To see the home of a real Santa Claus, it is not at all necessary to go to Lapland. In Russia, one of the main symbols of the New Year has its own fiefdom - an estate in the ancient city of Veliky Ustyug.
The first settlements appeared here in the 12th century. The city is located in the north-east of the Vologda region, on the banks of the Sukhona River. In winter, Ustyug is incredibly beautiful. There are many historical monuments in the city: monasteries, temples, cathedrals and churches. About 20 buildings were built in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The official address for letters to Santa Claus: 162390, Russia, Vologda region, the city of Veliky Ustyug, Santa Claus mail.
The estate of Father Frost is located 13 kilometers from Veliky Ustyug. Visitors will see here not only a magnificent carved tower, but they will also be able to ride amusement rides or horses, walk along a fabulous trail, walk through the winter forest, and attend master classes in folk crafts.
Terem of Santa Claus
You can talk to the real Santa Claus and his granddaughter Snegurochka in the mansion built in the best traditions of northern folk architecture. The good old man takes gifts for the guests from the magic chest, which is installed in the throne room. By the way, there is also a huge Christmas tree in the hall, which only enhances the feeling of a fairy tale. In the mansion, you can wander through the rooms. You will be shown the bedroom of Santa Claus and his carved wooden bed with soft feather beds, a dressing room, an office (observatory and library), as well as a museum of gifts that are sent to him from all over the world.
Trail of fairy tales and other entertainment
Adventures and unforgettable impressions await visitors to the residence of Santa Claus on the path of fairy tales. The heroes of your favorite fairy tales have come to life and are ready to show you their homes. Mysterious paths will lead you to the house of grandmother Aushka, the Old Man-Lesovichka, the wise Owl. If you go to the Mikhailo Potapycha Bridge, the path will lie past the magic well that makes wishes come true. You can relax in the forest in the meadow of Pnya Erofeich or sit by the fire with twelve brothers-months.
It will definitely not be boring in the residence of Santa Claus. Guests are offered many attractions, game programs, theatrical performances. Fans of outdoor activities will surely enjoy riding on inflatable sleds from steep hills, along the paths you can ride in a sleigh pulled by three horses, a fabulous little train or a Russian stove, which was kindly provided by Emelya.
The animals of the Russian north live in a small zoo. There you can not only see them, but also feed them. A striking contrast awaits visitors to the winter garden. After a snowy forest and frosty air, it is pleasant to find yourself among tropical plants.
How to get to the residence of Santa Claus?
You can take a train ticket that goes through the Veliky Ustyug railway station. However, the best option is to travel by train to Kotlas (a city in the Arkhangelsk region). Then you need to change to a regular bus and minibus to get to Ustyug. There is an airport in Veliky Ustyug serviced by Severstal
Buses, minibuses and taxis go from the city to the residence of Father Frost. Tourists can settle in the hotels of Veliky Ustyug or in one of the wooden cottages right on the territory of the estate.
If you have planned a trip before the New Year or during the New Year holidays, you should book accommodation in advance: on your own or using the services of travel agencies
The peak season at the estate of Santa Claus begins on the 20th of December and ends at the end of January. Prices during this period are higher than at any other time of the year.
