New Year bus tour of St. Petersburg 2025 - 2026 — festive route, price and program

Publication date: 7 декабря 2025 Update date: 1 сентября 2026

Новогодний Петербург - Дворцовая площадь и елка

New Year Petersburg — a city in lights and reflections of the Neva

In winter, St. Petersburg turns into a real Christmas city: garlands on Nevsky Prospekt, fairs on squares, illumination on the facades of palaces and cathedrals. During the New Year days, you especially want to see everything at once — and that's exactly why the New Year bus tour of Petersburg.

On the New Year tour, you will see the city's main attractions decorated with garlands and festive lights, as well as the most beautiful Christmas tree on Palace Square. You will drive and stroll along the central avenues lit by night lanterns and New Year lights, see cathedrals and churches in the glow of illumination, take wonderful photos, and learn about the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries and in Petersburg itself.

New Year's bus tour of St. Petersburg

This is not just a sightseeing tour, but a New Year experience in the lights of the night city. You will ride along the main historical streets, see the famous St. Petersburg lanterns, light installations, New Year fairs, and also stroll through the key landmarks of festive Petersburg. The route is designed to show the maximum beauty in a short time and leave time for walks and photos.

Nevsky Prospekt in New Year lights — Nevsky Prospekt in the lights of garlands and shop windows

New Year fair in the center of Petersburg — New Year fair with the aroma of mulled wine and pastries

The program includes the main festive locations: Palace Square with a live Christmas tree and fair, St. Isaac's and Manege Squares with installations, Nevsky Prospekt, the spit of Vasilyevsky Island, the Neva embankments in lights, cathedrals and bridges in festive illumination. Along the way, the guide tells stories about how the New Year was celebrated in Petersburg in different eras, which traditions have been preserved, and which have appeared quite recently.

Main route locations

The route may vary depending on the year and the city's festive decoration, but usually includes: Palace and St. Isaac's Squares, the spit of Vasilyevsky Island, the Neva embankments, Nevsky Prospekt, festive fairs, and the most photogenic winter views.

Transfers between stops take place on a warm, comfortable bus designed for the winter route. Inside it's warm and cozy, and behind the panoramic windows are the lights of the Neva, illuminated facades of palaces, and the city's New Year streets. Stops for walks and photos are provided at key places, so you can not only see but also feel the atmosphere of New Year Petersburg.

The guide tells about the traditions of celebrating the New Year in Russia and Europe, how the holiday was celebrated in imperial Petersburg, what New Year customs appeared in the 20th century, and why the city is still called the Northern Venice even in winter. The tour suits both those visiting the city for the first time and those who have long lived in Petersburg — the festive route reveals familiar places in a new way.

Route of the New Year bus tour

Palace Square — a live New Year tree, fair, festive illumination of the Winter Palace and the General Staff building.
Nevsky Prospekt — garlands, shop windows, fountains of light, and the feeling of a big European celebration.
St. Isaac's Square — the cathedral and the Blue Bridge in decorations of fir branches, lights, and installations.
Strelka of Vasilyevsky Island — a postcard view of the embankments, Rostral Columns, and the lights of Palace Square.
Holiday fairs — hot chocolate, mulled wine, handmade souvenirs and winter photo zones.

"New Year St. Petersburg must not only be seen — it must be lived: in the lights, in the frosty air and with the feeling of a small miracle."

Tips before your trip

Dress in layers to stay comfortable both on the bus and outside during stops. Be sure to bring gloves and charge your phone — festive St. Petersburg is very photogenic, and you will surely take dozens of shots. If you plan to ride at the fair or visit the cathedral, bring cash or a card — at Christmas locations you often want to stay longer.

New Year bus tours are especially popular from late December to early January, so it is better to book tickets in advance. This way you can choose a convenient time, get the best seats on the bus and calmly plan the rest of your holiday days in the city.