What to do in Kyiv on the weekend of December 19–22: concerts, fairs, and exhibitions

This weekend, Kyiv will be filled with festive spirit and the magic of art. From spectacular shows and magical performances to atmospheric concerts and Christmas fairs, a variety of exciting events await you.

Check out our selection and choose what to do this weekend: attend concerts by legendary artists, visit exhibitions by outstanding creators, or support charitable initiatives during the holiday season.

Magic Brothers: Fantastic illusion at Gulliver Mall

On December 20, Gulliver Mall will host a captivating performance by magician brothers Dmytro and Artur Tomashevsky, known as the Magic Brothers. This spectacular show will serve as a prelude to their grand performance, *“Kings of Magic Save the New Year”*, at the Palace of Sports.

The highlight of the show is a unique trick combining illusion, pyrotechnics, and adrenaline. The illusionists enter a cage that rises 9 meters above the ground and instantly vanish before the amazed audience, only to reappear moments later in a different location. This trick, previously performed in Europe, has been made even more complex by the brothers, involving both artists and six months of preparation.

The performance takes place outdoors, adding extra challenges and visual appeal to the show. Don’t miss the chance to witness magic under the open sky.

Admission: Free

"Christmas Starfall" by MAX BARSKIH at the Palace of Sports

On December 21, MAX BARSKIH will gift Kyiv residents and visitors a festive show, *“Christmas Starfall.”* This special concert combines the artist’s hit songs with the Christmas spirit and a good cause.

The musician promises more than just a concert—it’s a miracle inspired by his name, Mykola (Nicholas), motivating him to do good deeds. The singer plans to fulfill the wishes of children from occupied cities and deliver gifts with the help of concert attendees.

Join *“Christmas Starfall”* to immerse yourself in a world of music and magic and become part of a large charitable mission.

Admission: 1,390–15,000 UAH

Pavlo Makov’s exhibition "Genealogy, or Buried Names" at The Naked Room

The Naked Room gallery has opened an exhibition by Pavlo Makov titled *“Genealogy, or Buried Names.”* These works are part of a long-term cycle, *“Abracadabra,”* which the artist has been developing since 2018 and plans to publish as an art book in 2025.

Makov’s art uniquely blends the beauty and darkness of contemporary reality. His new works immerse viewers in a world where man-made constructions and city labyrinths give way to abstract vortices and real chasms. Monumental plants, previously symbolizing nature’s enduring power, now convey a sense of exhaustion and finality.

Admission: Free

Oleksandr Polozhynsky and Friends’ Christmas Concert

On December 22, just days before Christmas, Oleksandr Polozhynsky and Ivan Marunych will gather friends and fans for a warm Christmas concert, *“Lights”* by Oleksandr Polozhynsky and friends.

Joining them on stage will be Arsen Mirzoyan, Tonya Matvienko, and Anna Dobrydnieva to create a truly festive magic. The evening will feature favorite hits, unexpected duets, and the live premiere of the new song *“Lights,”* which inspired the concert.

Admission: 490–1,390 UAH

R.E.P. Group's 20-Year Retrospective at NAMU

The National Art Museum of Ukraine presents a large-scale retrospective marking the 20th anniversary of the R.E.P. (Revolutionary Experimental Space) art group. Emerging during the Orange Revolution of 2004, the group became a key phenomenon in Ukrainian art of the 21st century.

The exhibition features the collective’s most significant works—performances, videos, and installations that explore sociocultural processes and reinterpret modern realities. Though R.E.P. operates as a collective author, its members include Ksenia Hnylytska, Nikita Kadan, Zhanna Kadyrova, Volodymyr Kuznetsov, Lada Nakonechna, and Lesya Khomenko.

The exhibition also includes curatorial tours, discussions, and workshops to deepen understanding of the group’s creativity.

Admission: 250 UAH; for students, schoolchildren, and pensioners: 100 UAH; free for military personnel

Faktychno Sami's Comeback Concert at Atlas

The legendary band Faktychno Sami is making a triumphant return to Kyiv’s Atlas! Founded in the early ’90s in Ivano-Frankivsk, they became symbols of alternative music daring, led by Irena Karpa. Provocative lyrics, rebellious spirit, irony, openness, and reckless energy will all be back on December 21.

The concert will feature iconic tracks from the albums *“Kurva Cum Back”* and *“In Zhyr,”* which remain relevant even 20 years later. This evening promises a nostalgic, high-energy experience for fans.

Admission: 500–1,800 UAH

Christmas Fair at the National Museum of Decorative Arts

On December 21, the National Museum of Decorative Arts invites visitors to its festive Christmas fair. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase unique artistic gifts from folk and professional artisans eager to share their creative energy.

Guests can also participate in Christmas-themed workshops to create festive crafts for themselves or loved ones. Throughout the day, the museum staff will host a Christmas Preparations Workshop.

The event combines a festive atmosphere with a good cause: a charity fundraiser to support Ukrainian defenders will run during the fair.

Admission: As per museum terms

Christmas Organ Concert at the National Philharmonic

On December 19, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine invites you to a festive concert, *“Christmas Organ.”* Organists of the National House of Music have prepared a program combining classical spiritual chorales, Ukrainian carols, and even jazz improvisations featuring the delicate sound of Christmas bells.

One highlight of the evening will be unique performances of music for four hands and feet, with percussion and sonoristic techniques.

Admission: 250–500 UAH