New Year in the City Center
On December 19, on the Saint Nicholas`s Day, pretty Christmas trees will start to shine on Sofiyska square, Kontraktova square and 10 other city districts. Festive fairs will start their work few days earlier: on December 15. Traditionally, the main Christmas tree of the country will stand on Sofiyska square in the capital`s center. The 25-meter high green spruce will be decorated with around 1000 decorations. As the general theme of New Year 2019 celebration in Kyiv is called “Northern Lights Country”, the decorations will look like magic white and silver crystals. The huge Christmas tree will be surrounded by impressive 6-meter high installations with colorful garlands. Besides, a large screen will be installed right near the Christmas tree. It will show beautiful “Northern Lights” illumination and congratulations said by the guests of the square. Any person will be able to stand in front of the camera, saying holiday greetings to family members and friends. Sofiyska square itself will be decorated with 10 km of bright garlands.
A large light 30-meter diameter fountain will be installed near Bohdan Khmelnytsky monument on Sofiyska square. The monument itself will be surrounded by a 93-meter long railway for children`s train called “Polar Express”.
Those who come to Sofiyska square, Mykhailivska square and Volodymyrsky passage during holidays, will find numerous attractions and entertainment locations. There will be a huge stage for music concerts, 16 souvenir shops, 35 food courts with many wonders of Ukrainian and European cuisine along with hot drinks. 
As for attractions, guests will see magic tunnel, alley of wonders, play area for small kids and many other. Volodymyrsky passage will be decorated with light installations in the shape of big snowflakes, creating a special holiday mood and atmosphere.
On December 31, the guests of the city center will enjoy a great concert and festive activities almost till the morning of January 1. The holiday town on Sofiyska square, Mykhailivska square and Volodymyrsky passage will work until January 13, 2019.
New Year on Podil
Kontraktova square and surrounding streets of Podil district will also become a solid party. The 22-meter high Christmas tree will be the main decoration of the square. On the tree, guests of the square will see around 250 unique Christmas toys in the style of the famous Ukrainian painter Maria Prymachenko. The fantastic creatures from Maria`s art will also appear in bright photo areas. 
The whole Petro Sagaydachny street will turn into a fairy tale, shining with festive art installations. The square near the hetman`s Sagaydachny monument will host St. Nicholas`s residence. The area around upper and lower entrances of funicular will be beautified with festive décor.
The guests of the main Podil square will also enjoy the show of numerous artists on a large stage, 13 souvenir shops and 9 food courts. There will be lots of different attractions: slides, ferris wheel and many other. The party time on Podil will last until January, 20.
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New Year at the National Expocenter of Ukraine
From December 14, 2018 until January 20, 2019, “Winter Country” festival will take place on the territory of the National Expocenter of Ukraine. The event will offer free admission to festive fair, some exhibitions in the pavilions, photo areas, food courts and entertainment programs for kids near the Christmas tree. As for fee-based activities, the festival program includes ice skating rinks, tubing, visiting Santa Clause`s residence and Klavdiyevska Christmas toys factory residence, “Ice Age” exposition, “Interactive adventures” and ‘Ice Sculptures Castle” quest pavilions. All guests are also invited to visit new family 3D show “Winterra. Legend of the Wonderland” in the concert hall (pavilion No 7).
New Year on Spivoche Pole
From December 21, 2018, till January 7, 2019, a new unique event will be held on Spivoche Pole in the center of Kyiv. This festival, called “Citrus Kingdom”, will present fairy tale castles made of 120 tones of real oranges and lemons! The guests will see the famous homes of Harry Potter, Rapunzel, Aladdin, Robin Hood, Count Dracula and other.
How Public Transport Will Work at the NY Night?
On December 31, 2018, 8 PM till January 1, 2019, 3 AM, the traffic along Volodymyrsky passage and Volodymyrska street will be blocked. Besides, on the New Year 2019 night, the public transport will work 3 hours longer than usual. The funicular will work all day and night long.
Note: In this year, similarly to the previous one, the city government prohibited usage of pyrotechnics and fireworks on the New Year night.
The upcoming month in Kyiv is going to be full of interesting events, tasty food and hot wine, warm emotions and pleasant surprises.
Photo source: unsplash.com, depositphotos.com, websites of locations and events mentioned above. All photos belong to their rightful owners.
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