creative writing queen mary

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• School of English and Drama
• Undergraduate
• Degree Programmes we Offer

English with Creative Writing

Qw11 ba (hons) 3 years, entry requirements, fees and funding, graduate employment.

Studying English with Creative Writing at QMUL will inspire your intellectual curiosity and spark your creativity. It aims to give you a sound knowledge base in literature along with all of the tools you need to become a writer.

Within the English part of the course, you will gain a deeper understanding of literary history and theory, exploring Subjects from medieval literature and Shakespeare to modernism, post-colonial and contemporary writing.

The creative writing section of the course is designed to develop your practical writing skills, and to give you an insight into the process of writing. You will have the opportunity to grow and flourish as a writer, whether in prose fiction, poetry, drama, film or creative non-fiction.

This combination will give you the skills necessary for a wide range of careers particularly within the creative industries.

There are also opportunities to spend a semester abroad at a partner university in Europe, Australia, Canada or the USA.

Register your interest

Why study English with Creative Writing at QMUL?

You will study English with Creative Writing in a School that has an international reputation for excellence. We were ranked fifth in the UK in the last national Research Excellence Framework (REF) - this means you will be taught by leading researchers in the field, and graduate with a degree that is recognised by employers and others for its academic quality.

Our academics are not just influential researchers; they are also dedicated teachers and we are proud of our high-quality teaching: In the 2015 National Student Survey, 96% of students praised our teaching, especially for making the subject intellectually stimulating, and for our enthusiastic teaching.

Although we are a big department, allowing you to personalise your degree and study the topics that most interest you, we are also a friendly department. You will have plenty of staff contact, and we will work with you to aid your academic, personal, and professional development. A compulsory final year module asks you to reflect on your development at QMUL, and academics will be on hand to offer support and proactive advice on securing employment and networking opportunities.

While teaching takes place at our scenic Mile End campus, our Queen Mary English degrees make full use of the literary and cultural resources London offers. Studying in London - and in the East End - also gives you the unique opportunity of experiencing the spaces that the writers you study inhabited, as you walk through the London of Chaucer, Dickens, Woolf, and Monica Ali.

Study abroad

You can choose to apply for a four-year version of this degree with a full year abroad. We have links with universities around the world, including Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia (specific partnerships for each programme may vary).

While there are no extra tuition fees associated with these placements abroad, you will need to cover the cost of your transport to your destination and your living expenses, including accommodation.

Find out more about study abroad opportunities at QMUL .

• Introduction to Creative Writing (30 credits)
• Narrative (15 credits)
• Poetry (15 credits)
• Reading, Theory and Interpretation (30 credits)
• Shakespeare (30 credits)
• English in Practice (non credit)

From 2017 we are introducing the  QMUL Model  to all our degrees. In your first year, you’ll meet the requirements of the QMUL Model through the compulsory module Reading, Theory and Interpretation: approaches to the study of English Literature. In your second and final year, you’ll be able to choose modules from the School of English and Drama, and elsewhere at Queen Mary. These modules will provide you with opportunities to develop skills related to networking, interdisciplinarity, global perspectives, and entrepreneurship. For further information on this initiative please visit QMUL Model .

• Creative Writing Prose: the Short Story (15 credits)
• Creative Writing Poetry (15 credits)
• English option (15 credits)
• English List module (30 credits)
• Dissertation (English or Creative Writing) (30 credits)
• Creative Writing option (15 credits)

General Admission Entry Requirements can be found below.

2018 Entry requirements

General admissions entry requirements, english language proficiency.

All applicants to QMUL must show they meet a minimum academic English language standard for admission and to be successful on the course, to the indicated levels for the area of study. See our guidance on English Language requirements for all degree programmes .

Vocational and Other Qualifications

The College accepts a wide range of qualifications such as Access and Foundation programmes, vocational awards, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers and other Baccalaureates. You are advised to contact the Admissions team ( [email protected] ) before making an application so that we can give individual advice.

Admission is based on academic merit and on the proven ability of the applicant to achieve success on their chosen programme of study. Every application to Queen Mary is considered on its individual merits with personal statement and reference taken into consideration.

Combined Qualifications

If you are taking a combination of qualifications at Level 3, we will consider your academic profile and may make offers on a case-by-case basis. You are advised to contact the Admissions team ( [email protected] ) before making an application so that we can give individual advice.

Advanced Entry

Subject to the policy of the programme, it may be possible for students to join undergraduate degree programmes at the beginning of the second year of a three or four year degree programme or, sometimes, the beginning of the third year of a four year programme. Please note, not all schools will consider advanced entry. You are advised to contact the Admissions team ( [email protected] ) before making an application for individual advice.

If you are applying for advanced entry on the basis of a post A-Level qualification, such as the BTEC HND, you should apply via UCAS in the usual way. If you wish to transfer your degree studies from another UK higher education institution, you will be considered on the basis of your original A-Level or equivalent qualifications, current syllabus, academic references and results.

We typically expect you to have achieved a 2.1 standard on your current programme and have already met the standard equivalent first year entry requirements. Applications must be submitted via UCAS.

Non-UK students

European and international applicants.

Our students come from over 162 countries and we accept a wide range of European and International Qualifications for entry, in addition to A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please see our International Admissions webpages for further details of our academic requirements, and information regarding how we assess the equivalence of your qualification.

Applicants will typically be expected to be taking academic subjects relevant to the programme of study. You are advised to review the A-Level and IB requirements for an indication of these subjects. If you are at all unclear, the Admissions team ( [email protected] ) is happy to advise you further.

Further Information

For any other enquiries directly relating to our entry requirements, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office directly. Telephone: +44 (0)20 7882 5511 Email: [email protected]

See our information and guidance on how to apply .

Learning and teaching

Tuition fees for home and eu students.

2018/19 Academic Year Full-time £9,250

Tuition fees for International students

2018/19 Academic Year Full-time £15,400

You can either take out a Tuition Fee Loan (see Funding section below) to pay your fees or, if you are paying them yourself, you can pay in instalments.

Tuition fees for a year abroad or placement year on a full time undergraduate course will be a proportion of the full fee for the year in which you commence your time abroad or placement.

For information on field trip and other course related costs which are not included in your tuition fee, please contact the relevant Department/School.

See more general information about fees .

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 7676 email: [email protected]

Queen Mary has a substantial package of scholarships and bursaries which will benefit around 50 per cent of our undergraduate student body.

Scholarships and Bursaries available at Queen Mary for Home/EU Students

There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available each year for home students. Visit our Bursaries and Scholarships page for more information.

Visit our Advice and Counselling website for more information about financial support.

Scholarships available at Queen Mary for International Students

There are a number of Scholarships available each year for International Students including bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas.

Find out more about international scholarships .

Some International students may also be eligible for a fee reduction .

Loans and Grants available to help with tuition fees and living costs

Student Finance England administers all grant and loans for your studies if you normally live in England.

If you live in Wales , Scotland or Northern Ireland you have an equivalent Student Finance department for your region.

Through Student Finance England, you can apply for (figures relate to programmes starting from September 2016):

• A Tuition Fee Loan of up to £9,000 to pay all or part of your fees
• A Maintenance Loan of up to £10,702 to help pay your living costs like rent, food and travel
• Extra grants if you have a disability or you have children or an adult dependant
• You might get a grant to cover some travel expenses if you normally live in England but study away from home. If you’re a medical or dental student you might also qualify for help with the costs of attending clinical placements in the UK.

Visit Student Finance Information to find out more about:

• How to apply for student finance
• What eligibility rules apply, including if you already have a degree or previous higher education study
• What the income thresholds are and how much you might personally get for each element of Student Finance
• What to do if you have problems getting your Student Finance

Other financial help on offer at Queen Mary

We offer one to one specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service , which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Our Advice and Counselling Service also has lots of Student Advice Guides on all aspects of finance including:

• Additional sources of funding
• Planning your budget and cutting costs
• Part-time and vacation work
• Money for lone parents

For more information visit the Advice and Counselling service website , or call +44 (0)20 7882 8717.

Our English graduates go on to work in a wide variety of roles in a range of sectors including the arts, publishing, the media, heritage and charity.

The national 2014 destination survey confirmed that 92% of graduates from the School were in employment or study six months after graduation, with 71% of this group already working or studying at graduate level. Queen Mary undergraduates have an average earning power of £23,000 six months after graduation.

The broad range of skills gained through undergraduate courses in the School, coupled with multiple opportunities for extra-curricular activities and work experience, have enabled students to move into careers such as:

• Junior Producer - ITN
• Actor - Self employed
• Script Reader - Writers Avenue
• Editorial Assistant - Dazed & Confused Magazine
• Associate Producer - Idle Motion
• PR Assistant - Proud Gallery
• Research Assistant - Tatler
• Programme Compiler - Channel 4
• Market Researcher - Maritz
• Global Mobility Project Assistant - Diageo
• Marketing Coordinator - News Quest Ltd

Throughout the course, you will have access to an annual Queen Mary Careers and Enterprise Centre programme, to prepare you for internships and graduate level work. This includes employer led workshops on job applications and interviews as well as over 90 employer events to facilitate networks and help students to explore their options. Recent events include an Experience Journalism workshop run by News Associates, Experience Teaching with TeachFirst, Careers in Law for non-law students and Start Up Stand up for those aspiring to start their own social enterprise or business.

Opportunities for work experience are substantial given Queen Mary’s location between Canary Wharf, the City and the Olympic Village. Students are encouraged to build their work experience throughout their period of study. Opportunities can be found through QProjects, a local work experience scheme, QRecruit, which advertises internships and temporary work, Experience Works, a part time work fair, and volunteering with QMSU Provide. There are also over 1400 vacancies to browse on the QM JobOnline vacancy site.

Queen Mary’s extensive campus also provides over 1200 on-campus job and volunteer opportunities, including a chance to volunteer for QMedia (which produces QMTV, The Print newspaper and CUB Magazine from the Students’ Union).

Read more about our careers programmes and range of work experience opportunities on the Queen Mary Careers and Enterprise Centre pages.

This is a new programme, so we don’t have any profiles of recent graduates. But amongst the alumni of the English Department who have gone on to careers in creative writing are J.G. Ballard, Malcolm Bradbury, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Conn Iggulden, Eleanor Updale, Kate Williams, and Sarah Waters.

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Creative Writing MA Queen Mary University of London

Course options

Qualification.

MA - Master of Arts

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

This programme is ideal if you are keen to explore genres such as fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and the creative and critical connections between them. We will introduce you to a wide variety of approaches to writing and contemporary examples.

Develop your creative work with the support of internationally renowned, award-winning novelists, poets and nonfiction writers. The Creative Writing team at Queen Mary includes Rachael Allen, Katherine Angel, Brian Dillon, Michael Hughes, Nisha Ramayya, Rivers Solomon, and Isabel Waidner. Guest speakers on the programme have included Alexander Chee, Olivia Laing, Darran Anderson, A.K. Blakemore and more.

Consider fundamental questions about contemporary writing.

Complete a substantial independent writing project in your chosen genre, with one-to-one support and supervision.

Study on the only Creative Writing MA offered by a Russell Group university in London.

Get involved with our thriving practice and research culture, with special focus on innovative and hybrid writing. The Subtexts event series hosts the most exciting local and international writers in warm, accessible spaces in East London, as well as more intimate work-in-progress events for research students. Our brand-new Centre for Contemporary Writing has strong links to wider literary culture and publishing, and programmes public events, symposia, and interdisciplinary workshops. And you can join the editorial team or submit to our fabulous literary journal Subtexts, gaining vital experience in publishing from both sides.

Career paths

The MA Creative Writing provides a grounding in research methodologies and practices for students who intended to progress to doctoral work, an enhanced understanding of the study of literature relevant to students who intended to follow a teaching career, and improved competence in transferable skills valued more generally in the market place, including the analysis of complex evidence, the oral and written presentation of arguments and information, and effective time-management. Employer feedback has particularly valued the research skills and high level of critical thinking acquired by graduates of similar MA programmes and the contribution these make to the problem-solving abilities required of those who work at senior levels in complex organizations.

Application deadline

09 September 2024

Module Options

Tuition fees.

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£ 24,000 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

Queen Mary University of London

University league table, campus address.

Queen Mary University of London, Admissions and Recruitment Office, Mile End Road, London, Tower Hamlets, E1 4NS, England

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Creative Writing MA

Queen mary university of london, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Creative Writing

Course type

This programme is ideal if you are keen to explore genres such as fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and the creative and critical connections between them. We will introduce you to a wide variety of approaches to writing and contemporary examples.

Develop your creative work with the support of internationally renowned, award-winning novelists, poets and nonfiction writers. The Creative Writing team at Queen Mary includes Rachael Allen, Katherine Angel, Brian Dillon, Michael Hughes, Nisha Ramayya, Rivers Solomon, and Isabel Waidner. Guest speakers on the programme have included Alexander Chee, Olivia Laing, Darran Anderson, A.K. Blakemore and more.

Consider fundamental questions about contemporary writing.

Complete a substantial independent writing project in your chosen genre, with one-to-one support and supervision.

Study on the only Creative Writing MA offered by a Russell Group university in London.

Get involved with our thriving practice and research culture, with special focus on innovative and hybrid writing. The Subtexts event series hosts the most exciting local and international writers in warm, accessible spaces in East London, as well as more intimate work-in-progress events for research students. Our brand-new Centre for Contemporary Writing has strong links to wider literary culture and publishing, and programmes public events, symposia, and interdisciplinary workshops. And you can join the editorial team or submit to our fabulous literary journal Subtexts, gaining vital experience in publishing from both sides.

Career paths

The MA Creative Writing provides a grounding in research methodologies and practices for students who intended to progress to doctoral work, an enhanced understanding of the study of literature relevant to students who intended to follow a teaching career, and improved competence in transferable skills valued more generally in the market place, including the analysis of complex evidence, the oral and written presentation of arguments and information, and effective time-management. Employer feedback has particularly valued the research skills and high level of critical thinking acquired by graduates of similar MA programmes and the contribution these make to the problem-solving abilities required of those who work at senior levels in complex organizations.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Degree requirements: A 2:1 or above or above at undergraduate level in a humanities discipline such as English, History, Cultural Studies or Media Studies. Other routes: Promising applicants who do not meet the formal academic criteria but who possess relevant credentials and who can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at Masters level will also be considered. As part of the admissions process we may request examples of written and creative work and/or interview candidates. Applications from mature and non-traditional candidates are welcomed.

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is an internationally regarded public research institution based in London. It has a long history, dating back over 230 years, and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities. Queen Mary has five campuses in the city of London and an international network of satellite campuses in China, Malta, Paris and Singapore. There is a population of around 16,000 students at the London campuses and... more

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Study options.

• International

What will I learn?

This programme is ideal if you are keen to explore genres such as fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and the creative and critical connections between them. We will introduce you to a wide variety of approaches to writing and contemporary examples.

Develop your creative work with the support of internationally renowned, award-winning novelists, poets and nonfiction writers. The Creative Writing team at Queen Mary includes Rachael Allen, Katherine Angel, Brian Dillon, Michael Hughes, Nisha Ramayya, Rivers Solomon, and Isabel Waidner. Guest speakers on the programme have included Alexander Chee, Olivia Laing, Darran Anderson, A.K. Blakemore and more.

Consider fundamental questions about contemporary writing.

Complete a substantial independent writing project in your chosen genre, with one-to-one support and supervision.

Study on the only Creative Writing MA offered by a Russell Group university in London.

Get involved with our thriving practice and research culture, with special focus on innovative and hybrid writing. The Subtexts event series hosts the most exciting local and international writers in warm, accessible spaces in East London, as well as more intimate work-in-progress events for research students. Our brand-new Centre for Contemporary Writing has strong links to wider literary culture and publishing, and programmes public events, symposia, and interdisciplinary workshops. And you can join the editorial team or submit to our fabulous literary journal Subtexts, gaining vital experience in publishing from both sides.

Career paths

The MA Creative Writing provides a grounding in research methodologies and practices for students who intended to progress to doctoral work, an enhanced understanding of the study of literature relevant to students who intended to follow a teaching career, and improved competence in transferable skills valued more generally in the market place, including the analysis of complex evidence, the oral and written presentation of arguments and information, and effective time-management. Employer feedback has particularly valued the research skills and high level of critical thinking acquired by graduates of similar MA programmes and the contribution these make to the problem-solving abilities required of those who work at senior levels in complex organizations.

Which department am I in?

Full time (1 year).

Please check with institution

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

* View details on institution website

2 September 2024

16 September 2024

Mile End Road,

Tower Hamlets,

E1 4NS, England

Entry requirements

For international students.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

About Queen Mary University of London 14 Reviews

Students of all backgrounds can enjoy an exceptional education, and all the culture that London has to offer, if they choose to study at Queen Mary.

• A world-leading Russell Group university
• An exceptionally diverse student body
• Excellent facilities with lots of investment
• Has produced eight Nobel Prize winners

English Department Announces 2024 Creative Writing Award Winners

Georgetown University’s English department announced April 17 four student winners of the department’s 2024 creative writing awards, which celebrate student writers for their achievement in short stories, poetry and narrative writing.

The four creative writing awards are The Bernard M. Wagner Medal for excellence in writing for any genre besides drama, The Annabelle Bonner Medal for technical skill in a short story or narrative, The Lynch Pendergast Medal for the best essay on any topic in the English field and The Ora Mary Pelham Poetry Prize for the best poem or collection of poems. The department will honor the winners — Genevieve Jobson (CAS ’26), Josephine Wu (CAS ’24), Clayton Kincade (SFS ’25) and Maya Kominsky (CAS ’24) — in an April 30 ceremony.

Phil Sandick, an associate teaching professor in the English department and the director of the creative writing minor , said the awards help Georgetown student writers grow in how they think about writing for an audience.

“I think these awards do tremendous work,” Sandick wrote to The Hoya. “First and foremost, revising a piece to submit for the awards is its own important activity.”

“As a writer, you have to think like a reader: What will make this piece stand out, command someone’s attention, keep them connected to what you’re trying to do here?” Sandick added. “When I was a fiction editor for a literary magazine, it changed the way I thought about first pages and copyediting, and I know students really take the submissions process seriously. That comes with benefits regardless of the outcome.”

Wu, who won the Annabelle Bonner Medal — and the Bernard M. Wagner award for short stories last year — said she did not expect to win for her piece “Shark Body.”

“I saw it won the annual Bonner Medal, I was excited,” Wu told The Hoya. “I was excited to receive recognition for some of my work.”

Wu’s piece, “Shark Body,” follows the story of a mother and daughter who discover a shark in a lake and take it back to their home to care for the animal. Wu said this short story is part of her senior thesis collection of short stories. 

Kincade said he was shocked yet grateful to have won The Ora Mary Pelham Poetry Prize for his sonnet “A Sonnet to My Scottish Forefathers.”

“I was honestly very surprised,” Kincade told The Hoya. “I’ve never won something for poetry before. And so it’s very validating for professionals to say this is the best.”

​​Full disclosure: Clayton Kincade (SFS ’25) currently serves as a staff writer in The Guide, The Hoya’s arts and culture section. He previously served as The Hoya’s senior guide editor in Fall 2022, executive editor in Spring 2023 and senior news editor in Fall 2023.

Kincade said he drew inspiration from his ancestors’ thoughts and actions before learning about what would happen next. 

“The poem is just kind of about the idea of being really scared for your future,” Kincade said. “The idea of wanting to be loved but also, again, not sure what the future holds and the unease of simply not knowing what’s coming ahead.”

Jobson, who won The Bernard M. Wagner Medal for “Sunday,” said the award was particularly gratifying because she had long wanted to pursue creative writing. 

“I was really excited,” Jobson told The Hoya. “I’ve really liked to write for a long time since I was a little kid, and I took a creative writing class in high school, which I enjoyed, so I wanted to continue creative writing here.”

Jobson added that she drew inspiration for “Sunday” after seeing a church in Rosslyn, Va., built upon a gas station. She said this allowed her to reflect on the themes of gentrification and what it means to build over spaces and land. 

Wu said she believes creative writing can be lonely, but this award creates community and rewards writers for the time spent during this process. 

“It’s obviously really fulfilling, but it’s oftentimes filled with a lot of grief, a lot of energy spent pouring into a single storyline or a single character, so I definitely agree with the idea that it is a lonely enterprise,” Wu said. “So I think being rewarded or encouraged for it is something that I love that Georgetown is doing.”

Jobson said she plans to continue writing, especially after winning a creative writing award. 

“It’s always nice to be recognized for something that you care about and put hard work into,” Jobson said. “And I definitely would continue writing even if I hadn’t been recognized with this award, but it’s definitely really, really lovely that I was, and I’m really grateful.”

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2024 duke english creative writing scholarship awards, april 23, 2024.

Quantá Holden | Duke English | Digital Communication Specialist

Duke English is delighted to share the 2024 Creative Writing Scholarships honorees. Each year, Duke English faculty members nominate undergraduate students for one of the Creative Writing Scholarships based on the exceptional work they submitted in one or more of their creative writing courses. The Creative Writing Committee selects the winners of the prestigious William M. Blackburn, Francis Pemberton, and Margaret Rose Knight Sanford Scholarships. Students nominated must be eligible for financial aid to receive these scholarships.

2024 Creative Writing Scholarship Recipients:

Frances Pemberton Scholarship Awarded to a junior or senior pursuing the study of creative writing.  This scholarship was created by the Trustees of The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation in memory and in honor of Francis Pemberton's service to the Biddle Foundation.

Ryan Copeland , ‘25

Margaret Rose Knight Sanford Scholarship Awarded to a female student who demonstrates particular promise in creative writing.  This scholarship was established in recognition of the untiring efforts of Margaret Rose Knight Sanford on behalf of Duke University.

Ali Thursland , ‘24

William Blackburn Scholarship Recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of creative writing.  Established in 1962 by students and friends of Professor William Blackburn (1899-1969) who first began teaching creative writing at Duke.

Jocelyn Chin , ‘24 Sage Cooley , ‘25 Joshua Lee , ‘26 Rani Teddy , ‘26

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Things to Do in Moscow During the Winter

Moscow Winter Festivals and Activities

Travel to Moscow during winter is a unique experience—you won't lack for things to do and see. Russians are experts at making the Moscow winter season fun and festive, so whether you are outdoors braving the chilly temperatures or indoors and safe from the cold, there are a variety of activities to keep you busy during this time.

In winter, Moscow is home to exciting winter festivals and incredible ice sculptures, not to mention plenty of opportunities for skating and cross-country skiing.

Ice Skating in Moscow

Ice skating rinks are plentiful in Moscow during winter. In the heart of historic Moscow, there is an ice rink in front of the GUM department store in Red Square every year. In fact, there are more than 45 ice rinks in Moscow. Other popular ice skating rinks can be found at Gorky Park, Sokolniki Park, Izmailovsky Park, and Patriarch's Pond. Gorky Park usually features the largest artificial ice rink. It is so large that it is estimated that it can take 10 to 15 minutes on average to skate around the rink just once (this might be as long as you can bear to stay outside in the Moscow winter!).

Icebreaker Cruise on the Moscow River

Boat cruises down the Moscow River offer a special view of Moscow, winter time or otherwise. Previously only available during the warm seasons, you can take an icebreaker boat cruise that can break up the ice that crusts over the river during the winter. You can enjoy dinner or lunch during this 2-hour cruise while viewing the snow-capped sights of Moscow from within the glass-enclosed deck.

Ice Sculpture in Moscow

CC0 Creative Commons /Pixabay

Ice sculptors show off their skills in the Moscow winter. One popular example is scaled-down models of various parts of Russian cities  made of ice. Ice sculpting competitions are organized on an annual basis at various venues, including Sokolniki Park and Park Pobedy, and feature various themes. If you are traveling with the kids, check out the ​snow art school in Perovsky Park where they teach children how to build sculptures from snow and ice using special techniques.

Snowman Parades

The snow is so plentiful in Moscow during winter that it is possible to create legions of snowmen within a small area. Look for snowman parades on Arbat Street and elsewhere in Moscow. Keep on the lookout for snowman-building competitions, which are likely after a heavy snowfall. In winter, Moscow can become surprisingly competitive!

Painting on Snow Competition

Speaking of Moscow winter competitions, an annual one called "Art on Snow" takes place in Moscow's Sokolniki Park. Dozens of families participate in creating temporary masterpieces on the smooth white canvas nature provides during winter.

Moscow Winter Festivals

Russians love to celebrate the winter weather and the holidays. Moscow's Russian Winter Festival coincides with other winter festivals across Russia, but due to its popularity and the city's resources, the Moscow version of the Russian Winter Festival is a huge event, running from mid-December to mid-January.

Other popular winter festivals include Moscow's December Nights, New Year's Eve festivities in Red Square, and finally  Maslenitsa , which heralds the end of winter and coincides with the start of the Lenten season. Even if you've never thought to visit the city during winter, Moscow is beckoning.

New Year's Trees

Russians mark the holidays with New Year's trees rather than Christmas trees, but these trees usually stay up until the Russian Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Inevitably, trees will be erected at significant spots in the city, like Red Square and the Kremlin's Cathedral Square. These trees offer travelers Moscow winter photo opportunities by day and by night ​when they glow with their trimmings of lights.​

Winter Sporting Fun

Svetlov Artem/Wikimedia Commons

In addition to ice skating, more than 40 parks throughout Moscow offer dozens of ski tracks and walking paths. Ski tracks are largely illuminated and have heated locker rooms and rental points. Also, visitors to a majority of those parks can enjoy tubing and ice slides. Through Moscow, winter gear including skates, skis, sleds, tubes, and snowboards, are available on-site.

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