From the Pacific in the east, to the Urals in the west, hardy Russians display their religious feelings - and bravery.
Swimming 1km, in the middle of the winter, in Siberia, at water temperature of zero Celsius and air temperature below -30C.
A daily bucket of icy water poured over the head 'helps block winter illnesses, and makes children optimistic'.
Low temperatures are a time for fun in -50C and below - riding bikes, ice swimming or eating frozen noodles.
Sunbathing in snow and swimming in thermal pool included.
Now the fun begins: tourists swimming in -60C and momentous meeting between the seasonal icons Chyskhaan and Grandfather Frost.
From 'fireworks' made from nothing more than hot water in minus 50C, to surfing in the Pacific, this is the New Year on our doorstep.
Growing number of brave Siberians strip off for the winter, with debate raging about the benefits of taking to the snow and ice naked.
Fast-freezing clothes, hot water fireworks, ice and snow bathing, vodka lollipops, dog sledging - see our report from the Kingdom of Cold.