A press conference with Ded Moroz was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

On December 27, the All-Russian Ded Moroz from Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda region held a press conference for children at the National Centre RUSSIA. Moscow schoolchildren that were present on site, including students from media classes, as well as everyone watching the live broadcast of the event on the VKontakte social network, could ask questions to the winter wizard. The broadcast was watched by more than 95,000 viewers. The children's press conference with Ded Moroz was part of the "New Year Russia" program, ongoing at the National Centre.

The meeting of future journalists with Ded Moroz was fun, informative, and truly magical. Participants of the press conference also went on a tour of the National Centre RUSSIA.

"The National Centre RUSSIA is a space where everyone will find something special. On the eve of the holidays, we have prepared a bright New Year's program for all families. Our young guides are a real pride; they have been introducing guests to the centre's unique expositions for several months. Every weekend, we delight guests with workshops and events. Come with your family, invite friends — here, warmth, creativity, and festive spirit await you. We are always happy to welcome every guest! We invite children to enroll in our School of Young Guides. Join our friendly team; it will be very interesting," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The moderator of the press conference was the young actress and writer Nicole Plieva. She helped the children ask questions and supported them during the interaction. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

At the event, media class students learned many interesting things about the winter wizard. For example, Ded Moroz shared his favorite New Year's traditions. It turns out, on December 31, he really loves to visit the sauna.

Future journalists were also intrigued by the unusual requests and wishes that children have made to Ded Moroz. He mentioned that he was surprised by a boy who dreams of becoming a magician and asked for a box with a false bottom. The New Year's wizard also remembered the wish of a child who wanted to become Ded Moroz himself. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"I really wanted to ask a question to the real Ded Moroz and I succeeded. Grandfather Moroz told me that children love sweets, and to ensure everyone gets sweet gifts, a large confectionery factory is at work. I was very happy to participate in the press conference, and now I believe in miracles even more. They definitely happen!" said third-grader Daria Sokolova.

Ded Moroz gladly answered all the questions and listened to the children's kind wishes, and also shared his most cherished wish.

"My dear friends, I dream that adults would hug their children more often and say warm, kind words, for childhood is the shortest time. I dream that every child will return home from the hospital before the New Year to celebrate the most family-oriented, magical holiday. And my most important wish is for peace to come to the whole world," said Ded Moroz. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

In addition to the children present in the National Centre hall, children from the town of Kovdor in the Murmansk region, located 100 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, were able to ask their questions via a teleconference.

A special guest at the press conference was the writer Alena Kashura, author of the popular children's book "Attention! Ded Moroz Wanted."

"Today I met Ded Moroz for the first time, and I really liked him. He is kind, a true fairy tale wizard, and he radiates wonders. I want to believe that on New Year's Eve we will also receive gifts from him," the writer shared. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

One of the highlights of the press conference was the awarding of young guides working at the National Centre. These kids conduct tours and talk about our country's achievements.

At the end, all the press conference participants were treated to a tasty surprise: a new signature treat from the National Centre RUSSIA — an appetizing pastry called "vitushka." As a gift from Ded Moroz, all the children received delicious Vologda ice cream. The children were also given "New Year Russia" postcards, which they can keep as a souvenir or send to anywhere in the world using the mailbox installed at the National Centre premises. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work.

The National Centre RUSSIA is located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day except Monday.