Gorodskaya Rezidentsiya Deda Moroza

Ded Moroz's Town Residence invites you to dive into an atmosphere of endless celebration—a cozy fairy-tale center located in the heart of the ancient city of Veliky Ustyug. It is not just a museum, but an interactive space where legends come to life and the spirit of the New Year is preserved even on the hottest summer afternoon.

The residence has become one of the key sites of a large-scale tourism project that has made this region famous throughout the country. Here, in Russia, a unique infrastructure has been created to welcome guests of all ages: from halls with magical thrones to specialized post office branches where letters from all over the world arrive.

Visitors can look forward to learning about the lifestyle and traditions of the winter wizard. The high rating of this destination confirms that hospitality and attention to detail make a visit here truly magical. This is the perfect starting point for those who want to begin their acquaintance with the homeland of Ded Moroz before heading to his countryside estate.

To contact the representatives of this magical abode and clarify visit details, you can use the following information:

The main event at the Town Residence is, undoubtedly, a personal meeting with Ded Moroz. The wizard receives guests in his throne room, listens to their most cherished wishes, and happily poses for commemorative photos. For young visitors, it’s a chance to prove they’ve been good and receive a small souvenir directly from the master of winter.

The residence constantly hosts interactive programs and creative workshops. Here, you can make your own New Year's ornament, learn the basics of traditional Russian crafts, or create a fairy-tale handicraft under the guidance of experienced masters. Be sure to look into the themed halls, which house gifts sent to Ded Moroz by children from all corners of the country.

Don't forget to stop by the magic post office to send a postcard with a special stamp to your loved ones. After the busy program, you can stroll through nearby souvenir shops selling the famous Vologda sweets, birch bark items, and, of course, warm felt boots (valenki). In summer, the residence surprises guests with bright animation shows, and in winter—with magnificent ice sculptures at the entrance.

Ded Moroz's Town Residence is located in the heart of the historical center at 85 Sovetskiy Prospekt. This location is within walking distance of the embankment, near the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug rivers, making the walk there very scenic.

If you are traveling from Moscow, the route usually goes through Vologda. You can take a train or a plane and then transfer to a scheduled bus or taxi to Veliky Ustyug. The bus journey takes about 5–6 hours. During the summer, there is a romantic way to reach the city—by riverboat along the Northern Dvina.

Within the city itself, the residence is easily reachable on foot from the railway station (about a 15–20 minute walk) or by taking city buses No. 1 and No. 2. For those who prefer comfort, taxi services are readily available. If you are traveling by private car, free parking is provided near the residence.

The history of this fairy-tale place began in 1998. The idea to make Veliky Ustyug the home of the country's main winter wizard arose during the anniversaries of several cities. The project gained significant momentum with the support of the Moscow and Vologda region governments, turning the ancient town into a major center for event tourism in Russia.

Interestingly, the modern image and legend of Ded Moroz were shaped through a creative competition. In 1999, a contest was held, and the winning legend was based on the fairy tale of the Twelve Months. Since then, the Town Residence has become an essential companion to the wizard's countryside estate (Votchina), allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit without leaving the city limits.

Over a quarter-century of existence, the residence has evolved from a bold experiment into a world-famous brand. The building it occupies was specially renovated to welcome thousands of children and adults year-round. Today, this place is a symbol of how ancient traditions can harmoniously blend with the modern hospitality industry.

To leisurely explore all the halls of the Town Residence, participate in an interactive program, and take commemorative photos, it usually takes about 1.5–2 hours. This is plenty of time to get acquainted with the exhibits and have a short chat with Ded Moroz’s helpers.

If you plan to attend workshops or send postcards from the Ded Moroz Post Office, you should allow a little more time. Keep in mind that a trip to Veliky Ustyug often includes a visit to the countryside estate (Votchina), which typically takes a full day (about 4–6 hours).

Ded Moroz's Town Residence is hospitably open to visitors daily. Typically, the schedule is as follows: on weekdays (Monday–Friday) from 09:00 to 18:00, and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 09:00 to 17:00.

Please note that during the New Year holidays and public holidays, the working hours may change due to the influx of tourists and special events. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the residence's official website before your trip.

Exploring the surroundings of the Town Residence will help you fully experience the spirit of this northern city and its rich cultural heritage. Nearby, you will find numerous monuments to prominent figures and historical buildings.

A stroll along Sovetskiy Prospekt and the adjacent streets reveals pages of history from the era of great geographical discoveries and merchant life. Below is a list of interesting sites located nearby: