Kyiv’s Christmas-New Year’s holidays run from now until mid-January, giving people plenty of time to celebrate as the city’s parks and squares are decorated with merry illuminations, turning the city into a winter fairytale. The Kyiv Post has picked the best locations in Kyiv to catch the Christmas spirit:
NeoYear 2018 on Sofiivska Square
The main Christmas festivities will be held on Sofiivska Square, near a 26-meter-high Christmas tree delivered from the Carpathian Mountains. Music performances and children’s events will take place on Sofiivska and nearby Mykhailivska squares. Food courts will be set up on Volodymyrsky Passage Street near Sofiivska Square.
NeoYear 2018 on Sofiivska Square. Dec. 19 – Jan. 14.
Winter Land at VDNH
Another location to tap into Christmas atmosphere is the VDNH exhibition center. An ice rink, food courts, photo zones, puppet show and petting zoo will be open there along with a clothes market by Ukrainian designers. Guardians of Dreams 3D talent show, a mix of acrobatics, light effects and modern dances entangled in children’s fairytale, will be performed two to three times a day from Dec. 16 untill Jan. 21.
Winter Land at VDNH. 1 Akademika Hlushkova Ave. Dec. 19 – Jan. 14. Guardians of Dreams schedule: concert.ua/uk/events/vartovi-mrii
Mariinsky Park
Santa Claus is coming to Kyiv, welcoming those who still believe in him at his residence in Mariinsky Park. The park will transform into Santa’s entertainment town with toy shops, cooking master classes and cafes. Besides Santa, other magical creatures, such as fairies, will also be there. They will help Santa collect children’s letters and entertain the audience, both children and adults, with Christmas carols.
Mariinsky Park. Dec. 16 – Jan 15.
Taras Shevchenko Park
Shevchenko Park near the red building of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv will turn into a dazzling winter wonderland with illuminated statues and decorated cafes. Food courts will offer Ukrainian traditional food and hot beverages, while a holiday market will sell hand-made presents.
Taras Shevchenko Park. Dec. 16 – Jan. 14.
Kontraktova Square
A clothing and food market, an ice sculptures park, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel will be open on Kontraktova Square during the holidays.
Kontraktova Square. Dec. 19 – Jan. 16.
People’s Friendship Arch
The site near People’s Friendship Arch will host Christmas DJ market with live music performances, food courts and hot beverages. Guests will also get a chance to listen to classic Ukrainian Christmas Carols.
People’s Friendship Arch. Dec. 23 – Jan. 14.
Spivoche Pole Park
Flower exhibition in the middle of a chilly winter? Easy. Spivoche Pole Park will present frozen flower bouquets, along with 20 unusual ice sculptures. Christmas market at Spivoche Pole will host Ukrainian traditional festivities, food courts and warming beverages.
Spivoche Pole Park. 33 Lavrska St. Dec. 15 – Jan. 30. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where to party
After a challenging 2017, many experience a lot of pressure choosing where to celebrate the New Year. Traditionally, thousands will welcome the year of 2018 on Sofiivska Square near the main tree that was lighted on the Orthodox St. Nickolas Day on Dec. 19. Those eager to party all-night-long can drop by almost any Kyiv club or dance hall that will host shows for every taste and budget.
New Year Party on Sofiivska Square. Dec 31. 9 p.m. Free.
Happy New Year Pre-Party. D.Fleur. Dec 27. 11 p.m. Hr 100
Atlas New Year 2018. Atlas. Dec. 31. 10 p.m. Hr 400-2,000
Closer: NY Night. Closer. Dec 31. 11:55 p.m. Hr 600
New Year’s Eve: Adriatique. Chi by Decadence House. Dec. 31. 11 p.m. Hr 300
