This winter it looks like Kyiv is struggling hard to keep its citizens from leaving city on holidays, much to the delight of those who plan to spend winter holidays in the capital.
New Year tree goes for naturalness
Traditionally, Maidan Nezalezhnosti is the spot for Ukraine’s main New Year’s tree. This year, people are intrigued about how it will look even more than usual, since last year’s fake tree was mocked. It was designed as a colored cone, resembling a clown’s cap, a toy pyramid and even a rocket, all quickly embodied in many online spoofs. City hall learned its lesson. This year’s 35-meter-high New Year tree is promised to be as natural looking as plastic trees can be. The decorations will include ethnic ornaments and impressive flashlights. It’s been under construction since Nov. 15, and the opening ceremony will take place on Dec. 19, Saint Nicholas Day, at 5 p.m.
Ice rink at Maidan Nezalezhnosti
There’s ice skating in malls, but nothing beats skating outdoors, in the beauty of winter, in the heart of Kyiv. The traditional ice rink on Maidan Nezalezhnosti opens on Dec. 23, but Kyiv authorities warn that the opening may be postponed if the rink hinders construction of the New Year’s Day concert stage.
Ice rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Last year, skating at the city’s main ice rink, at Kontraktova Ploscha Square, cost Hr 25 to 45 for a 40-minute session, skates included.
Christmas village at Khreshchatyk
That one holiday treat is available right now. The Christmas village at Khreshchatyk is a fair where one can buy souvenirs and presents, including Christmas toys and crafted goods, all sold in pretty ethno-style kiosks. Classic street food, like hot dogs and coffee, is also available. Entertainment is provided by number of master classes in crafts and a small zoo. On holiday days, the fair will also host some street performances. On Orthodox Christmas Eve, Jan. 6, there will be carol singing.
New Year’s Day concert
The tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve at Maidan Nezalezhnosti is still on. This year, there’ll be an outdoors concert called “New Year Night at Maidan.” Ukraine’s bands like TIK and Druga Rika will perform, accompanied by their Russian counterparts DDT and Bratia Karamazovi. Last year, about 20,000 people gathered at Maidan Nezalezhnosti on New Year’s Eve.
The concert is to start at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and will last until 2 a.m. On midnight, there’ll be fireworks.
You might also be interested in:
History of Christmas Tree in Kyiv (exhibition). Museum of Kyiv’s History (7 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho St.). Through Jan. 20.
Father Frosts’ Parade. Khreshchatyk Street. Dec. 22. Exact time yet to be announced.
Christmas Toy Exhibition. Center for Ukrainian Arts and Culture (19B Khoryva St.). Through Jan. 13. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed on Sunday). Free
Kyiv Post staff writer Olga Rudenko can be reached at [email protected].
