This year's celebrations of Christmas and New Year are more humble than usual. In particular, this year there will be no New Year fireworks at Maidan Nezalezhnosti - for the first time in the history of independent Ukraine. Still Kyiv offers many entertaining activities to make Christmas and New Year holidays cheerful. Kyiv Post picked some of the events that can uplift your mood.
‘Cinderella. A Magical Musical on Ice’
Local art lovers probably will not miss the musical on ice “Cinderella,” staged by world famous Czech scriptwriter and director Jindrich Simek. The unique performance combines a theater play on ice with singers, actors, dancers and skaters presenting the musical tale both on stage and on ice at the same time. Nearly 50 singers, acrobats and dancers are involved in the performance. They use close to 300 theatrical costumes. The show will take place in Palats Sportu concert hall, spreading over the area of 1,800 square meters and will be broadcast on TV. The story itself, as well as the complex dramaturgy that combines a radio play, live theater, music, singing and figure skating, is sure to enchant you with its magic.
“Cinderella. A Magical Musical on Ice.” Dec. 28. 6 p.m. in Palats Sportu (1 Sportyvna Square). Hr 150-350
Celebrating New Year on Sofiyivska square
A festive concert to celebrate the arrival of 2015 is scheduled to beginat 8 p.m. of Dec. 31 on Sofiyivska Square. New Year’s Eve party will be followed by a contest of young singers performing the best New Year songs. Ukrainian pop and rock bands will entertain the audience until 2 a.m.of Jan. 1. That night, no celebrations are planned on Maidan Nezalezhnosti, which used to be the traditional site.
Outdoors fun in the city center
The Arch of Presents, the biggest Christmas outdoor fair welcomes its visitors from Dec. 19 till Jan.14 in Kyiv’s downtown under the Arch of Friendship, just off European Square. In the fairy houses dotted around the festive market one can buy splendid Christmas tree decorations, souvenirs, toys and exclusive traditional crafts. Father Frost and his sidekick Snow Maiden will entertain the market’s visitors. The holidaymakers will be able to try traditional Christmas dishes from around the world, admire animals from a mini-zoo and enjoy the Nativity Play.
The Christmas fair Arch of Presents. Arch of Friendship near the European Square. Every day from Dec. 19 till Jan. 14.
Horseback riding
Rodeo, the family vacations club in Horenka village, just 10 minutes drive west of Kyiv, might be the best option for those tired of the cheerful crowds and looking for solitude and a different type of leisure during winter holidays. The club offers a one-hour horse ride that allows to admire beautiful countryside landscapes for Hr 200. Three Russian baths and a Finnish sauna are at vacationers’ service for Hr 80 per hour.
Rodeo family club in Horenka village, Kyiv oblast. 16 Radhospna St. For more information call 228-8300
Celebrating Christmas, Ukrainian- style
Mamayeva Sloboda ethnic theme park invites Kyivans to celebrate Christmas in traditional Ukrainian style on Jan. 7-8. Guests can attend workshops where they can learn to make kutya, a Ukrainian ritual Christmas porridge. The secrets of tradition ethnic crafts will be revealed at the museum’s workshops as well. You can also learn Ukrainian carols, watch a puppet show of the nativity, listen to kolyadkas, a type of songs that pre-date Christianity and wish happiness, joy and prosperity in the New Year. This is a fun way to spend the day for those who want to learn more about the activities and atmosphere of the Ukrainian ancient orthodox Christmas celebrations.
The museum also has tasty things on offer. The tavern located on the territory of the museum serves dishes made to ancient Ukrainian recipes. One can taste herbal tea along with the Cossack hot drinks made of honey, plums and cherries there.
Mamayeva Sloboda is located at 2 Mykhayla Dontsya St. and is open daily from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. To get there you can take a trolleybus from Petrivka metro station or a minibus No. 201 or 232 from Shulyavska metro station to Mykhayla Dontsya Steet bus stop. Admission is Hr 50 for adults and Hr 25 for schoolchildren.
Kyiv Post staff writer Nataliya Trach can be reached at [email protected]
