Russian Ded Moroz (Father Frost) celebrated his birthday in Veliky Ustyug on November 18. He said he is over two thousand years old now and announced the countdown to the New Year holidays.

      Ded Moroz received his guests – magicians from different countries and Russian regions. This year, mascots of Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics – Polar Bear, Hare, Leopard, Sun Beam Boy and Snowflake Girl – were birthday party's special guests. The party began with the pageant "Fairy team of Ded Moroz." Firebird, every single feather of which is made in the shape of Olympic Torch – magic symbol of the Olympic movement in Russia – arrived to celebrate the occasion some time later.

      Celebrations ended with sport procession of storytellers and lighting up the first Christmas tree. On November 19 Ded Moroz went for a pre-Christmas trip around the country. The trip will finish on December 31 in Vologda: this year, the honour to become New Year’s Capital fell upon this city.