Christmas traditions in Russia

The main attraction of Krasnoye Selo is the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity. The stone church was built in the middle of XVIII century. During the Soviet years, the building of the temple was severely damaged, however, during the restoration work carried out in the early 200s, the stucco and golden iconostasis were restored.

The Gatchina Palace offers special Christmas tours.
From 2 to 10 January there is a guided tour "In the traditions of Christmas". You will be told what the first Christmas tree was like and what presents were given for Christmas in the imperial family. The tour lasts 75 minutes, entrance to the palace 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Be sure to sign up for the tour in advance at website and don't forget personal protective equipment - masks and gloves.
After the tour it is nice to take a leisurely walk in the garden next to the palace.

Have lunch in a cozy cafe with a beautiful stylized interior. Be sure to try the soups - they know how to make them here!

Visit the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in honor of which the manor house and the village were named Rozhdestvenno.

Rozhdestvenno estate belonged to the Rukavishnikovs and Nabokovs for a long time. It is it that Vladimir Nabokov recalls in his novel "The Other Shores".
There are interesting excursions around the manor, you will visit the main house, walk through the park, see the noblemen's tennis court and ancient caves (which were in this place back in the times of dinosaurs).
Be sure to sign up for tours in advance via form or by phone at website.

You can have dinner at Café Orange. It has a pleasant interior, fast service and delicious pizza. There is also a children's room.
The cafe is on the second floor, be prepared to climb steep stairs.