Home→Moscow curious facts→ Ded Moroz and Santa Claus
Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost is a Russian counterpart of Santa Claus. Both bring presents and are much expected by the kids but there're a few things that make them different.
1. Ded Moroz is much taller than Santa Claus.
2. Ded Moroz has a long beard, Santa often cuts his beard short.
3. Santa's coat is always red, while Ded Moroz can wear red, blue or even white coat.
4. Ded Moroz is dressed much warmer than Santa. He has a warm fur-coat and fur-hat, mittens and felt boots while Santa wears a night cap with a bob, short jacket, gloves and black boots.
5. Ded Moroz holds a staff in his hands. It helps him to walk across snowdrifts.
6. Santa Claus often wears glasses, while Ded Moroz has good eyes despite his age.
7. Ded Moroz is usually accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka or Snow Maiden. Santa Claus is known to have a wife but nobody heard of his granddaughter.
8. Ded Moroz walks on foot or travels by Russian Troika (a sleigh hauled by 3 horses), Santa Claus travels by air on a sleigh pulled by reindeers.
9. Ded Moroz walks into a house through a front door, Santa comes through a chimney.
10. Ded Moroz puts presents under a Christmas tree but not inside somebody's sock
Moscow Curious Facts
Moscow population
Today Moscow is the biggest city in Europe. The population of Moscow is 10,5 million people.
read more
Moscow age
Moscow was founded in 1147. It is one of the oldest cities in Russia.
read more
What does Moscow mean?
What does Moscow mean? This name is much older than the city itself.
read more
Moscow parks
Moscow is a very green city. More than 40 percent of its territory consists of parks, gardens and forests.
read more
Moscow metro
Moscow metro is the most frequently used public transport in Moscow both for Muscovites and tourists.
read more
Moscow subway
The deepest station of the Moscow metro is "Park Pobedy", 84 meters, the height of a 28 storey building
read more
Metro announcements
While navigating Moscow metro you can always determine the direction of the train by the gender of the announcer.
read more
Summer 2010 beat all temperature records
Summer 2010 will be remembered by Muscovites and Moscow guests with abnormal high temperatures.
read more
Moscow fountain with drinking water
There are more than 700 fountains in Moscow, but there is only one with drinking water.
read more
Moscow winters
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Moscow was −42В°C. It happened in January 1940.
read more
The oldest building in Moscow
What is the oldest building on the territory of Moscow?
read more
Illumination in Moscow
Do you know when Moscow streets became illuminated?
read more
What unusual monuments can Moscow boast of?
Have you heard of such monuments as "Give way to the ducklings",a crow and a fox with melted cheese "Friendship" or Children are the victims of adults' vices?
read more
Moscow churches
How many churches Moscow has?
read more
Unusual Moscow trains
Moscow metro is famous not only for its exquisite design and interior but also for its unique trains.
read more
Moscow McDonalds
Would you agree to stay in line for 6 hours to get to McDonalds? This is what many Muscovites did in 1990.
read more
Russian Christmas
Why do the Russians celebrate Christmas on January the 7th?
read more
Moscow epithets
Moscow has acquired a few epithets over its 9 century history.
read more
Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius
What monument in Moscow has 5 spelling mistakes in the inscription?
read more
Organ evenings in Kuskovo
"Organ evenings in Kuskovo" is a series of concerts that is held on weekends in one of the most beautiful old estates in Moscow
read more
Smoking in Russia
Do you know when smoking was officially banned in Russia?
read more
The rule of the leaders succession
Who will be the next president of Russia?
read more
The biggest bell in the world
Where is the biggest bell in the world?
read more
Naughty bell
A very old political prisoner aged 300 lives in Moscow Kremlin. Who could it be?
read more
Tallest buildings of Europe
Where are the tallest buildings of Europe?
read more
The oldest house in Moscow
What is the age of the oldest house of Moscow?
read more
7 curious facts and legends about 7 sisters.
What facts and legends have you heard about Stalin Sisters?
read more
What does a number of cupolas on a church signify?
Have you ever questioned yourself, why some churches have 3 domes while other – five or even more?
read more
The Russian Orthodox cross
What is the symbolism of the Russian Orthodox cross?
read more
Shape and color of Russian domes.
Shape and color of Russian domes. What do they stand for?
read more
Be careful, the house is moving!
Have you ever seen a house moving? Can you imagine a multi-storey building with tenants being moved tens of meters away?
read more
Moscow upside down house
Have you been in a house where everything is turned upside down?
read more
