Did you know that the real Russian Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) recently walked along the shores of the Bay of Bengal and visited ancient temples from the epic Mahabharata? His home is in Great Ustyug, a magical town waiting to welcome Indian families. More than just a festive destination, it’s a journey into a storybook Russian winter, where history, wonder, and warm hospitality create unforgettable memories for parents and children alike.
The magical fairytale house of Ded Moroz (Father Frost) in Great Ustyug covered in snow

A Warm Welcome from the Russian Winter Wizard

The connection between Great Ustyug and India is already special. In late 2025, Ded Moroz himself traveled to India, visiting Chennai, the Bay of Bengal, and even the ancient Pancha Rathas temples. He met with Indian children, who danced for him and shared their holiday wishes. Now, his home in the Russian North invites your family to continue this cultural exchange and experience the magic from the other side.

The Heart of the Magic: Ded Moroz’s Estate

Your adventure centers around the Votchina Ded Moroza (Father Frost’s Estate), located in a pine forest about 12 km from the town center. This isn’t a simple park; it’s a vast, immersive fairytale world. Families can spend a full day or more exploring:

The Fairy Tale Trail: Walk through the enchanted forest, meet storybook characters, and solve riddles to reach Ded Moroz’s wooden mansion.
Meet Ded Moroz & Snegurochka: Visit the grand house to meet the wizard himself and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden. You can even sit on his throne!
Year-Round Activities: Enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by huskies or reindeer, visit the winter garden and ice labyrinth, or learn about local herbs at the «forest pharmacy».

Tip: The estate is open all year, but the peak «wonderland» season is from December to March. Booking tickets online in advance for this period is highly recommended.
A family enjoying a reindeer sleigh ride through a snowy forest at Ded Moroz’s Estate

Explore the Historic Town: More Than Just Fairy Tales

Great Ustyog is an ancient merchant town, often called the «Northern Suzdal» for its well-preserved architecture. After the estate, explore the town itself:

City Residence of Ded Moroz: Located in a historic merchant’s mansion in the town center. It’s easier to visit spontaneously and hosts wonderful interactive tours and masterclasses.
Museum of New Year’s Toys: A nostalgic journey through time with a collection of over 3000 Christmas tree ornaments from the early 20th century to the present day.
Great Ustyug Museum-Reserve: Discover the town’s rich history as a trading hub. The complex includes several museums; the Museum of Nature with its interactive exhibits is a particular hit with children.
Sobornoye Dvorishche (Cathedral Courtyard): A beautiful complex of historic churches on the bank of the Sukhona River, offering a glimpse into the town’s deep spiritual heritage.

Practical Information for Your Family Trip

To make your fairytale trip smooth, here are the key details:

Best Time to Visit: For the full winter wonderland experience, plan your visit between December and early March. The magic is also present during the «Velvet Season» in September and during Ded Moroz’s birthday celebrations in November.
Getting There:
By Air: Fly to Moscow (SVO or DME), then take a connecting flight to Veliky Ustyug (VUS) via Cherepovets or Vologda.
By Train: A more scenic option is a special tourist train that runs during the holiday season from Moscow, designed for families heading to see Ded Moroz.
Family-Friendly Stays: You can stay in modern guest houses right on the grounds of Ded Moroz’s Estate for maximum immersion, or choose from cozy hotels in the town center.
For Indian Families: The local cuisine is hearty and Russian. For familiar tastes, it’s a good idea to check with your accommodation about meal options or plan to visit a supermarket in town.

Write Your Family’s Next Chapter of Wonder

Great Ustyug offers a unique blend of pure fantasy, cultural discovery, and authentic Russian hospitality that will delight every member of your family. Let Vizit Russia handle all the details of your magical journey.

Where every day is a page from a winter storybook.