St Petersburg: Events

During the last 10 days of June - the White Nights, when darkness never falls - many St Petersburgers stay out celebrating until dawn, particularly at weekends. There's a White Nights Dance Festival with events ranging from folk to ballet, but the main Kirov company doesn't always take part; more often its students do.

Festivities during the Russian Winter Festival , 25 December to 5 January, and Goodbye Russian Winter , late February to early March, centre outside the city, with troyka (horse-drawn sleigh) rides, folk shows and performing bears. Less known are the Christmas Musical Meetings in Northern Palmyra , a classical musical festival held during the week before Christmas. The St Petersburg Music Spring , an international classical music festival held in April or May, and the mid-November international jazz festival, Osenie Ritmy (Autumn Rhythms) , are built around St Petersburg's jazz clubs.