Countdown to the Russian Winter Festival

Christmas day sees the beginning of a Winter Festival across Russia's main cities.

In Moscow, in Izmailovo Park tourists are offered diverse opportunities to get acquainted with traditions of the New Year festivities in Russia, to hear world famous singers and musicians and see the best performances.

Hordes of tourists and locals are drawn to the event where they are greeted by Father Frost, Snow Maiden, and Russian Buffoons.

Guests participate in the merry folk games, dance round the New Year tree, have an unforgettable sleigh ride through the winter forest, try Russian pancakes with caviar and drink tea with bagels, honey and jam.

The party ends with a concert of Russian folk music.

And if you have time to check out the city's more conventional attractions, then you won't be disappointed.

Today's Moscow is a fascinating contrast of old and new, with communist monuments like Mavzoley VI Lenina (Lenin's Tomb) and Red Square juxtaposed with busy public markets, stock exchanges, Levis, rap music, Mercedes, and western-style hotels.

Of course, despite all the changes, the Kremlin remains the heart and soul of the city, a role it has played since the 15th century when Ivan the Great commissioned Italian architects to build its great onion-domed cathedrals.

The 40th jubilee "Russian Winter" arts festival will run from December 25th to January 5th .