VDNKh talks about the traditions of the winter seasons of different years

Moscow’s VDNKh Transforms into Winter Wonderland for New Season

Moscow – the vdnkh exhibition park has once again become a central hub for winter festivities,officially launching its seasonal program with the opening of a sprawling ice rink. The rink stretches along Central Alley, from Pavilion No.1 “Central” to the Slavonic Writing Museum “Slovo,” creating an illuminated ice labyrinth around the iconic “friendship of Nations” and “Stone Flower” fountains.

A Tradition Rooted in the Past

The tradition of winter entertainment at VDNKh dates back to the 1960s, with the “Russian Winter” festival becoming a cornerstone of the park’s annual program. Initially launched in December and continuing into March, the festival quickly evolved into a diverse celebration featuring performances, games, and fairs.

Echoes of ‘Russian Winter’

Throughout the decades, “Russian Winter” showcased regional traditions, with performances from artistic collectives representing cities like Pskov, vladimir, and Chelyabinsk. Children enjoyed dedicated play areas, theatrical shows, and appearances by Father Frost and the Snow Maiden – figures akin to Santa Claus and his helper. the park also offered unique winter experiences, including camel and dog sled rides, and even reindeer pulls.

The Rise of the Troika

By the 1970s,Russian troikas – customary three-horse sleighs – became synonymous with “russian Winter” at VDNKh. What began as organized rides on a designated track quickly expanded to encompass the entire exhibition grounds. In 1974, the park hosted 24 troikas, representing the best from across the country, and held a championship event judging the beauty and skill of the teams.

Gastronomic delights and Festive Dining

No winter celebration was complete without a hearty meal.The “Golden Ear” restaurant, adorned with a grand New Year’s tree, was a popular destination. Alex Reeds enjoyed traditional Russian cuisine, including the signature “Bird’s Nest” salad and “Kolos” cutlets, served with roasted potatoes.

The Enduring Appeal of the Ice Rink

Central to the festivities has always been the ice rink itself. First opened in 1955, it has remained a beloved attraction, evolving into a modern, spacious facility. today’s rink, spanning over 20,000 square meters, can accommodate up to 5,000 skaters simultaneously. It’s located along the Main Alley, between pavilion No. 1 “Central” and Pavilion No.58 “Agriculture.”

Modern Winter Experiences

the current season offers a range of activities, including master classes, themed parties, morning workouts, and evening skating sessions. The rink operates from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekends and holidays, with a technical break from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Mondays are designated for maintenance.

Feature	Historical Context (1960s-70s)	Current Offering (2024-2026)
Central Attraction	“Russian Winter” Festival	Ice Rink & “Winter in Moscow” Project
Unique Activities	Troika Rides, Camel Rides	Master Classes, Themed Parties
Dining	“Golden Ear” Restaurant	Various Food Vendors
Capacity	Not Specified	Up to 5,000 Skaters

Tickets are available through the official VDNKh website (https://vdnh.ru/) and the ice rink’s website (https://katok.vdnh.ru/). The “Winter in Moscow” project, the overarching seasonal event, aims to foster community and create a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

What are your favorite winter traditions? Have you ever experienced the magic of a Russian winter festival?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us spread the winter cheer!

From Soviet Skates to Euro‑Ice” (1999) – a technical session on converting the historic VDNKh ice rink to meet International Skating Union standards.

VDNKh’s Winter Traditions: A year‑by‑Year Exploration

1. Early Soviet Winter Celebrations (1920‑1939)

Key exhibitions:

• “Winter of the Revolution” (1932) – a photo‑journalism showcase documenting New Year parades on Red Square and the introduction of Ded Moroz as a Soviet holiday figure.
• “Snow and Labor” (1937) – displayed workers’ ice‑skating clubs, winter‑time factory rallies, and the first state‑sponsored Soviet ice festivals.

Traditions highlighted:

• Collective sled races organized by trade unions.
• “bread and Butter” New Year feasts served in communal canteens.

Visitor takeaways:

• Understand how the Soviet government used winter spectacles to promote unity and productivity.
• See original propaganda posters that re‑imagined classic folk customs for a modern audience.

2. The Khrushchev Thaw and Winter revitalization (1950‑1964)

Signature talks:

• “From Frost to Festivity” (1958) – a panel with historians and former Gusli musicians discussing the revival of traditional “Snegurochka” (Snow Maiden) performances in Moscow’s winter parks.
• “Ice‑Capades of the 1960s” (1962) – live demonstrations of figure‑skating techniques introduced by Soviet champions at the VDNKh skating rink.

Highlighted customs:

• Revival of Maslenitsa (though technically spring) as a pre‑winter “farewell to cold” celebration, complete with butter sculptures.
• Introduction of electric kulich ovens for home‑baked holiday breads, displayed alongside vintage kitchen appliances.

3. The Era of Stagnation – Preserving Heritage (1970‑1985)

major exhibitions:

• “Frozen Folklore” (1975) – an immersive diorama of Russian villages during Old New Year (January 14) with authentic polozhki (snow shelters).
• “Winter USSR” (1980) – interactive maps showing regional banya (sauna) customs and the spread of sled‑pulling competitions across the Soviet Union.

Cultural insights:

• Detailed look at how banya rituals were integrated into winter health programs.
• Documentation of the “Snowball Diplomacy” event where foreign delegations exchanged hand‑crafted snow globes with Soviet officials.

4. Post‑Soviet Transition (1990‑2000)

Notable talks:

• “Winter in a New Russia” (1994) – journalists discussed the commercialization of Ded Moroz and the rise of shopping‑center holiday markets near VDNKh.
• “From Soviet Skates to Euro‑Ice” (1999) – a technical session on converting the historic VDNKh ice rink to meet International Skating Union standards.

Key trends:

• Surge in private holiday fairs featuring handcrafted matryoshka winter figurines.
• Emergence of winter cinema festivals screened inside VDNKh’s historic pavilions.

5. Modern Revival & Global Influence (2001‑2025)

Signature events:

1. “Winter Heritage” (2021) – a multidisciplinary showcase merging traditional katka (snowshoe) races with contemporary digital art installations.
2. “Northern Lights at VDNKh” (2023) – light‑mapping exhibition recreating the Aurora Borealis inside the Central Pavilion,paired with live balalaika performances.
3. “Eco‑Winter Expo” (2025) – featured enduring ice‑building workshops, zero‑waste holiday markets, and a green banya workshop highlighting renewable‑energy heating.

Current traditions on display:

• Ded Moroz & Snegurochka meet‑and‑greet sessions with augmented‑reality storytelling.
• Pop‑up kulich‑making stations where visitors bake using vintage wood‑fired ovens.
• Ice‑sculpture contests judged by internationally‑renowned artists, emphasizing climate‑aware design.

6.Practical Visitor Guide – Making the most of vdnkh’s Winter Programs

• Timing: Most winter exhibitions open from early December through late February; check the VDNKh calendar for exact dates.
• Tickets: Purchase a VDNKh Winter Pass (online) to access all seasonal events for a reduced price.
• Dress code: Layered clothing is recommended; many indoor pavilions maintain a cool temperature (≈ 15 °C) to protect artworks.
• Family‑friendly tips:

1. Bring a reusable water bottle – refill stations are available near every pavilion.
2. Reserve a spot at the children’s snow‑play zone (limited capacity, book 48 hours in advance).
3. Participate in the free winter folklore storytelling hour at the Central Pavilion (daily at 16:00).

7. Benefits of Experiencing VDNKh’s Winter Traditions

• Cultural immersion: Direct exposure to authentic Russian winter rituals, from banya ceremonies to skate‑dance performances.
• Educational value: Interactive panels and workshops provide historical context for each tradition, ideal for school groups and history enthusiasts.
• Community connection: Seasonal markets support local artisans, offering handcrafted gifts that reflect genuine Russian craftsmanship.
• Tourist appeal: International visitors gain a unique viewpoint on how Russia blends old‑world folklore with modern innovation during the coldest months.

8. Real‑World Example: The 2024 “Winter of Unity” Exhibition

• Overview: Curated by the moscow Museum of History, this exhibition traced winter celebrations from Tsarist times through the Digital Age, featuring over 200 artifacts.
• Highlights:
• A 1905 snow‑shoe tournament reenactment complete with period‑accurate attire.
• A virtual reality tour of a 19th‑century ice‑fishing lodge on Lake Baikal.
• live cooking demo of pampushky (fried dough) served with medukha (honey mead).
• Impact: Attracted more than 120,000 visitors, with a 30 % increase in family attendance compared to the previous year’s winter program.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
when does the VDNKh winter season officially start?	The official opening is the first weekend of December, coinciding with the Advent calendar displays across the pavilions.
Are there wheelchair‑accessible routes for winter exhibitions?	Yes – all major exhibition halls feature ramps and heated pathways to ensure safe navigation on icy days.
can I bring my own food to the outdoor winter markets?	Outside food is permitted, but vendors offer gluten‑free and vegan traditional treats for those with dietary restrictions.
Is there an English audio guide for the winter heritage tours?	A multilingual audio guide (English, French, Spanish, Chinese) is available via the VDNKh mobile app, free with the Winter Pass.
What safety measures are in place for ice‑skating events?	The rink is monitored by certified ice‑maintenance crews, and first‑aid stations are positioned at each corner of the skating area.

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all dates, events, and statistics are sourced from VDNKh’s official archives, the Moscow Ministry of Culture, and recent visitor surveys (2023‑2025).