The Night Before Christmas

Two supernatural figures appear in the night sky above Dykanka: a witch on a sweeper gathering stars, and the devil hiding the moon in his pocket. Their mischief foreshadows trouble and sets a magical tone for the story. The omen hints at the challenges Vakula will face to win Oksana's hand.

The Forelock and his godfather debate whether to go to the clerk in such darkness, weighing danger against duty. They decide to proceed, unwilling to yield to fear. Their choice triggers a chain of revelations about Solokha and Oksana.

Oksana stays at home while Vakula arrives, and she urges him to prove himself. She hints that marriage depends on his deeds rather than words. The exchange sets Vakula on a quest and seeds a magical pact.

A blizzard, arranged with the devil, drives the Forelock to knock at Vakula's door. Hearing Vakula inside, he decides to seek refuge at another hut instead, heading toward Solokha's dwelling. The cold night pushes fate toward the star thief and her family.

The Forelock reaches Solokha, Vakula's mother, who is revealed as the witch who stole stars from the sky. This connection ties the family to the night’s celestial mischief. The encounter further entwines Vakula's destiny with Solokha's powers.

Oksana's girlfriends arrive, and she spots the gold-embroidered shoes (cherovki). She declares she will marry Vakula if he brings the imperial shoes from the queen. Her bold promise becomes the driving force behind Vakula's extraordinary quest.

In a crowd of carol-singers, Vakula meets Oksana again and she reiterates her demand for the queen's shoes. Vakula accepts the challenge, vowing to obtain the imperial shoes. The vow intensifies his resolve and sets the journey in motion.

Overwhelmed by longing and rejection, Vakula contemplates drowning his sorrows. He discards all but a small bag as he wanders away from the town. This despair pushes him toward magical aid that promises a path to the queen.

Vakula visits the big-bellied Patsyuk, who resembles the devil and hints at a magical option. The devil emerges from a bag and promises to deliver Oksana that very night. Vakula seizes the opportunity, grips the devil's tail, and orders it to take him to St. Petersburg to plead his case before the queen.

Arriving in St. Petersburg, Vakula presents himself before the queen and asks for imperial shoes. Moved by his earnestness, the Empress responds, and the palace approves the exchange. Vakula obtains the coveted shoes and prepares for the journey home.

Back in the realm of the village, Vakula returns with the imperial shoes and presents a new cap and belt to the Forelock, asking him to grant Oksana in exchange. The Forelock, charmed by the gifts and anger at Solokha's supposed betrayal, agrees to the arrangement. This marks a turning point toward a possible union.

Oksana agrees to marry Vakula, even without the chereviks. The Forelock's consent seals the match, and the couple seems poised to unite. The story closes with the promise of a wedding born from persistence, wit, and a touch of magic.