Russia · Festival

Moscow Christmas Markets and Christmas Lights Tour with a Private Guide

3 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Moscow. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private 3-hour Christmas tour through central Moscow
  • 02 See festive lights and markets at Red Square and GUM
  • 03 Explore decorated streets including Tverskoi Boulevard and Old Arbat
  • 04 Browse handmade gifts, crafts, and seasonal souvenirs
  • 05 Learn about Russian Christmas and New Year traditions
  • 06 Enjoy holiday treats and warm drinks depending on selected option

Experience Moscow at its most magical on this private Christmas lights and markets tour through the city center. Over 3 festive hours, stroll between beautifully decorated squares and streets, browse handmade gifts and seasonal stalls, and soak up the atmosphere of one of Moscow’s most celebrated holiday festivals.

Along the way, discover iconic locations including Red Square, GUM, Manezh Square, Stoleshnikov Lane, Tverskoi Boulevard, and Old Arbat. Sample seasonal treats and warm drinks depending on your selected tour option, admire dazzling light installations, and learn about Russian Christmas and New Year traditions from your private guide.

Experience Moscow at its most magical on this private Christmas lights and markets tour through the city center.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Moscow
Languages English, French, Russian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Stop At: Red Square

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Your tour will start by the #1 Red Square’s Christmas Market nestled between the Kremlin and GUM shopping mall which are tastefully decorated with a big number of lights and garlands. Shop for original handmade gifts, sample the traditional Russian dishes like blini with caviar, baked potatoes or spice cakes and enjoy a glass of mulled wine. And of course, do not miss a fabulous ice-rink nearby.

Stop At: Manezh Square

Continue to the The Fantastic Forest on Manehznaya Square and find yourself in the magic forest decorated with huge led snowflakes, twinkly lights and a huge Christmas ball. Have fun in a gigantic ice slide nearby, the biggest one in the Russia. Be inspired walking through the fashionable Christmas trees gallery. Feast your eyes on quirky and unique trees’ outfits created by the most famous Russian couturiers. Browse the stalls filled with designer toys, gifts and handmade souvenirs.

Pass By: Bolshoi Theatre

Discover Moscow’s most decorated Christmas sites - Red Square, Manezhnzya Square, the Bolshoi Theater (from outside), Kuznetskiy bridge, Kamergersky lane, Stoleshnikov Lane, Tverskoi Boulevard and Arbat Street. Shop for handmade crafts, sip on mulled wine, enjoy traditional delicacies at famous Christmas markets (food depends on selected tour option) and learn about Russian Christmas and New Year traditions from your narrative guide.

Stop At: Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street

Venture to Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street where you’ll be wowed by the Magic 3D Sky, the most fabulous high-tech installation in Moscow. Imagine yourself at a party with flashing mirror balls that sparkle and glow in vibrant colors. Try the best mulled wine and enjoy freshly bake gingerbread cookies at one of the coziest cafes before we move on.

Pass By: Kuznetsky Most Street

Enjoy the magic lights of Moscow

Pass By: Kamergerskiy Lane

Take in the views at one of the most decorated streets of Moscow

Stop At: Stoleshnikov Lane

What’s the time? It’s tea time! Make your way to prominent market in Stoleshnikov Lane for coffee and tea ceremonies. Sample a great variety of tea blends, coffee and hot drinks with herbs, honey and cinnamon while guide will tell you about Russian New Year and Christmas traditions and national specialties.

Pass By: Tverskaya Street (Ulitsa)

Shop for handmade crafts, sip on mulled wine, enjoy traditional delicacies at famous Christmas markets (food depends on selected tour option) and learn about Russian Christmas and New Year traditions from your narrative guide.

Stop At: Tverskoi Boulevard

Then proceed to Light tunnel on Tverskoy Boulevard literally lit up with the starry sky, created from 32 km of light strings. Continue to adjacent Tverskoy Boulevard and stroll along the magnificent 100 m long decorated light tunnel. By the way, do not forget to post a great selfie.

Stop At: Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Soak up the festive atmosphere at the neon-lit Arbat Street dotted with stalls and chalets where you can find unusual decorations for Christmas table like tablecloths, napkins, sets of porcelain, souvenirs with the author’s paintings and Christmas decorations.

Pass By: Smolenskaya Metro Station

Finish your Christmas tour at Arbat Street and enjoy the Magic Garden Ring performance taking place on adjacent Smolenskaya Square every day throughout holiday season or warm up with a hot chocolate.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Moscow. 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All taxes
  • Food experience based on selected tour option
  • Friendly local guide
  • Private tour
  • Multiple start times available
  • Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
  • Iconic places for photo shoot
  • Flexible customizable itinerary
  • Must-see attractions and off the beaten path
  • Meeting in the hotel lobby
  • Snacks
  • Coffee and/or Tea

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • The tour can be modified to meet your preferences
  • Private walking tour with the use of metro
  • Please indicate prefer start time in comments when booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Please dress very warmly
  • Your guide can meet you at your hotel, hostel, vacation rental or a point of interest You don't need to call to confirm the tour. The local supplier will contact you via email

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Moscow.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Moscow.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Moscow..

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