Children are the biggest fans of Christmas, and it's up to their parents to make sure the holiday is one that won't be forgotten. To help busy parents, the Kyiv Post has compiled a list of the best children's Christmas entertainment programs offered in Kyiv this season.
Arsenal Festival
The Christmas program at the Mystetskyi Arsenal gallery includes the interactive quest-performance “Alice’s Christmas Adventures in Wonderland,” concerts, a market offering locally-made gifts, various workshops, and more. All children will be treated to Christmas presents. In addition, requests for Saint Nicholas, the Ukrainian version of Santa Claus, will be accepted. Children can send their wishes to [email protected] and receive their presents at the festival.
Friday – Saturday, Dec. 18-19, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mystetskyi Arsenal (12 Lavrska St.). Hr 60, free for children under six.
Santa’s Residence
Kyivan Rus Park is a theme park dedicated to the history and culture of Kyivan Rus, a medieval state that preceded Ukraine. But it offers Christmas entertainment, too. During the opening day of Santa Claus’ Residence, visitors will get a chance to play with Santa, as well as Ukrainian mythical and fairytale characters such as Baba Yaga, and Vodianyk. They can also watch a horse riding show, a fire show, and see knights duel.
Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Kyivan Rus Park (Kopachiv village, 57 kilometers away from Kyiv). Hr 150 for adults, Hr 50 for children, free for children of preschool age.
The Christmas camp
Experimentanium, a museum of popular science and technology, offers a Christmas day camp for children aged 6-11 years. Children will get to attend science club classes, hear a short lecture, see a science show, participate in creative workshops, play games and dance. The program includes four meals a day. Visitors may spend all five days in the museum or stay for only one or two days.
Jan. 4-8. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Experimentanium (2A Verkhniy Val St.). Hr 400 per day
Performance on plane
Kids with an interest in aviation and planes will love the New Year’s performance on board an Il-86 aircraft. Children will enjoy a party with their favorite cartoon characters, receive gifts and take photos with Santa Claus.
Dec. 19, 20, 26, 27, Jan. 2, 3, 4. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Ukraine State Aviation Museum (1 Medova St.). Hr 280
‘Nutcracker’ Ice Show
This is a Christmas performance with 35 professional ice dancers and plenty of visual effects. The National Academic Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will play the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Mozart and other famous composers.
Jan. 2-5. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., Palace of Sports (1 Sportyvna Sq.). Hr 80-200, free for children under five years
‘Guardians of Dreams’
“Guardians of Dreams” is a winter fairy tale show organized by Ukrainian TV channel STB. The show features dancers, circus performers, acrobats and gymnasts, and has 3D visual effects.
Dec. 19. – Jan. 17. VDNH Exhibition Complex, Pavilion 7 (1 Academic Glushkov St.). Hr 200-650
Ornaments factory tour
During the tour, children will not only see how Christmas tree ornaments are made, but also try to do inscriptions on the glass balls themselves. They will see ornaments from all around the world in the Museum of Christmas Ornaments. There is also a house of Santa Claus!
One can drive to the factory in Klavdiyevo-Tarasove village (46 kilometers northwest of Kyiv) or go on a tour organized by Secret Kyiv.
Secret Kyiv tours: Saturday Dec. 19, 12 a.m. Saturday Dec. 26, 11 p.m. Buses leave from 5 Spaska St. Hr 130 for children, Hr 145 for adults. Tickets must be booked in advance, call +38098-538-8738 or +38044-353-4778. n
