Yekaterinburg's January 2026 festival brings magic for all ages

From The Nutcracker to Santa's immersive factory, this winter festival transforms the city into a wonderland. Don't miss the free shuttles and magical surprises!

, and Administrator

2026 March 16 . 1:18 PM

1 min read

In the image we can see there is a stage on which a decorated christmas tree is kept and there are... — In the image we can see there is a stage on which a decorated christmas tree is kept and there are two snowmans dolls. There is tv on the table and there is a red carpet on the floor. There are two doors and there are photo frames on the wall. On the top it's written "OPPO".

Yekaterinburg's January 2026 festival brings magic for all ages

Yekaterinburg is set to welcome families with a range of festive events this January. Interactive shows, theatrical performances, and immersive experiences will run across the city from January 2 to January 18, 2026. Visitors can enjoy everything from classic ballets to multimedia adventures.

The Nutcracker Theater will kick off the new year with a packed schedule. From January 2 to 10, audiences can watch The Nutcracker, Lily the Little Mouse and the Great Snow Mystery, and At Midnight by the Pantry. A special youth-friendly version of The Nutcracker will also take the stage.

Meanwhile, the Yekaterinburg Youth Theater will present Aladdin's Magic Lamp during the same dates. Over at the Puppet Theater, The Forgotten Dream will dazzle with over 20 magic tricks, running until January 8.

For hands-on fun, Fairy Tale Park in Aramil will host interactive programs under the Fire Horse theme until January 18. Activities include It's Just Child's Snow Play and New I-Go-Year!, designed for both children and adults.

One of the biggest attractions will be Santa's Factory, a multimedia space opening as part of the ExpoLike project. This immersive experience features 12 themed zones, from an enchanted forest with the Northern Lights to a control centre with an animated map of Russia. Free shuttle buses will run from Botanicheskaya metro station between January 2 and 8.

The events offer families a mix of entertainment, from classic stories to modern interactive adventures. Performances and activities will run at various venues, ensuring options for all ages. Free transport to Santa's Factory makes the experience even more accessible.