With the arrival of the winter holidays, Kyiv transforms into a true fairy tale, offering residents and visitors a wealth of festive locations. This season, the capital has prepared many new spots for holiday relaxation.
We’ve gathered a selection of the most exciting Christmas locations in Kyiv this year.
Main Christmas tree of the country: festive atmosphere at Sofiyska Square
Each year, Sofiyska Square in Kyiv becomes the heart of New Year celebrations, hosting Ukraine's main Christmas tree. Once again, it delights Kyiv residents and visitors with its beauty and symbolism.
This year's tree is white, symbolizing a new beginning and purity. It is decorated with sky-blue garlands and silver-white ornaments that add a special festive touch.
The ceremonial lighting of the tree took place on December 6, St. Nicholas Day. This tradition remains one of the most anticipated winter events, although this year, due to the war, the city avoided large-scale concerts and public festivities. Despite the restrictions, the tree creates a special atmosphere, reminding everyone that the holiday spirit lives within each of us.
In addition to Sofiyska Square, Christmas trees can also be enjoyed at other locations in the capital. For instance, Taras Shevchenko Park features a festive tree, making it a great place for strolls and family photos.
The main Christmas tree will adorn Sofiyska Square until January 10.
Address: Sofiyska Square
Price: Free
Anniversary winter wonderland at VDNH
This year, the Winter Wonderland at VDNH celebrates its 10th anniversary. The magical location opens on November 30, with a festive program running until March 2. Visitors can expect unforgettable entertainment, enchanting decorations, and numerous surprises.
Traditionally, the VDNH grounds turn into a true winter marvel. This year, you can look forward to:
- A massive ice rink (2,500 m²) for outdoor skating.
- A Christmas market offering holiday souvenirs and treats.
- The "Magic Greenhouse" — a place where magic comes alive.
- A Venetian carousel and Ferris wheel for a romantic atmosphere.
- An Alpine slide for thrill-seekers.
- Santa’s Residence — a favorite spot for kids to make wishes.
- Animal Park, Butterfly Planet, the Science Museum, and other attractions for family fun.
A Christmas food court will also operate on-site, offering grilled dishes, popular fast food, sweets, and hot beverages. Cozy dining spots on the VDNH grounds, such as Coffee Lover, HayLoft 2.0, “Bilyi Nalyv,” BPSH, DOT 2, Biologist, “KVITKOVA.Oranzhereya,” and others, will welcome visitors.
On the central square, near the tree, festive animation shows will entertain guests. With snowmen and fairy-tale characters, the events promise a truly spectacular experience. The shows will take place hourly from 12:00 to 18:00 on weekends from November 30 to January 26 and daily from December 23 to January 5.
Schedule: Daily from 7:00 to 23:00
Prices: Entry to the grounds — free, Lunapark — from 100 UAH, Ice rink — from 270 UAH (Visa cardholders from Oschadbank receive a 10% discount), Butterfly Planet — from 190 UAH, Santa’s Residence — 450 UAH, Christmas Dream Factory — 400 UAH, Magic Greenhouse — 120 UAH, Science Museum — 200 UAH, Animal Park — 250 UAH, Alpine Slide — 90 UAH
St. Nicholas residence at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
St. Nicholas Residence is a place where the New Year’s fairy tale comes alive. This year, it is located at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, inviting children from December 1 to December 25.
Visits are organized on a first-come-first-serve basis or by prior reservation.
A special treat for kids — a series of festive workshops will be held on December 14, 15, 19, and 21. Organized by the Bakhmut City Council’s Department of Culture in cooperation with the Bakhmut Folk House, these workshops offer creative activities where children can craft unique souvenirs, paint, and bring their ideas to life in a festive setting.
Schedule: Every Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 to 16:00; special days: December 5, 6, and 19 — also from 12:00 to 16:00
Price: Free
«The Manor of Christmas Stories»
In Petropavlivska Borshchahivka, the «Manor of Christmas Stories» has opened—a place that immerses visitors in the world of Ukrainian Christmas traditions and family warmth. Here, you can find everything needed to create a festive mood: Christmas decorations, aromatic coffee, and thematic workshops.
For handmade enthusiasts, the Manor offers workshops on creating Christmas ornaments, candles, didukhs, and macrame decorations. Additionally, the tour «The Return of the Christmas Star» provides insight into how traditional Christmas stars are made from straw, glass, or cotton, and allows participants to paint their own Christmas balls.
Those looking for gifts or home decorations can explore the shop featuring works by Ukrainian artisans: straw didukhs, Christmas wreaths, stars, and exclusive tree ornaments. For those wanting to relax, there is a cozy café offering hot drinks and festive treats.
The Manor also boasts photo zones that highlight the festive atmosphere, perfect for memorable snapshots.
Schedule: daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (until January 15)
Price: entry is free, activities require separate payment
«Crystal Rink»
Near River Mall in Osokorky lies the open-air «Crystal Rink», a 1,600 sq. m unlimited skating rink. This festive location is surrounded by white decorations, themed photo zones, and a Christmas tree shaped like a giant crystal, creating a magical atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy an Italian carousel and a food court with street food and hot drinks. The space is equipped for guest comfort, with changing areas and convenient lockers for belongings.
For children and beginners, skating helper figures are available, while those looking to enhance their skills can take lessons from a professional instructor.
Schedule: weekends and holidays—10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; weekdays—12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: 440 UAH. Discounted tickets—300 UAH
«Cosmic Rink»
Located near Respublika Park Mall in Teremky, the unlimited «Cosmic Rink», spanning 1,800 sq. m, offers a futuristic winter experience. Its unique design creates the feeling of a space journey, featuring a mirrored Christmas tree shaped like a spaceship, an interactive skating arch, and garlands mimicking a starry night sky with constellations.
The location includes a food court with hot drinks, street food, and a mulled wine bar for relaxation after skating. For children and beginners, skating helper figures shaped like penguins are available, and professional instructors are ready to assist in mastering the ice arena. Skate rental is included in the ticket price.
This venue offers a memorable festive atmosphere and fun-filled time.
Schedule: weekends and holidays (December 23 to January 3)—10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; weekdays—12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: from 300 UAH
«Winter outside the City—2025» in Dobropark
In Dobropark near Kyiv, a magical holiday town «Winter Outside the City—2025» is open this season. From December 6 to January 19, visitors will enjoy a festive atmosphere with Scandinavian charm evident in the decor and themed installations.
At the center of the town stands Dobropark’s main Christmas tree, surrounded by market stalls. The central square features the Residence of Dobrochar—a special spot for family relaxation. The pathway to the holiday location is adorned with a starry sky, creating a magical atmosphere right at the entrance.
Visitors can delight in over 50 photo zones with new illumination installations crafted in-house, some towering up to nine meters high. For children, winter activities include a tubing hill, a French carousel, and a train ride, ensuring a fun and unforgettable experience.
Schedule: daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Price: from 300 UAH
Ice & Lights rink with winter village
Near Lisova metro station, the unlimited Ice & Lights Rink, covering 1,200 sq. m, has opened. This winter location offers unlimited skating, and children under three years old can enter for free.
The site includes a relaxation area where guests can warm up with hot drinks and enjoy festive treats. For visitor convenience, there is free parking nearby. Ticket prices include skate rental, making this venue ideal for winter recreation.
Schedule: daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Price: 400 UAH
«The Tree of Kindness» with the largest outdoor skating rink in Ukraine
Near the "Ipodrom" metro station, on the territory of the Ice Stadium (now called the Stadium of Culture), a festive space called «The Tree of Kindness» has opened, featuring the largest outdoor skating rink in Ukraine.
In addition to the skating rink, guests can enjoy a Christmas market, a New Year tree, a food court with festive treats, Santa's residence, and photo zones for memorable snapshots. Entry to the area is free, and tickets for the skating rink can be purchased online or at the box office.
Schedule: until January 19
Price: 400 UAH for adults, 300 UAH for children under 7 and preferential categories.
MONPARK: a winter wonderland in the heart of Kyiv
MONPARK — a cozy café-bar on Velyka Vasylkivska Street that has turned into a true winter fairy tale this season. Pine compositions, festive decorations, and warm blankets create a cozy atmosphere even on the coldest evenings.
In addition to traditional winter treats, MONPARK offers unique holiday events:
- From December 25 to 29, outdoor treats will be served. Adults and children can participate in pancake-making sessions with the café's team and enjoy aromatic cocoa or mulled wine.
- On December 26, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, carolers and musicians will create a festive mood.
Namelaka
In front of the Namelaka confectionery, a large Christmas tree and magical characters of the "Namelaka Carol" have appeared for the holiday season. Moreover, the establishment has even developed a special thematic menu.
It’s worth noting that the confectionery surprises with its Christmas decorations every year: in 2022, it featured nutcrackers, while in 2023, it showcased a giant rocking horse and a gingerbread house entrance.
Milk Bar
«We’re slowly opening the doors to a world of New Year’s magic. Step away from the Milk Bar facade, and surprises await!», — the establishment says.
This year, the café, together with its partners, has created a real Wonderland on its facade and near the restaurant. You’ll find a giant bow, gingerbread men, a rocking horse, a cat in a snow globe, and a car loaded with New Year’s gifts. It’s impossible to pass by without taking a photo.
PAUL
If you’re romanticizing winter, do it with PAUL. Festive lights, hot cocoa, warm hugs, and, of course, a Christmas tree — this is the kind of winter everyone loves.
By Christmas, the establishments have already installed festive trees with magical decorations, attracting lines of visitors eager for a photo session.
TSUM with "Ukrainian Christmas" displays
This year, Kyiv’s Central Department Store (TSUM) is starting the holiday season with a special focus on traditions. TSUM’s New Year’s displays, united under the theme «Ukrainian Christmas,» bring to life the rich customs of our people and offer warmth and joy.
Each of the seven displays tells a unique story:
- A snow-covered town with warm glowing windows invites you to journey through the magic of the holidays;
- A didukh, the main symbol of Christmas, reminds us of the tradition of bringing a guardian of abundance and fertility into the home;
- Children’s winter games come to life in the decorations, recreating the spirit of festive rituals;
- The legend of the Christmas Star symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness;
- A festive dinner with twelve dishes on a handmade tablecloth evokes family warmth;
- Bright scenes with a goat and Christmas star showcase the colorfulness of Ukrainian rituals;
- Saint Nicholas, in a blue cloak adorned with stars, grants the wishes of children and adults alike.
