St. Petersburg in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in St. Petersburg

-1°C (31°F) High Temp

-5°C (23°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Palace Square Christmas Market transforms the city center into a winter wonderland with traditional Russian crafts, hot mulled wine (глинтвейн), and steaming blini stalls operating daily 11am-10pm through January 7th
this destination crowds drop by 60% after New Year's week, allowing unhurried viewing of masterpieces with typical wait times under 15 minutes for ticket lines
White Nights festival counterpart - Polar Nights create magical 18-hour darkness periods perfect for seeing the Aurora Borealis on clear nights, visible 2-3 times per week from city outskirts
Imperial theaters (Mariinsky, Alexandrinsky) present their full winter repertoire including exclusive December performances of Nutcracker and Swan Lake with tickets 40% cheaper than summer tourist season

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 6 hours (10am-4pm) severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time and requiring careful planning of walking tours and architectural photography
Neva River and canal boat tours completely shut down from mid-November through March due to ice formation, eliminating one of the city's signature experiences
Sidewalks become treacherous ice rinks despite city salt crews - even locals struggle with mobility, and tourist injuries spike 300% compared to summer months

Best Activities in December

Hermitage Winter Palace Underground Tours

December offers exclusive access to normally closed basement storage areas and restoration workshops. With tourist crowds at annual lows, guides provide extended commentary and allow photography in select restricted galleries. The palace heating system keeps indoor temperatures at comfortable 21°C (70°F) while exterior facade looks magnificent against snow backdrop.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through museum's official channels. Winter tours cost 2,500-3,800 rubles and include hot tea service. Avoid street vendors - only licensed guides have basement access keys. Check current specialized tours in booking section below.

Peterhof Palace Ice Sculpture Gardens

The fountains freeze into natural ice sculptures while international artists create elaborate ice installations throughout the grounds. December transforms the usual summer water features into a crystalline wonderland. Professional ice sculptors work daily 9am-3pm during daylight hours, and visitors can watch the carving process.

Booking Tip: Purchase combo tickets including heated shuttle transport - walking 5km (3.1 miles) from metro in sub-zero temperatures is dangerous. Tours typically cost 1,800-2,600 rubles with transport. Book through certified operators only as palace grounds can be hazardous without proper winter gear guidance.

Traditional Russian Banya Experiences

December is prime banya season when locals escape harsh weather in authentic steam houses heated to 90°C (194°F). Historic banyas like Yamskiye offer traditional birch branch treatments, cold plunge pools, and communal dining. This centuries-old tradition peaks during winter months when temperature contrast provides maximum health benefits.

Booking Tip: Reserve authentic banyas 3-5 days ahead, avoiding tourist traps near major hotels. Traditional sessions cost 2,000-4,500 rubles for 3-hour experiences. Look for facilities offering platza (birch massage) services. Authentic banyas provide all linens and traditional felt hats.

Metro Station Architecture Tours

December's harsh weather makes the ornate metro system perfect for extensive underground exploration. Stations like Avtovo and Komsomolskaya showcase Stalin-era grandeur with heated comfort. Underground passages connect major tourist areas, allowing full-day cultural tours without weather exposure. Station artworks and mosaics photograph beautifully under artificial lighting.

Booking Tip: Purchase 3-day metro passes for 210 rubles - cheapest sightseeing option in the city. Join organized metro tours costing 800-1,200 rubles for historical context and access to restricted areas. Tours meet at central stations with heated waiting areas.

Imperial Theater Winter Performances

December showcases Russia's finest ballet and opera in heated venues while supporting traditional winter repertoires. Mariinsky Theater presents full Nutcracker cycles, while Alexandrinsky stages classic Russian dramas. Ornate theater interiors provide warmth and luxury contrasting beautifully with snowy exterior walks to venues.

Booking Tip: Book prime seats 14-21 days ahead through official theater websites. December tickets cost 3,500-8,500 rubles for orchestra seating. Avoid third-party vendors charging 200% markups. Dress warmly for intermission courtyard areas which remain unheated.

Traditional Russian Winter Cuisine Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like fresh caviar, warming borscht, and holiday kutia desserts to authentic Russian restaurants. Indoor food markets offer protection from weather while showcasing regional winter produce. Restaurant interiors feature traditional heating systems and seasonal decorations creating authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Join guided food tours costing 4,500-6,800 rubles covering 5-7 traditional establishments with heated transport between locations. Tours include winter spirits tastings and historical context. Avoid tourist-focused 'Russian cuisine' restaurants near major hotels.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December building to January 7th

Orthodox Christmas Celebrations

January 7th Orthodox Christmas creates unique December preparation period with traditional church services, carol singing (колядки), and special market stalls selling religious crafts and traditional Christmas foods throughout the month

December 25th - January 1st

New Year's Palace Square Celebration

Russia's primary New Year celebration with ice sculptures, traditional entertainment, and midnight fireworks. Palace Square transforms into winter festival grounds with heated vendor stalls and traditional entertainment from December 25th onward

Throughout December

White Nights Festival Winter Counterpart

Polar Nights cultural programming compensates for lack of daylight with extended museum hours, special lighting displays on major buildings, and aurora viewing expeditions to city outskirts on clear nights

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with aggressive tread - city sidewalks become ice sheets despite salt treatment, and tourist injuries from falls spike during December

Multiple thermal layers including merino wool base layers - indoor heating keeps buildings at 21°C (70°F) requiring constant layer adjustments throughout day

Windproof outer shell rated for -10°C (14°F) with hood - Neva River wind creates brutal wind chill dropping perceived temperature by 8-12°C (14-22°F)

Waterproof gloves plus liner gloves - handling cameras, phones, and metro cards requires dexterity while maintaining warmth in -5°C (23°F) conditions

Thermal hat covering ears completely - exposed skin develops frostbite in under 15 minutes during December wind conditions

Emergency hand/foot warmers - 8-hour chemical warmers cost 150 rubles locally and provide crucial backup during extended outdoor palace tours

Sunglasses for snow glare - despite low UV index of 1, snow reflection causes eye strain during brief 6-hour daylight periods

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains phone batteries 3x faster, critical for navigation and translation apps

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - 70% humidity drops significantly indoors causing severe skin drying and cracking

Cash in small bills - many traditional vendors, banya facilities, and food stalls don't accept cards, especially during cultural events

Insider Knowledge

Locals shop for winter gear at Gostiny Dvor's underground levels where prices run 50% below tourist-focused stores near major palaces - thermal socks cost 300 rubles vs 800 rubles at hotel shops

December restaurant reservations concentrate around 2-4pm during daylight hours - evening dining requires advance booking as locals prefer staying indoors after dark during polar night periods

Metro system functions as unofficial warming stations - locals use heated underground passages for shopping and socializing during harsh weather, making stations cultural hubs rather than just transport

Traditional Russian superstition requires removing gloves before entering Orthodox churches even in winter - keep liner gloves underneath for warmth while maintaining religious respect during cultural site visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating winter clothing needs - tourists arrive with 'normal winter clothes' adequate for milder climates but insufficient for Russian arctic conditions, leading to miserable experiences and health risks

Planning full outdoor itineraries ignoring 6-hour daylight limitation - attempting summer-style walking tours results in navigating unfamiliar streets in darkness with increased safety and orientation risks

Booking summer canal boat tours - tourists don't realize water transportation shuts down completely from November through March, disrupting planned itineraries and requiring expensive last-minute tour substitutions