Christmas is just around the corner, but Lieschen has nothing to look forward to. Unless a miracle happens, she will once again spend the festive season with her sister Mechthild in the orphanage. Lieschen's heart's desire: Christmas Eve in the bosom of a real family. When she runs away, she meets the stray Willy Wuff and makes friends with him. On their forays through the winter forest, the two discover a count's estate and are given a warm welcome. But there is no sign of the Christmas spirit here, an impending wedding is causing great confusion and the festival of love seems to be having no effect. Can Willy and Lieschen save Christmas and bring everyone's hearts together? Will Lieschen's great wish come true?