Kathrine Frich
Christmas in Russia looks very different from the celebrations most people are familiar with in the West.
Instead of December festivities filled with Santa Claus and Christmas Eve stockings,
Russians follow centuries-old Orthodox traditions that give the holiday a distinctive character.
Here are some of the most interesting customs that shape Christmas in Russia.
1. Christmas Is Celebrated in January
Unlike most of the world, Russia observes Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church.
But the celebrations don’t stop there. On January 13, Russians mark Old New Year — a leftover from pre-Soviet times when the country still followed the old calendar.
Families gather for food, fireworks and small gifts, effectively giving Russians two New Year celebrations each winter.
2. A 12-Dish Christmas Eve Meal
Christmas Eve on January 6 features a 12-course dinner, symbolizing the twelve apostles.
The dishes vary by region, but the meal traditionally includes fish, vegetables, breads, fruits, and sweets.
The centrepiece is kutya, a ceremonial porridge made from wheat or barley with honey and poppy seeds.
Kutya is one of the oldest ritual foods in Russia and is eaten before singing carols or exchanging gifts.
3. New Year’s Trees Instead of Christmas Trees
While many homes elsewhere put up a Christmas tree in December, Russians decorate the Novogodnaya Yolka, or New Year’s Tree.
These trees often feature:
- wooden toys
- traditional figurines
- miniature matryoshka dolls
- and a symbolic sun ornament called a solntse, believed to represent warmth and happiness
The tree remains a centerpiece of the holiday season through both New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
4. Christmas Superstitions and Old Rituals
Russian Christmas brings several folk beliefs that survive in rural areas:
- Some people make a wish on a falling star on Christmas night — a tradition known as zvezdolikaya letopis.
- According to another superstition, unmarried women who fast for four days and stand at a crossroads after Christmas services may see a vision of their future husband in a dream.
These customs echo ancient Slavic beliefs that blended with Christian tradition.
5. Ded Moroz and Snegurochka
Russia has its own winter gift-givers:
- Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) — a tall, bearded figure in a long red or blue robe
- Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden) — his granddaughter and helper
Unlike Santa Claus, they typically arrive on New Year’s Eve, visiting children’s parties, greeting families, and handing out gifts.
Their roles remain deeply rooted in Russian folklore and remain central to winter celebrations.
A Unique Winter Season
Russia’s winter holidays combine Orthodox faith, folklore, and centuries-old traditions that make the season distinct from Western Christmas celebrations.
From the 12-course Christmas Eve feast to the appearances of Ded Moroz and Snegurochka, the Russian holiday season is rich with rituals that continue to evolve while preserving their cultural identity.
