Moscow unveils enchanting ‘Journey to Christmas’ festival
Winter wonderland will especially appeal to Middle East visitors
Visitors from the Middle East headed to Moscow are in for a real treat as the 12th edition of the ‘Journey to Christmas’ festival is proving to be a spellbinding celebration of traditions, live performances, and historical delights in a citywide magical winter wonderland setting.
Being held from December 15, 2023, to January 8, 2024, the festival is an immersive experience that blends the charm of Moscow’s past and present, offering a unique cultural encounter for residents and visitors alike and resulting in unforgettable impressions and happy memories.
The Journey to Christmas festival is one of many events within the framework of the Moscow Seasons project, where tourists from different countries can experience Russia’s rich culture and history firsthand.
Magic in the air
The whole of Moscow City now has a magical feel, with no less than 36 Journey to Christmas festival sites hosting various and numerous events dedicated to the main winter holiday, encompassing Moscow’s history, life, and New Year traditions.
Visitors from Middle Eastern countries especially have the unique opportunity to get acquainted with traditional winter folk activities and performances during the much-loved festival.
Festival visitors can also enjoy skating at outdoor skating rinks, attending unusual ice discos, playing curling games, and sliding down a snow slide.
Events galore
More than 1,500 mesmerising New Year performances and ice shows by professional actors and skaters are also taking place at the festival’s various venues across Moscow City.
Festival participants can also learn how to wrap Christmas presents with their own hands, decorate their house and Christmas tree, and serve the New Year’s table via exciting master classes.
The festival’s young visitors can make their most cherished wishes come true by participating in the New Year’s celebrations with Ded Moroz, Snegurochka, and other fairytale characters.
Adults and children alike can plunge into the festive atmosphere by participating in snowmen moulding, New Year’s masquerade, riding on carousels and indulging in magic by participating in the ‘School of Magicians’ master class.
Festival attendees have a unique opportunity to participate in the Moscow Tea Party and become acquainted with its history. Festivalgoers can also learn about tea etiquette and the rules of hospitality and will be able to feel the atmosphere of historical Moscow of different eras.
An exciting, immersive theatrical programme unfolds at Teatralnaya Square, taking visitors back in time and allowing them to taste traditional hot pastries and Moscow tea blends and buy porcelain dishes, jam, and other traditional souvenirs.
Featured image: Moscow has transformed into a winter wonderland with 36 Journey to Christmas festival sites. Image: Moscow Seasons
