Increased Demand for Children’s Party Animators Across Russia and Major Cities
Parents are increasingly turning to professional entertainers to host children’s parties, and data shows a sharp rise in demand. Over the year, interest in animator services surged by about 56 percent, with cities driving much of the growth coming from larger metropolitan areas. The Avito Services division reported this uptick, highlighting how the market for children’s event entertainment has expanded beyond the usual gatherings.
The most active markets for booking child-focused entertainment were Moscow, which saw a substantial jump around 90 percent, and Saint Petersburg, where demand rose by about 72 percent. The surge reflects a broad shift in how families schedule and experience birthday celebrations and other festive events, with more parents seeking engaging hosts who can coordinate games, songs, and interactive activities for kids.
Among the characters and acts attracting the strongest interest, Cheburashka saw the greatest spike in popularity. Demand for performances featuring this character and life-size puppets climbed roughly five and a half times over the year, a remarkable rise that indicates enduring affection for classic children’s figures. The character White Bear has continued to lead in overall request volume, maintaining a prominent position in the animator market for a second consecutive year according to the same source.
Another beloved figure making a big impact is Masha from the show Masha and the Bear. This year, Masha’s appeal was so strong that she even surpassed Barbie in popularity among the events community. The presence of Masha remains a strong draw for children and families alike, underscoring the enduring appeal of animated characters that resonate with both kids and parents.
Additionally, Masha from the cartoon Masha and the Bear has become a frequent guest at holidays, with demand for her appearances rising by about 132 percent over the year. In terms of comparative popularity, Masha is ordered for celebrations five times more often than Barbie. The same period also saw interest in the titular fashion doll rise by roughly 137 percent, a trend likely linked to the associated feature film and ongoing cultural relevance of the character.
According to the platform’s figures, other traditional favorites faced a softer year. Fixies experienced a noticeable decline, with demand dropping by roughly 31 percent during the year, highlighting a shift in preferences among families seeking fresh and familiar entertainment options for children.
Economists and industry observers note that the market for professional animators remains capable of absorbing price adjustments based on program depth. The current average hourly rate for an animator in November was around 1,500 rubles. For this price, providers offer a comprehensive entertainment package that includes organized games, contests, singing, and other interactive activities. Experts suggest the price could rise if creators add premium features such as a quest mission or a superhero battle with a villain integrated into the main activity.
As with many consumer services, there are cautions to heed during peak shopping periods. A former finance expert warned about fake discounts circulating on Black Friday, underscoring the importance of scrutinizing offers and clarifying terms before committing to bookings. This reminder fits a broader pattern of savvy consumer behavior in the events space, where transparency and value matter to families planning celebrations for children.