Christmas and New Year's Day / Ded Moroz

Discover the fascinating Soviet history behind Russia's biggest holiday, Novy God. Learn why New Year's Eve outshines Christmas in Russian culture — and how those traditions live on in the diaspora today.

Discover the rich folklore origins of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) — Russia's beloved New Year characters — from ancient Slavic myth to Soviet celebration and modern tradition.