This winter, Belgium turned into a true fairy tale for a few days. Ded Moroz (the Russian Father Frost) arrived from distant Veliky Ustyug, traveling thousands of kilometers to visit children. He is the very one from Russian folk tales, with kind eyes, a magic staff, and a warmth that knows no borders or languages.

The celebration brought together over 250 children and their families. Three New Year’s “Yolka” parties were held—vibrant, noisy, filled with laughter, and the anticipation of a miracle. Brussels and Antwerp were temporarily transformed into real fairy-tale cities, where anything is possible if you believe in goodness.

The homeland of the Russian Ded Moroz is Veliky Ustyug, an ancient city in northern Russia. His official residence, established in the late 1990s, is located there. In a pine forest stands a magical wooden palace where letters from children all over the world arrive throughout the year. From there, Ded Moroz sets off on his winter journeys to bring joy, hope, and the feeling of a real holiday.

In Brussels, a real theatrical adventure awaited the children. They watched a play about how Kuzya the Brownie took on a difficult task—reforming Baba Yaga. With humor, wit, and a kind heart, Kuzya helped bring order to her home so that the New Year could arrive on time. The little spectators worried for the heroes, laughed, gave hints, and sincerely rejoiced at the happy ending.

In Antwerp, the holiday began with a surprise—the children themselves prepared an impromptu concert. Songs, poems, and dances created an atmosphere of warmth and unity. But lighting the Christmas tree turned out to be not so simple: the evil Snow Queen didn’t want to let the holiday happen, and the cunning Baba Yaga helped her.

Only through friendship, courage, and mutual support were the children able to complete all the tasks, pass the trials, and prove that together they are stronger than any magic. And so, with joyful cheers, alongside Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden), the lights on the tree flared up, filling the hall with light and happiness.

After the celebration, everyone enjoyed a warm photo session with the fairy-tale characters and, of course, received sweet gifts—a reminder that miracles happen if you believe in them.

Ded Moroz also visited an exhibition by our young sculptors.

This visit from Ded Moroz was not just a New Year’s event, but a real bridge between cultures, children’s dreams, and shared joy. Because the New Year is a language that is understood with the heart.