On December 20, a children's holiday took place at the Christmas tree on Stroiteli Square in Novopolotsk. Parents and children danced around the tree, recited poems, and received gifts from Santa Claus. The event was organized by local residents without government involvement. After the celebration, the police detained Santa Claus and at least one other participant. One of the detainees was taken to the police station for identity verification, despite no prior warnings. Later, he was informed that he would be held until trial, allegedly for participating in a "solidarity chain" earlier that day, even though he had not been there.