Exclusive NYE Live Stream: St. Petersburg New Years Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Monday, 04 December 2023 : Exclusive NYE Live Stream: St. Petersburg New Years Eve Fireworks Spectacular

If you find yourself in Russia's second-largest city this December for New Year's, pack your thermals and explore this wonderful place. St. Petersburg is brimming with museums, galleries, theaters, palaces, and hosts numerous festivals and cultural events that showcase its diverse heritage. St. Petersburg, distinct from its Florida namesake, is home to the Hermitage Museum. For art lovers, this is a must-visit – one of the world's largest and oldest museums, housed in a stunning venue. Personally, I'd recommend including the Faberge Museum and the Russian museum in the Mikhailovsky Palace on your list of must-see museums.

The city offers endless possibilities for art and music lovers. Venture to the beautiful Mariinsky Theatre for ballet and opera, featuring the famous “Nutcracker.”

Wander down Nevsky Prospekt, stop by cafes or restaurants, take in the sights, including Church on Spilled Blood, or explore St. Isaac's Cathedral for fantastic views.

December is an ideal time to visit, provided you don't mind the cold. Warm up with a glass of Glintwein while perusing the Christmas market on Pionerskaya Square, offering traditional fare and a temporary ice rink. (Note: Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7th, providing a unique double Christmas experience!)

Given the ongoing conflict, predicting New Year's outcomes is challenging. While many Russians celebrate at home, St. Petersburg, a European city, traditionally spills its New Year celebrations onto its streets with fireworks. In 2024, the Palace Square, although canceled for this year, usually starts the holiday season on December 26, featuring a daily light show at 7 o'clock and a festive concert on January 1 at 22:00 near an elegant Christmas tree. The celebration continues with midnight fireworks and festivities spreading across surrounding streets.

On Nevsky Prospect (not for 2023/2024), expect contests, round dances for youngsters, and a special program for lovers. The Haymarket Square hosts theatrical performances and competitions. The New Year is typically celebrated with fireworks and concerts at the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, Malaya Konyushennaya Street, Troitsky and Palace Bridges. You can visit multiple sites in one night due to uninterrupted metro service.

While the State Hermitage Museum and other museums are closed at night, the Official Hotel of the Museum invites those eager to celebrate the New Year in the Hermitage. The "Imperial Fun" evening promises unforgettable impressions – a musical and theatrical show, original numbers, performances by the best creative teams of St. Petersburg, and an exclusive menu featuring the favorite dishes of Russian emperors.

The holiday extends into the new year with various amusements. The New Year market on Pioneer Square, with one of the city's largest open-air rinks, remains a major attraction.

On January 1, the State Hermitage Museum hosts a unique New Year's exhibition titled "Do not trust your eyes. Deception in art." Visitors navigate a labyrinth, exposing objects pretending not to be what they are, including illusions of volume, golden wooden carvings, porcelain fruits indistinguishable from real ones, and books serving as caskets for precious little things.

St. Petersburgers can enjoy long holidays by visiting skating rinks, skiing in parks, or exploring attractions like the Museum of the Old New Year, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Russian Museum.

Information for this page is kindly provided by The Official Hotel of the State Hermitage Museum.

Book your stay in advance at one of St. Petersburg's beautiful hotels. Consider hotels hosting their own New Year's events for a spectacular experience. Top recommended hotels in St. Petersburg this New Year include:

• Pushka Inn Hotel
• The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel
• Astoria Hotel
• Domina Prestige St. Petersburg
• Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

Search for deals at these venues and all the best St. Petersburg New Years Eve hotels.

With hundreds of wonderful restaurants to choose from, consider trying these options while in St. Petersburg:

• Troika
• Pelmenya
• Severyanin
• Duo Gastrobar
• Pryanosti & Radosti (Spices & Joy)

Catch a live view of the fireworks when midnight arrives with a couple of good webcams for St. Petersburg. Try the Camera Review.