Kyiv residents are almost ready for what the American singer Andy Williams famously and melodically called the most wonderful time of the year — the winter holidays and Christmas.
The seasonal period traditionally starts with St. Nicholas Day, celebrated by many Ukrainians on Dec. 19, followed by Christmas Day on Dec. 25, which is the main holiday in many western countries. Orthodox Christmas, a priority for most Ukrainians, falls on Jan. 7.
The New Year, however, is still the most highly anticipated holiday of the year.
Traditionally, people celebrate it with friends and families, throw huge parties with fireworks and lots of champagne, trying to make it “a night to remember,” in the belief that a good start to a new year is a good sign for the twelve months ahead.
For those who plan to spend winter holidays and celebrate New Year in the Ukrainian capital, the Kyiv Post has picked out some of the best venues offering fun activities, delicious food, and magical atmosphere.
Sofiivska Square
Those who prefer celebrating Christmas and New Year in big crowds can visit Sofiivska Square in central Kyiv, where the country’s largest and most impressive decorated Christmas tree is located.
This year, the square that sits at the foot of the Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral of St. Sophia, will welcome visitors with food courts and a Christmas market, various entertainment, photo zones, fun attractions for kids and adults, as well as brightly lit decorations.
Apart from that, the square will host a number of live music shows throughout the winter holidays.
The Christmas market will open on Dec. 14, welcoming all to enjoy some hot drinks and delights. On Dec. 19, St. Nicholas Day, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held. It starts at 5 p.m. with a carnival and music show by the Ukrainian National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments, or NAONI. The well-known Ukrainian rock band Dryga Rika will perform at 7:45 p.m., right after the ceremony.
And on Dec. 31, the New Year celebration will start on Sofiivska, where citizens will as usual gather to celebrate the beginning of 2020 and to enjoy some midnight fireworks.
The New Year and Christmas celebration at Sofiivska Square will be held until Jan. 13, as most Ukrainians celebrate Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7.
Additionally, Volodymyrskyi Passage that connects Sofiivska Square with Mykhailivska Square, will be adorned with light decorations and be hosting several food courts with hot mulled wine and tasty food, as well as a market with lots of gifts and souvenirs.
Dec. 14 — Jan. 13. Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. — 9 p. m. Sat-Sun and national holidays: 10 a. m. — 10 p. m. Free
Kontraktova Square
Kyiv’s historical district, the Podil neighborhood, is also set to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
At Kontraktova Square, in the heart of Podil, people can find a decorated Christmas tree, some food courts, a market offering gifts and souvenirs, as well as live music shows and Christmas-themed light installations.
The residence of St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus in the U.S. and Father Christmas elsewhere, will be located on the square, where kids will get a chance to make their Christmas or New Year wishes.
The New Year celebrations will be held here as well, starting in the evening of Dec. 31, and will continue until the early hours of Jan. 1, entertaining all with live music shows and various fun attractions.
Apart from that, visitors can also find some traditional winter entertainment like an ice skating rink on the square. And those who want to enjoy a beautiful view of Kyiv can try the Ferris wheel located on Kontraktova Square.
Dec. 14 — Jan. 19. Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. — 9 p. m. Sat-Sun and national holidays: 10 a. m. — 10 p. m. Free
A woman pours hot mulled wine in front of the customers at Sofiivska Square in Kyiv on Dec. 24, 2018. (Kostyantyn Chernichkin)
Spivoche Pole Park
For fans of Asian culture and glittering light shows, the traditional festival of Chinese lanterns will take place at the capital’s Spivoche Pole park this winter.
The festival features nearly 30 locations, with various Chinese lanterns and dazzling light decorations, created in the forms of dragons and other magical creatures, and is a definite must-see attraction for children and adults.
Apart from the light decorations and Chinese lanterns, the Spivoche Pole also hosts a holiday post office, gift shops, a souvenir fair and various workshops. As an added extra for the children, there is a Santa Claus residence here too.
There will also be a food court offering mainly Chinese and Asian food, hot drinks like mulled wine and more, the organizers say.
The festival will last until the beginning of February, giving all a chance to explore the Chinese culture not leaving Ukraine.
33 Lavrska St. Dec. 13 — Feb. 2. Mon-Sun: 4 —10 p. m. Hr 160-480. Free for children under 7
VDNH
For over a month Kyiv’s VDNH exhibition center will hold the traditional New Year’s Toy Festival, boosting holiday spirits with exhibitions, events and workshops dedicated to winter holiday decorations.
The festival is a great chance to see how seasonal toys are made. Getting started on Dec. 1, the New Year’s Toy Festival at VDNH will be held until Jan. 19. Apart from the toys, it also features a holiday post office from where kids can send letters to the North Pole and a souvenir fair.
1 Akademika Hlushkova St. Dec. 13. — Jan. 19. Mon-Sun and national holidays: 10 a.m. — 9 p.m. Hr 200
Taras Shevchenko Park
This park will turn into a miniature winter wonderland. With a decorated Christmas tree, various light decorations, an ice rink, market and food courts offering snacks and drinks from Kyiv’s best restaurants and another residence of St. Nicholas — Taras Shevchenko Park might become a perfect place for a family weekend.
And there is no need to travel far to experience it all. The park is located right in the heart of the capital, roughly a 15-minute walk from Kyiv’s main Khreshchatyk Street.
Besides traditional winter fun, one can also try archery or even visit a fortuneteller at the park. Additionally, there will be some live music shows and local DJs will entertain the visitors at night.
The celebration here will start on Dec. 15, lasting until Jan. 20, after the “Old New Year,” celebrated on Jan. 14.
Dec. 15 — Jan. 20. Mon-Sun and national holidays: 10 a. m. — 10 p. m. Free
