New Year Holidays 2026: 10 Destinations for Day Trips

January holidays are a small life. But by the third day of home comfort, the soul usually demands a change of scenery. A one-day trip (one day trip format) is an ideal way to get new emotions without spending on hotels and without falling behind schedule. We have chosen 10 destinations where you can go in the morning and return in the evening, full of impressions.

Kolomna (from Moscow)

This is probably the most “delicious” and atmospheric city in the Moscow region. In winter Kolomna turns into a living postcard from the 19th century. The main goal of the trip is gastronomy. Start with the “Kalachnaya” museum, where you'll eat a hot kalach with goose pâté, then head to the pastila factory to try apple clouds made according to old recipes. A walk along the Kolomna Kremlin and the embankment will help you work up an appetite for lunch in one of the merchant restaurants. Tickets from Moscow to Kolomna are easy to find for every day, and the journey time will be less than two hours.

Vyborg (from St. Petersburg)

Vyborg will replace a trip to medieval Europe for you. Just an hour on the “Lastochka” train – and you're walking along narrow cobbled streets. In winter, it's especially cozy here: snow lies on Castle Island, hot glögg is poured in shops, and famous pretzels are sold. Be sure to climb St. Olaf's Tower and take a walk through the snowy Mon Repos Park – in winter, its cliffs and frozen bay look stern and majestic. You'll get there in just a couple of hours; trains from St. Petersburg to Vyborg depart from Finlyandsky Station.

Suzdal (from Moscow)

The epitome of “Russian winter”. People come here to ride painted sleighs pulled by a troika of horses, drink hot mead in Trade Square, and listen to the bell ringing of the Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery. The city is compact, there are few cars in the center, so walking is a pleasure. The main thing is to dress warmly, Suzdal winds can be treacherous.

Ruskeala (from St. Petersburg)

A one-day trip to Karelia is real if you choose the “Ruskeala Express”. This is a retro steam-powered train that departs from Sortavala. The interiors of the carriages are stylized to the early 20th century, conductors wear historical uniforms, and snow-covered fir trees float past the window. In the Ruskeala Mountain Park itself, artistic lighting is turned on in winter for the Marble Canyon, transforming it into a fairy tale setting.

Tula (from Moscow)

Tula is not only gingerbread and samovars, but also a trendy tourist cluster. The restored Kremlin, the stylish Kazanskaya Embankment, and the creative space “Octava” – there's plenty to explore here. Add a visit to Yasnaya Polyana (Leo Tolstoy's estate), which is very close by, to your itinerary. In winter, a special philosophical silence reigns there. All you need to do is get tickets from Moscow to Tula, watch a movie for two hours while sitting in a comfortable chair, and you're there!

Zelenogradsk (from Kaliningrad)

If you're in the west of the country, head to the city of cats. Zelenogradsk in winter means the noisy Baltic Sea, the Resort Avenue decorated with lights, and the scent of mulled wine. Here, European architecture coexists with cozy coffee shops. Stroll along the promenade, breathe in the iodine-rich air, and find all the cat graffiti in the city. An ideal place for a relaxed day.

Istra and New Jerusalem (from Moscow)

A destination for those seeking spiritual tranquility and art. The New Jerusalem Resurrection Monastery impresses with its architecture, replicating the shrines of the Holy Land. After the tour, be sure to visit the “New Jerusalem” museum complex next door – it regularly hosts exhibitions on par with major metropolitan museums.

Kronstadt (from St. Petersburg)

The city of naval glory has become one of the fastest-developing tourist destinations. In addition to the magnificent Naval Cathedral, there is now the “Island of Forts” park here. In winter, a large Christmas market and tubing slides operate there. A walk along the Alley of Naval Heroes and the view of the frozen Gulf of Finland with warships create a special atmosphere.

Krasnaya Polyana (from Sochi)

If you are spending your holidays on the coast, be sure to set aside a day for the mountains. Even if you don't ski, going up to the mountains is worth it for the contrast: in the morning you walked among palm trees by the sea, and an hour later you're playing snowballs at an altitude of 2000 meters. Stroll along the Mzymta River embankment in Rosa Khutor, admire the architecture of “Russian Switzerland”, take the cable car to the peak to see the clouds beneath your feet, and have dinner in one of the panoramic restaurants.

Veliky Novgorod (from St. Petersburg)

The cradle of Russian statehood is just a couple of hours' drive away. The Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets) is the oldest preserved in Russia. Walk along the battlements of the fortress wall, see St. Sophia Cathedral and the Monument to the Millennium of Russia. Afterward, head to the “Vitoslavlitsy” Museum of Wooden Architecture – traditional festivities with songs and winter fun are held there. The fastest “Lastochka” train from St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod takes 3 hours.

Tip: on holidays, it's better to buy tickets for electric trains (“Lastochka”, express trains) and popular museums online 3-5 days in advance. This will save you hours of waiting.