Santa Claus's birthday – 2025: when, where and how to celebrate

Santa Claus is one of the most recognizable characters in Slavic folklore, whose Western prototype is considered to be Santa Claus. His image was formed under the influence of ancient Slavic spirits and folk beliefs about St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Every year, the birthday of the Wizard of winter is celebrated on November 18. For more information about the holiday and traditions, see the Izvestia article.

Santa Claus's birthday in 2025

The roots of the image of Santa Claus go back to the deep past. One of the first prototypes of Santa Claus was considered to be the Slavic spirit that controlled the weather in the winter months — Morozko, or Treskun. Already in the 19th century, the writer Vladimir Odoevsky gave the hero a new name — Moroz Ivanovich. And thus he consolidated the image of a kind and fair grandfather who gives gifts to children for the New Year.

In Russia, the official birthday of Santa Claus began to be celebrated in 2005. The date was not chosen by chance: by this time, the first frosts are coming in Veliky Ustyug, which is considered the birthplace of the wizard. Santa Claus's residence annually attracts tourists and schoolchildren who want to plunge into the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale. According to various sources, the age of the fairy-tale character exceeds 2 thousand years, which makes it a symbol of a centuries-old tradition.

Every year Santa Claus gives gifts to children, and once a year, on November 18, he receives attention and gifts himself. In Veliky Ustyug, the holiday is accompanied by concerts, master classes and theatrical performances, and the finale is the lighting of lights on the first Christmas tree of the year.

How to write a letter to Santa Claus

Messages to the wizard are sent not only by children, but also by adults. According to statistics, about a quarter of the letters come from parents, teachers, military personnel and pensioners. You can send a letter to the official address: 162390, Vologda region, Veliky Ustyug, Oktyabrsky Lane, 1A, Post Office of Santa Claus.

To receive a response, it is important to specify the return address, in this case the letter will not remain unanswered. In addition to the traditional mail to Santa Claus, you can write online to dedmoroz@vologda.ru or through the official website of the Moscow estate of Santa Claus. Residents of Moscow can send letters to the address: 109472, Moscow, Volgogradsky Ave., vl. 168D, Kuzminsky Forest — the capital residence of the magician is located here.

The residence of Santa Claus

Legend has it that two brothers lived in the vicinity of Vologda — Aquarius and Frost, who controlled the elements in summer and winter. After the quarrel, Frost left the city, but later returned, realizing that his place was in his native land.

The official residence in Veliky Ustyug was opened in 1999 on the initiative of Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and Vologda Region Governor Vyacheslav Pozgalev. Today it is a popular tourist destination with an urban residence and a palace in the forest, where excursions and holidays for children are held.

Santa Claus in different regions of Russia

In Russia, Santa Claus has "related" images. In Yakutia, his counterpart is Chyskhaan, the lord of winter in a blue robe. In Karelia, the winter wizard Pakkine organizes sports competitions among Santa Claus, and his older friend is Talvi Ukko.

In Buryatia, Santa Claus is called Sagaan Ubgen, in the Buddhist tradition he is considered one of the gods. Tuvans revere him as Sook Irey, the nomadic peoples of the North as Yamal Iri. Baikal Santa Claus lives on the Khamar-Daban ridge near Lake Baikal, wears a white fur coat and celebrates his birthday on December 19th.