Moscow Ice Festival: A Frozen City of Giant Sculptures
Amin Abadeh
2023-04-20
Every winter, a corner of Moscow is transformed into a glowing city of frozen palaces, storybook characters, illuminated sculptures and towering ice slides. In this guide from Sepehran Blog, you will discover what makes the Moscow Ice Festival one of the city’s most memorable seasonal attractions, along with practical information for planning your visit.
Officially known as “Ice Moscow: In the Family Circle”, the festival combines ice sculpture, theatrical performances, music, light installations and family entertainment. It is usually held around the New Year holidays at Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.
Each edition follows a different theme. Artists use enormous blocks of natural ice to create castles, animals, cultural symbols, famous buildings and scenes inspired by literature and folklore. Because the theme changes from year to year, returning visitors can expect a new experience each winter.
The Moscow Ice Festival is a large seasonal event centered on the art of snow and ice sculpture.
Professional artists and sculptors transform frozen blocks into detailed architectural structures, fantasy characters, animals and cultural landmarks. Some works rise several meters above the ground, while others are displayed in temperature-controlled halls to preserve their delicate features.
The festival is more than a sculpture exhibition. Depending on the annual program, visitors may also find:
The event is designed mainly as a family attraction, although the scale of the sculptures and evening lighting also make it popular with photographers, art enthusiasts and winter travelers.
The eleventh edition of the festival took place from December 30, 2025, to January 11, 2026, at Victory Park.
That edition was inspired by Buratino, a well-known character from Russian children’s literature. The festival grounds featured sculptures and settings based on characters and scenes from the story.
More than 100 sculptors from different parts of the country participated in creating the installations, using thousands of tonnes of natural ice. The program also included performances, parades, family activities and themed entertainment.
As of August 2026, the dates and theme for the winter 2026–2027 edition have not yet been officially announced. Visitors planning a winter trip should confirm the latest schedule before booking accommodation or arranging transportation.
One of the most recognizable parts of the Moscow Ice Festival is the enormous Ice Kremlin.
Inspired by Moscow’s famous architectural landmark, this frozen structure often stands at the center of the festival grounds. It is not designed only for viewing; in several editions, large slides have extended from its icy walls.
During the 2025–2026 festival, six ice slides formed part of the Kremlin installation, allowing both children and adults to interact with the structure.
In daylight, visitors can see the textures, carvings and transparent layers of ice more clearly. After sunset, colorful lighting transforms the Kremlin into a glowing centerpiece and one of the festival’s most popular photography locations.
Although the theme and program change every year, several attractions commonly appear throughout the festival.
The festival features large-scale sculptures inspired by architecture, folklore, animals, history and fantasy.
Some installations are several meters tall and require teams of artists to complete. Colored lighting is often placed behind or inside the ice, highlighting its transparency and creating a completely different appearance after dark.
Some of the more delicate sculptures may be displayed in enclosed or temperature-controlled areas.
These halls allow artists to create smaller details that could be damaged by changes in outdoor temperature. Previous editions have also included installations made from snow or sand alongside the ice displays.
The festival usually includes a main stage where visitors can watch music, dance, theatrical performances and children’s programs.
Characters connected to the annual theme may appear throughout the festival grounds, interact with visitors and participate in parades or short performances.
Selected editions have offered workshops led by professional ice sculptors.
Participants can learn how artists shape frozen blocks, use specialized tools and turn a simple piece of ice into a three-dimensional figure. These workshops may require advance registration and often have limited capacity.
Ice slides are among the most popular attractions for families.
The festival may also include walk-through sculptures, themed photography areas and installations that visitors can touch or enter. Age, height and safety restrictions can vary, so parents should check the rules displayed at each attraction.
The festival has traditionally been held at Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill in western Moscow.
Victory Park is one of the city’s major public and memorial spaces. Its wide open areas provide enough room for large installations, performance stages, food stalls and visitor facilities.
The nearest metro station is Park Pobedy, which is served by two Moscow Metro lines. From the station, visitors can reach the festival area with a short walk.
During the New Year holiday period, public transport is usually more convenient than traveling by car or taxi, as nearby roads may become crowded.
The festival is generally scheduled around the New Year holiday season.
Recent editions have opened in late December and continued until the first or second week of January. For example:
These dates provide a useful indication of the usual festival period, but the official schedule can change each year. Travelers should verify the dates before finalizing their plans.
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Daytime and evening visits offer two very different experiences.
During daylight hours, the carvings, textures and construction details are easier to see. Earlier visits may also be more comfortable for families traveling with young children.
After sunset, the illuminated sculptures create a more dramatic and atmospheric setting. Colored lights reflect through the ice, turning the installations into glowing works of art.
Travelers interested in photography may prefer arriving shortly before sunset. This makes it possible to see the sculptures in natural light and stay for the evening illumination.
Weekends, public holidays and evening hours are usually busier. For a quieter experience, visit earlier in the day on a weekday whenever possible.
Opening hours, ticket prices and visitor rules may change with every edition.
Some previous editions used single-entry tickets, while electronic tickets had to be exchanged at the entrance. Discounts may be offered to children, families or selected visitor groups, but these conditions should not be assumed for future editions.
Before visiting, check the latest information about:
Buying tickets in advance may be helpful during weekends and the New Year holiday period.
Yes. The festival is primarily designed as a family-friendly winter event.
Children may enjoy the themed characters, ice slides, live performances, interactive sculptures and colorful lighting. However, Moscow’s winter temperatures should be taken seriously, especially when spending several hours outdoors.
Families should:
The festival can be enjoyable for young visitors when the cold weather is managed carefully.
Much of the festival takes place outdoors, and standing on frozen ground can feel colder than walking through the city.
Recommended clothing includes:
Hand warmers may also be useful. Cold temperatures can reduce phone and camera battery life, so carrying a fully charged power bank is recommended.
The festival offers excellent photography opportunities, especially after the lighting is switched on.
For better results:
The Ice Kremlin and the largest illuminated sculptures usually attract the biggest crowds, so patience may be needed to capture a clear image.
Victory Park is itself one of Moscow’s important public attractions.
Visitors can combine the festival with a walk around Poklonnaya Hill, which contains memorials, monuments and several notable cultural and religious buildings.
The Triumphal Arch is also located nearby, and the wide avenues around the park are particularly impressive in winter.
Allowing several hours for the area is recommended, especially when combining the ice festival with other attractions around Victory Park.
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A little preparation can make a winter visit much more comfortable.
Confirm the official dates before traveling.
Check the weather forecast on the day of your visit.
Purchase tickets in advance when possible.
Use the metro to reach Victory Park.
Wear proper winter footwear.
Arrive early during weekends and holidays.
Review the performance timetable before entering.
Keep tickets and identification accessible.
Follow safety instructions near the slides.
Carry a portable charger.
Allow extra time for queues and security checks.
Prepare an alternative plan in case of extreme weather.
The Moscow Ice Festival brings together sculpture, architecture, storytelling, illumination and winter entertainment in one of the city’s most distinctive seasonal settings.
Its giant Ice Kremlin, colorful sculptures, family performances and interactive attractions turn Victory Park into a temporary frozen city during the New Year holidays. Because the theme, dates, ticket prices and activities can change every year, checking the latest official announcements is essential before planning a visit.
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The festival has traditionally been held at Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow. The nearest metro station is Park Pobedy.
It is usually held from late December until the first or second week of January, around the New Year holiday period. Exact dates vary each year.
Popular attractions include the Ice Kremlin, giant illuminated sculptures, ice slides, indoor exhibitions, live performances and family entertainment.
Yes. Many activities are designed for families and children, but warm clothing and regular breaks from the cold are essential.
Most visitors need approximately two to four hours to see the sculptures, take photographs and enjoy the main activities. Busy days may require additional time.
As of August 2026, the dates for the winter 2026–2027 edition have not been officially announced. Visitors should check the latest event information before planning their trip.
