Opening of Saint Nicholas’ Residence in Saint Miklos Castle

On 14–15 December the medieval Saint Miklos Castle in Chynadiyevo opens the Residence of Saint Nicholas. The event format includes a formal opening ceremony, a well-planned entertainment programme for children and adults, an atmospheric festive market, a children’s tour of the halls, themed photo spots, and a chance for live interaction with Saint Nicholas. The focus is on safety, comfort and a well-paced schedule so families can enjoy the highlights without rushing.

For young visitors there’s a fairytale celebration with competitions and games, creative workshops, a meeting with Saint Nicholas, and the chance to hand over a letter to Saint Nicholas in person. In the courtyard, authentic activities are planned — carriage rides and sessions at the young knight school, all helping you feel the spirit of a medieval fortress. There’s also a welcoming themed photo zone and a festive raffle with pleasant surprises.

The event is designed for families with children of different ages: little ones will find magic and interaction, teenagers — castle legends and quests, while parents can enjoy the historical context and a cosy atmosphere. The site features clear wayfinding between zones, and the tour route is adapted for children with short transitions, photo stops, clear explanations and engaging facts without overwhelming terminology. In this way, the official opening of the Residence of Saint Nicholas blends tradition, history and modern family-friendly leisure.

When and where the opening takes place

Dates — 14–15 December; venue — Saint Miklos Castle, Chynadiyevo. Format — a family celebration with an opening ceremony, a children’s tour, a festive market, workshops, a themed photo zone, a raffle, carriage rides and sessions at the young knight school. Each activity has a clear time slot, making it easy to plan your visit and breaks.

• Official opening of the residence: meeting Saint Nicholas, festive greetings and a warm atmosphere.
• Fairytale programme for children: competitions, games, creative workshops and interactive zones.
• Children’s tour through the fortress halls: legends, short routes and safe passages.
• Festive market with local crafts and a photo area with themed decorations.
• Carriage rides and a young knight school in the castle courtyard.
• Letter to Saint Nicholas and keepsake group photos.

Who it’s for

Families with children aged 4 to 14, travellers who appreciate a mix of history and celebration, and anyone keen to spend quality time in a lively, warm atmosphere without queues or fuss.

In December 2024, the Saint Miklos Castle once again hosted the Residence of Saint Nicholas. The event brought together more than one and a half thousand visitors from towns across Zakarpattia and other regions of Ukraine. This year’s programme ran for two days — 14 and 15 December — combining cultural, children’s and charitable elements.

A celebration of kindness, magic and charity

The event was organised by the public organisation “Cultural Fortress Saint Miklos” together with the Mukachevo City Council. The main idea is to give children belief in miracles, highlight the tradition of Saint Nicholas, and support youngsters who travelled this year from front-line regions of Ukraine. That’s why the programme included free workshops, a charity market and collections for children’s homes.

What awaited visitors

The entrance to the castle was decorated with themed features — strings of lights, Christmas trees and symbolic letters to Saint Nicholas. Every child received a “magic ticket” to the residence, where they were welcomed by Saint Nicholas himself, accompanied by angels and storybook characters. Children recited poems, sang songs and, after a short chat, received a gift and a personalised certificate of their visit to the residence.

• Official opening ceremony with performances by children’s ensembles and a theatrical show, “A Miracle for Saint Nicholas”.
• Charity market with local artisans, hot mulled wine, tea and homemade bakes.
• Workshops on making candles, Christmas decorations and letters to Saint Nicholas.
• Photo zones in a medieval-castle style: “Princely Throne”, “Angels’ Light” and “Nicholas’s Carriage”.
• Children’s tour of the castle halls — in a quest-style format with legends about the love story of Ilona Zrínyi.
• Carriage rides around the courtyard, dressed with lights and winter motifs.

Participants and partners

Local artists, volunteers and students of the Chynadiyevo Art School joined in to create the residence. Displays featured works by pupils from decorative and applied arts clubs, while the music was provided by the Fortuna studio from Mukachevo. Charity partners included “Caritas-Zakarpattia” and “Help for the Children of Ukraine”.

An atmosphere everyone can feel

During the celebration the castle truly comes alive — carols fill the halls, the courtyard smells of cinnamon, and a large wreath glows on the fortress gate. Children run between the Christmas trees clutching letters to Saint Nicholas, while adults snap photos, pick up souvenirs and visit an exhibition of children’s art. It’s more than just a festive day — it’s a meeting of generations in a shared tradition of kindness.

Events like this at the Saint Miklos Castle have become a cherished tradition, as the Residence of Saint Nicholas has been held here every year since 2016. Each time it brings a new story — full of genuine smiles, warmth and a sense of real wonder.