
8. Keep Church Etiquette in Mind
If attending a service, dress modestly, keep phones on silent, and move quietly. Women sometimes cover their heads (optional for tourists), and photography may be restricted in certain areas.
9. Book Tickets Early for Ballets or Christmas Concerts
January shows (especially The Nutcracker) sell out quickly. Booking ahead guarantees a seat and adds something truly special to the trip.
10. Weather Apps Are Your Best Friend
Snowstorms can come out of nowhere. Checking the weather each morning helps plan whether it’s a day for wandering outdoors or visiting museums and indoor markets.
Why Having the Right Forex Card Makes Christmas Travel in Russia Easier
Traveling to Russia for Christmas sounds great, but managing money in freezing weather, shorter days, and crowded holiday spots can get tricky if you rely only on cash or your regular credit/ debit card.
That’s where the BookMyForex Forex Card becomes one of the best things to carry.
Unlike credit or debit cards that are prone to rate fluctuations, the BookMyForex card locks in your exchange rate when you load it. That means every payment, whether it’s hot tea from a street shop, a souvenir from Izmailovsky Market, or metro recharge, deducts at the exact rate you chose.
And if you ever run low during your trip, the card can be reloaded online instantly through the BookMyForex app without any lengthy paperwork.
The best part?
Russia has a mix of places: malls and restaurants accept cards everywhere, but small bakeries, Christmas stalls, and local craft markets may prefer cash. With BookMyForex, you can also buy rubles online in the form of currency notes for cash-only spots at lowest guaranteed rates.
About the Author
Bhawna Nijhawan is the Content Manager at BookMyForex and the go-to person for creating engaging, informative content that resonates with the platform’s diverse audience. With over 8 years of experience in content writing and more than 4 years in the forex industry, she knows exactly how to simplify complex forex topics into something everyone can relate to.
