Russia's traditional gift-bringing New Year's figure is Ded Moroz, often accompanied by the Snow Maiden.
Ded Moroz means “Grandfather Frost” in Russian. He is a winter character who brings gifts to children, particularly at New Year's celebrations. His granddaughter and companion is Snegurochka, commonly translated as the Snow Maiden. Together they appear at school parties, public celebrations, and family events.
Ded Moroz is related to broader European winter folklore but is not simply the Russian name for Santa Claus. In the Soviet period, New Year's festivities became especially important as a public winter holiday, and Ded Moroz was presented in a secular celebratory setting rather than as a Christmas saint.
His clothing is often a long fur-trimmed coat and a staff, and artistic depictions may use colors other than the familiar red associated with modern Santa imagery. Traditions vary across Russia and other former Soviet countries, but Ded Moroz remains strongly connected with New Year.