The Bolshoi Tsarskoe Selo or Catherine Palace was one of the most magnificent residences of the Russian emperors. It was built 25 kilometers to the south of St. Petersburg, Russia’s northern capital, which itself was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. In the short, sunny days of winter, the Catherine Park was incredibly beautiful. This is a rare place where you can see constructions built in the classical style by Catherine the Great’s favorite architect Charles Cameron and covered in a blanket of crystal clean snow. The topiary trees and bushes appear to be lovingly draped in snow by nature itself. For one day every year, on the eve of the New Year’s celebrations, the halls where their imperial majesties once danced are entirely given over to children. Russian Travel Guide invites you to a children’s ball at the country residence of the Russian emperors - the Catherine Palace.