Ded Moroz Estate in Kuzminki

In the capital’s Kuzminki Park there is an amazing residence of Russia’s main winter wizard. The Moscow Estate of Ded Moroz operates year-round and is a true fairy-tale town with wooden terem houses, a festive fir tree, and numerous interactive programs. Here every visitor can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of New Year’s magic, meet fairy-tale characters, and make their most cherished wish.

History of the Estate’s Creation

The idea of creating a Moscow residence for Ded Moroz appeared in the early 2000s. At that time, the project “Veliky Ustyug — the Homeland of Ded Moroz” was actively developing, and the city authorities decided to build a достойное residence for the winter wizard in Moscow. Construction of the estate began in 2004, when Ded Moroz himself ceremonially laid the first log in the foundation of the future residence. The first building was Ded Moroz’s Post Office, where children from all over Moscow began sending letters with their wishes and dreams. In 2005, the main wizard received the keys to his new Moscow estate. Since then, the territory has been constantly developing — new terem houses and facilities have appeared. By the winter season of 2022–2023, the Terem of Magic and the Shurshiki House were built. The architectural appearance of the estate was created by Moscow artists and designers, while the Terem of Snegurochka was designed by craftsmen from Kostroma, since the wizard’s granddaughter is believed to originate from that city.

The Enchanted Forest from Veliky Ustyug

In 2006, a significant event took place on the estate grounds — Ded Moroz, together with Snegurochka and their helpers, planted 120 young fir trees brought from the forests of Veliky Ustyug. Today, this magical coniferous forest creates a special atmosphere and reminds visitors of the true northern domain of the winter sorcerer.

What to See at the Estate

Emerald Square and the Main Christmas Tree

At the center of the estate is Emerald Square with a 12-meter festive fir tree, decorated year-round. Around it are fairy-tale terem houses and a stage for holiday festivities. The living tree continues to grow without losing its connection to the ground and constantly reminds visitors of their favorite holiday.

Ded Moroz’s Terem

The main terem of the estate is open to visitors as part of guided tour programs. On the first floor there is a spacious entrance hall where the wizard welcomes guests. In summer, one can see mountains of gifts here — Grandfather prepares for the New Year holidays in advance. The second floor of the terem hides many magical secrets: A bedroom with seven pillows (one for each day of the week) and a magic mirror through which Ded Moroz observes children’s behavior throughout the year. Thanks to this mirror, well-behaved children always receive their gifts on time, while mischief-makers have to wait. The wizard’s study — the heart of the terem — where the legendary magic key is kept, capable of opening and closing any door in the estate. The key can change its shape and size, adapting to any keyhole. Special attention is drawn to the magic throne — by touching it and making a wish, one can be sure that it will surely come true.

Snegurochka’s Terem

The cozy house of Ded Moroz’s granddaughter is filled with warmth and hospitality. Here stands a white-stone stove built by Emelya himself from the fairy tale. According to legend, Emelya once came to Ded Moroz and confessed that he was tired of being lazy. The wizard gave him wise advice, and Emelya built a wonderful stove for Snegurochka, which helps her bake pies and prepare fragrant tea. The terem also houses magical objects from Russian fairy tales: golden nuts from Pushkin’s works, the Scarlet Flower, rejuvenating apples, a saucer with a blue rim, and a guiding ball of yarn.

Ded Moroz’s Post Office

The first building of the estate still performs its important function. The main figure at the post office is the Snowman Postman — the wizard’s faithful assistant. Every year, more than 25,000 letters arrive here from children all over the country. To handle the correspondence, Ded Moroz has magic swift boots that fear neither snowstorms nor legendary Moscow traffic jams. All letters are stored in a magical bottomless chest, and Grandfather tries to reply to every child.

The Fairy Tale Path

One of the most photogenic places of the estate is the Fairy Tale Path with 65 characters from Russian and international children’s works. The sculptures are created using a unique artistic concrete sculpting technology and represent entire compositions, as if frozen at the height of the plot. Here you can meet characters from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Wizard of the Emerald City,” “The Twelve Months,” and many other beloved fairy tales. This place is ideal for memorable family photos.

New Terem Houses

By the winter season of 2022–2023, the estate welcomed the Terem of Magic (designed in the form of a large mailbox) and the Shurshiki House. Shurshiki are unusual characters of the estate, hardworking guardians of the enchanted forest. There are five of them: Krepysh, Vorchun, Znaika, Milashka, and Ozornik. Each has their own personality and helps Ded Moroz manage the household.

Interactive Programs and Tours

The Moscow Estate of Ded Moroz offers a variety of programs for visitors of all ages:

Guided Tour Programs

“A Special Gift for the Fairy-Tale Troika” — an interactive program in the Terem of Magic, where guests learn the secrets of the magical world and take part in exciting tasks. “In Search of Forgotten Deeds” — an engaging program in which participants help Ded Moroz recall important pre-holiday tasks. “The Secret of the Enchanted Forest” — an educational walk along the fairy-tale path with a cheerful snowman, during which children encounter extraordinary sculptural compositions.

Workshops

Creative classes are regularly held in the Terem of Creativity. Children can learn to decorate gingerbread cookies, create wooden toys, and make other New Year decorations. Every weekend, free creative workshops are organized for young visitors.

Individual Meetings

For those interested, the program “Hello, Ded Moroz!” is available — a personal meeting with the main wizard, during which children can talk with Ded Moroz, recite poems, and receive memorable gifts.

Holidays at the Estate

The estate lives an eventful festive life throughout the year: Ded Moroz’s Birthday is celebrated on November 18–19 on a grand scale — game-based interactive activities, concerts, fairy-tale performances, and many surprises for guests. For Maslenitsa, traditional folk festivities with pancakes, round dances, and classic amusements are prepared. Children’s Day is accompanied by fun programs and competitions. For religious holidays such as Easter, themed workshops are organized to introduce visitors to Russian traditions.

How to Send a Letter to Ded Moroz

You can contact the country’s main wizard in several ways: Bring a letter in person to the estate — special mailboxes operate year-round. Send it by regular mail: 109472, Moscow, Kuzminsky Forest, to the Moscow Estate of Ded Moroz. During the winter season, mailboxes are installed in Moscow parks, from where letters are regularly collected by Snowmen — the wizard’s helpers. Ded Moroz replies to every message using a magic crystal ball and modern technologies. Every year, a contest for the best letter is held with prizes for the winners.

Practical Information

Address and Opening Hours

Address: Moscow, Volgogradsky Prospekt, possession 168D Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 20:00 (the grounds are accessible from 10:00 to 19:00) Phones: +7 (495) 657-60-52, +7 (499) 172-38-72 (tour bookings)

Admission Prices

Walking around the estate grounds and the Fairy Tale Path is free of charge. Visiting the terem houses is possible only as part of guided tour groups with tickets. Prices for the winter season 2025–2026: Interactive program “A Special Gift for the Fairy-Tale Troika”: adult ticket — 1,300 RUB, child (7–17 years) — 1,150 RUB, child (3–7 years) — 1,000 RUB. Program “In Search of Forgotten Deeds”: adult — 1,550 RUB, child (7–17 years) — 1,400 RUB, child (3–7 years) — 1,250 RUB. Educational program “The Secret of the Enchanted Forest” — from 750 RUB. Gingerbread or wooden figurine painting workshop — 800 RUB. Individual program “Hello, Ded Moroz!” — from 4,500 RUB (includes tickets and gifts for one child and two adults)

How to Get There

From Kuzminki Metro Station: Exit from the first car from the city center, turn right in the underpass, go up the left staircase. At the stop, take bus No. 569 to the stop “Hospital for War Veterans No. 2”. From Vykhino Metro Station: Exit from the first car from the city center, turn right in the underpass. Take bus No. 169 or 569 to the same stop. There is a food court and a souvenir shop on the territory, as well as a children’s playground. In winter, an indoor ice rink operates.

Photo Zones and Atmosphere

The entire estate is designed for atmospheric photography. Fairy-tale interiors of the terem houses, carved window frames, original art objects, and magical illumination make every shot special. Themed photo zones corresponding to the season and current holidays are regularly updated on the grounds. The Moscow Estate of Ded Moroz in Kuzminki is a place where fairy tales come to life and make every moment truly magical. Here adults return to carefree childhood, and children sincerely believe in miracles. The year-round operation of the estate allows visitors to visit the residence of the main wizard at any time of the year and touch New Year’s magic even in the heat of summer.