St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and former capital of the Russian Empire, is counting down the days until New Year and Christmas, which is celebrated by Russian Orthodox Christians on January 7.

There are several Catholic and Protestant communities in St. Petersburg that adhere to the Gregorian calendar, though.

The city traditionally decorates itself for the festive season with elements inspired by its imperial past. Glittering crowns and stylized double-headed eagles (the latter still used in Russia’s official heraldry) adorn the streets after dusk.

Some observers say that the Northern Capital (another epithet often applied to St. Petersburg) is more elegantly festooned than Moscow.

As elsewhere, locals and tourists of all ages enjoy skating, riding merry-go-rounds, visiting Christmas markets, and taking pictures.

-Reuters