Month in Russian kitchen: More Christmas fairs and sweet honey

Christmas fair on Moscow square

As Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 — and the country takes the first 10 days of the year off as official federal holidays — celebrations in Russia are just beginning as the rest of the world goes back to work. January holiday markets are among the biggest in the country, and one of the most important is St. Petersburg’s Holiday Market on Moscow Square. Open until Jan. 8, it features lights, pine trees, toys — and holiday food, of course.

Traditional Russian gingerbread treats and European-style waffles will be available to eat or take home. For something more substantial, food trucks will be parked nearby where chefs will be preparing tasty street food.

The All-Russian Santa Claus festival will also take place during the fair along with an exhibition of ice sculptures called "Ice Fairytale” and a trade show of gingerbread houses.

Fun on Yelagin Island

The Kirov central park on St. Petersburg's Yelagin Island will have its own Christmas market. It will be smaller than the festival on Moscow Square, but with plenty of its own charms. This festival has much to offer the younger set. From Jan. 3 to Jan. 7, special programs will be offered three times a day. The options include learning about ancient Christmas traditions, watching puppet shows on Biblical themes or listening to fairy tales.

There will also be master classes on the secrets of preparing Russian gingerbread treats, which are actually not made from gingerbread. Masters of this art will teach visitors how to prepare and decorate gingerbread items to take home.

Shows will start at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and last approximately an hour and a half. Ticket prices range from 100 to 500 rubles (from $2 to $8).

Celebrating with sweets in Chelyabinsk

Credit: Vostock-Photo

Later in January, the city of Chelyabinsk invites visitors to a festival called "Honey Paradise." During the celebration, from Jan. 26-29, more than 100 companies from all over the country will be presenting their honey — and more.

Experienced beekeepers will teach visitors about the healing properties of royal jelly, bee glue (propolis) and pollen. Honey made from all kinds of plants will be available, including chestnut, timber, buckwheat, polyfloral, steppe, thistle, heather, sweet clover, acacia, clover, lime, meadow, alfalfa, raspberry, dandelion, fruit and barberry.

Visitors can taste before they buy and beekeepers will help guests select the perfect variety.

Gifts from Belarus

From Jan. 3-8, visitors to Moscow’s Sokolniki Exhibition Center will be able to sample products from Belarus. This neighboring country has always had close ties with Russia, but is less industrialized and has maintained high standards of quality for farm products. Dairy products, meat and fish will be on hand to try and buy. Handicrafts and other goods produced in Belarus will also be available for traditionally low prices.

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