From December 30, 2019 to January 8, 2020 large-scale New Year and Christmas celebrations took place in the cities and towns of the Vologda Region. Celebrating this wonderful holiday is one of the most heartwarming traditions. About 210,000 people visited the Vologda Oblast during New Year and Christmas holidays.
Veliky Ustyug became a magnet for tourists. Over 100,000 people chose this city for their winter holidays.
Ded Moroz lives in his wooden palace in the pine forests at Votchina 15 km off the town of Veliky Ustyug on the bank of the Sukhona River (about 450 km northeast of Vologda, the capital of the Vologda Region).
Veliky Ustyug has much to offer the discerning visitor. It has a remarkable place on Russia's tourist map. With a unique cultural and historical heritage, the city, abundant with architectural monuments and arts, has great tourism potential.
The official residence of Ded Moroz (Russia's Santa Claus) is located in Veliky Ustyug. It is in traditional "terem" style. The residence welcomes visitors all year around, but naturally it is especially popular during the New Year's holiday season.
The residence of Ded Moroz includes not only the house of Ded Moroz. The possessions of Ded Moroz are quite extensive. On the premises of his residence is a post office (where all the letters addressed to “Ded Moroz” are delivered), a children's theme park, a fair, a forge, a glacier and the Path of Fairy Tales.
Here you can find a wide range of sports facilities such as skis, sledges, boats, and fishing-rods. These facilities are spread throughout the territory and include sports to suit every taste. The residence provides a true air of New Year's fairy tale atmosphere and the focus on the pure pleasures of the great outdoors.
The main celebrations were also held in Vologda, Cherepovets and Kirillov. During New Year holidays over 65,000 people visited museums and cultural programs in these cities.
The celebrations in Vologda included an annual lighting up of the first New Year’s tree in the heart of Vologda, fireworks, live music, master-classes and holiday dishes. Lots of artist groups brought the best of their music and dance to Vologda to create the spirit of Christmas and make the holidays brighter.