November 18 — Father Frost's birthday: history, traditions, events
In Russia, on November 18, the main winter wizard and symbol of the New Year, Santa Claus, celebrates his birthday. On this day, children and adults send congratulations to Santa Claus, participate in themed festivals and fairs, and lights are lit on the country's first New Year tree at his official residence in Veliky Ustyug. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history, traditions of the holiday and the events dedicated to it.
The history of the November 18 holiday
Without a kind, gray-bearded wizard in a red or blue fur coat, it is already impossible to imagine a New Year's celebration. Children all over Russia are eagerly waiting for him to tell a rhyme and receive a gift. But Santa Claus himself has his own special day, his birthday, which has become an important part of the New Year's calendar.
The origins of the image of Santa Claus go back to ancient times. In Slavic mythology, his prototypes were the harsh spirits of winter — Krachun, Treskun and Studenets. They were revered and feared at the same time, cajoling them with ritual food to protect the crops from destruction.
The modern image began to form in the literature of the 19th century. Vladimir Odoevsky's fairy tale "Frost Ivanovich", published in 1840, became a landmark work. Her main character, though harsh in appearance, was already a fair and wise old man who rewarded hard work and punished laziness.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Santa Claus had become strongly associated with Christmas. However, after the 1917 revolution, it, like other religious attributes, was banned. The character's revival took place in the mid-1930s, when he returned as a symbol of a secular holiday — the New Year.
Nowadays, after the launch of the tourist project "Veliky Ustyug — the birthplace of Santa Claus" in 1998, it took an official day for the magician's name day. The choice fell on the middle of November, when the first stable frosts usually set in the Vologda region and snow falls, symbolizing the beginning of winter.
Santa Claus's birthday has been officially celebrated since 2005. Since then, celebrations have been held annually.
Santa Claus Birthday Traditions
Since its establishment, the holiday has acquired its own traditions. Veliky Ustyug has always remained its center. Thousands of guests come here to personally congratulate the birthday boy.
A large-scale program is being prepared for the guests, which includes theatrical performances, folk festivals, fun contests and outdoor sports. A special tradition has become the arrival of Santa Claus's "colleagues" from different regions of Russia, such as Karelian Pakkaine, Udmurt Tol Babai and Yamal Yamal.
Another of the main traditions of the holiday is the ceremonial lighting of the lights on the country's first New Year tree. Following this, usually on November 19, a special Santa Claus train departs from Veliky Ustyug for its annual journey. His route covers dozens of settlements, allowing children from different parts of Russia to meet the fairy-tale wizard.
At the same time, Santa Claus's New Year's mail opens, a special service that accepts letters and greeting cards. You can send your message of wishes to the traditional address in Veliky Ustyug or drop it into one of the special mailboxes that are installed in many cities.
Santa Claus's birthday in 2025
In 2025, festive events will be held not only in Veliky Ustyug, but also throughout the country. For example, a large program was prepared in the capital. The events will take place in the Moscow estate of Santa Claus at the Kuzminki-Lyublino Museum-Reserve. Participants will be able to attend thematic workshops, guided tours of the residence and watch the artists perform.
In the lecture hall of the manor, visitors will create souvenirs with their own hands — they will paint a wooden horse, a symbol of the coming year. Together with the guests, a New Year's tree will also be lit in the park and the countdown to the New Year will be started.
Another festive venue will be the Mosfilm Film Studio. The birthday boy will come here personally to check the readiness of the New Year's show "To the stars! The mission: snowmen in space." The event will be timed to coincide with the 130th anniversary of the first film screening in Russia and the 65th anniversary of human spaceflight.
In addition, on the eve of the holiday, the Victory Museum hosted the traditional festive event "Congratulate Santa Claus." This year, more than 200 young museum visitors took part in it. Together with the Snow Maiden, they recorded a video greeting for the birthday boy.
Those who will not be able to attend the celebrations can write a paper or e-mail letter to the wizard with their wishes. It is advisable to attach a handmade greeting card or a drawing to the greeting card.
Interesting facts about the Winter Wizard
Over a long history, the image of Santa Claus has undergone a significant evolution. From the harsh spirit of winter, he turned into a kind and intricate wizard. The formation of the familiar appearance was largely influenced by the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was thanks to him that the tradition of giving gifts to children was born.
But the assistant of the winter character, the Snow Maiden, is already a native Russian tradition that has developed on the basis of folklore. The Snow Maiden first appeared on children's Christmas trees in 1935. It was then that the New Year received its official formalization, and its main symbols were Santa Claus and his granddaughter.
Despite his advanced age, Santa Claus is no stranger to modern technology. He runs social networks, responds to emails, and every year embarks on a great journey on his fabulous train in order to have time to wish everyone in the country a Happy New Year.
Earlier, Izvestia was told when Santa Claus' train would arrive in Moscow.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
