What to do in Kyiv for the weekend of december 27–29: concerts, Christmas workshops, and stand-up shows

Today, festive Kyiv is filled with the atmosphere of music, theater, and traditions, offering numerous opportunities to enjoy the year's end. Christmas concerts, captivating performances, stand-up evenings, and Ukrainian rituals will help create a special mood before the New Year. Choose from our selection of events and immerse yourself in the holiday whirlwind.

"A Christmas carol": a blend of live music and theater

"A Christmas Carol" — one of the most beloved Christmas tales in the world — will be presented this time by the SHERLIZ theater and the NAONI orchestra. This classic work by Charles Dickens, which has long become part of the holiday traditions in the US and the UK, will take on new colors in an exclusive combination of live music and theater.

The NAONI orchestra, renowned for its uniqueness on the world stage, will provide musical accompaniment, while the innovative SHERLIZ theater will add emotional depth and unexpected visual solutions. This genre integration is something you won't see anywhere else, and the atmosphere will stay with you for a long time.

Admission: 440 — 1040 UAH

KRUT concert: the Christmas magic of the bandura

On December 27, Kyiv will host a grand Christmas concert by the singer KRUT, who enchants hearts with her gentle vocals and the penetrating sounds of the bandura. Her music is a true symbol of indie-soul, filled with warmth, depth, and emotions that touch the soul of every listener.

Marina Krut, known by her stage name KRUT, became a discovery for many Ukrainians, captivating the audience with her sincerity on the "X-Factor" talent show and winning hearts at the National Eurovision Selection in 2020 and 2023. Her songs "Prybach," "Lesya," "This is Life," and "Take Me Home for Christmas" have become the soundtrack to the most difficult and warmest moments of life.

This year, KRUT has prepared a new Christmas program, which will include both familiar songs and premieres of new compositions.

Admission: 1350 — 1750 UAH

New Year’s underground stand-up XXL

On December 28, the "Ukraine" Palace will host the grand New Year’s Underground Stand-Up XXL — an event that will perfectly end the year in the company of top comedians and their jokes.

The best stars of Ukrainian stand-up will take the stage: the founder of "Underground Stand-Up" and master of jokes, Svyat Zahaykevich, Anton Tymoshenko, Vasyl Baidak, Nastya Zukhvala, Hanna Kochehura, and Serhiy Chirkov.

30% of the profits from ticket sales and 100% of the funds from the charity auction will be donated to support the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Admission: 300 — 1900 UAH

New Year’s party with Dorofeeva at Freedom hall

On December 31, Freedom Hall will turn into a place where music, dancing, and the festive mood will blend into one. The headliner of the New Year’s party will be Dorofeeva — one of Ukraine’s most popular singers, who has won the hearts of listeners with hits like "Shchob ne bylo," "Votsap," "Kohayu, ale ne zovsim," "Khaj pyshut," and "A ya vse plakala."

The evening promises to be full of energy:

• Dorofeeva will perform her favorite songs live, lighting up the atmosphere with energy.
• GosOrchestra, a symphonic orchestra led by Oleksandr Gosachynskyi, will present a new project — a symphonic dance set along with DJ Sofita. This well-known collective, which masterfully combines rock symphony with popular melodies, will add an unmistakable charm to the celebration.
• DJ Sofita, a rising star of the club scene, will provide the rhythms to make the entire hall dance.

Admission: 1490 — 5990 UAH

"Strauss invites friends": Pre-New Year’s concert with waltz and holiday melodies

On the eve of the New Year, the National Presidential Orchestra invites you to enjoy a brilliant concert program, created in the best traditions of Viennese balls. The main characters of the evening will be the masterpieces of the "Waltz King" Johann Strauss II, which once captivated the hearts of 19th-century aristocrats.

In addition to waltzes, the program will feature Christmas melodies by American composer Leroy Anderson, works by Franz von Suppé — the legendary master of Viennese operetta — as well as the stunning "Shchedryk" by Mykola Leontovych-Ivan Nebesny, performed with the involvement of children's and mixed choirs, a symphony orchestra, carillon, and multimedia.

Admission: 300–750 UAH

Farewell to the Old Year with "ShchukaRyba" and "Koza-Malanka" at closer

End the year by diving into the magic of Ukrainian traditions with the band "ShchukaRyba," the "Koza-Malanka" project, and delicious donuts from PonchykBoy.

This evening will offer vibrant emotions and a sense of unity, as you become part of the ancient rituals of leading the Goat and Malanka. Such symbolic acts in Ukrainian culture have always accompanied the end of the year and preparation for a new, clean beginning.

The event will have both a festive and charitable character: the funds raised during the event will be used to purchase CAT tourniquets for our defenders and support friendly gatherings.

Admission: 400 UAH

Christmas workshop at the Ivan Honchar Museum

In anticipation of Christmas, every moment is filled with special joy and inspiration. It is a time for preparing not only our homes but also our hearts to meet the light, warmth of family gatherings, and the depth of Ukrainian traditions.

Christmas attributes — "Didukhi," stars, straw spiders, cutouts, candleholders, or "vybyichni" tablecloths — can add a festive mood to your home. The best part is that most of them can be made by hand, preserving the uniqueness and soul of the tradition.

The Ivan Honchar Museum invites you to a series of Christmas masterclasses, where experienced artisans will teach you how to create these holiday symbols. You will be able to make a "Didukh," weave a spider, create a carolers’ star, make a beeswax candle, or a "vybyichna" tablecloth, as well as sing carols and "shchedrivky," learning about the depth of Ukrainian ritual art.

Admission: 300 UAH