Midnight, New Year’s Eve in the center of Ukraine’s capital is quite an endearing sight: people standing outside, shivering, teeth clattering – just to wish each other a happy new year, accompanied by the bang and sparkle of fireworks. Kyiv dwellers have begun to absorb the outdoorsy continental lifestyle of celebrating New Year with holiday fairs and street vendors selling hot mulled wine or cider.
This time Kyiv will entertain its citizens and guests with various concerts, festivals and spectacular performances. Sofiyivska and Mykhaylivska Squares will traditionally become the centerpiece of New Year celebration in Kyiv. “Folk Ukraine” Ethnic cultural foundation invites guests to attend the biggest open-air party of the winter season. This location will host numerous live gigs of popular Ukrainian and international artists, dancers and performers.
All the New Year celebration events in Kyiv start traditionally around 8 PM and last late after midnight. It is said (but not confirmed yet) that there will be no fireworks in midnight highlighting the arrival of New Year because of the tragic events of 2013 and because of the War in Eastern part of the country.
The main Christmas Tree of Ukraine, that will be located on Sofiyska Square, will be traditionally lighted on St Nicholas Day (December 19th, 2016). This square in the heart of Kyiv will be also the location of Christmas Market, where visitors can buy various presents, souvenirs, enjoy delicious street food and hot drinks. Visiting Sofiyska Square on St Nicholas Day with children is a good idea for a fun and interesting family weekend. Kids will love Christmas themed musical and fun games and quests.
Shevchenko Park in Kyiv will host «Family Christmas in the Park». The park will be full of magical decorations, Christmas themed photo zones for selfies and family portraits as well as cute wooden huts selling traditional winter foods and drinks.
VDNH expo complex in Kyiv will turn into ultimate family destination for winter fun. Here one will have a chance to skate on a giant skating rink, feel some thrill in the extreme part zone and shop at Christmas Market. Guests can Celebrate New Year Eve at VDNH enjoying delicious food from a local food court and best live gigs in the city.
The Museum of Ukrainian folk architecture Pyrohovo is another place to visit on winter holidays in Kyiv. This open-air museum displays different samples of regional folk architecture: houses, windmills, churches and schools. On New Year and Christmas time here you can watch amazing performances and traditional carol songs and to admire Ukrainian national costumes.
Kiev Rus Park in Kopachev (Kopachiv village, Obukhiv highway, about 50 km from the capital) near Kyiv invites to spend exciting medieval themed New Year’s Eve. Here guests will have a chance to enjoy horse riding, costume party, Kievan Rus food and drinks tasting and many other fun activities. for detailed schedule of events, restaurant festive menu and rates, anyone can check Kiev Rus Park in Kopachev web page.
Lviv is another popular travel destination for winter holidays in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians from all over country as well as guests from other countries come to Lviv in order to experience a truly magical winter fairy tale, which Lviv is creating every year. Lviv downtown is the perfect place to enjoy New Year 2017 celebrations with twinkling lights, a snow covered (if lucky) narrow streets and holiday events and activities to entertain the whole family.
Traditional Christmas Fair will be opened on Svobody Avenue and Rynok Square on December 19th, 2016 on St Nicholas Day. Despite the fact, that Christmas celebrations are much more popular in Lviv comparing to New Year celebrations, the city being the tourist center of Ukraine fully caters to numerous guests’ expectations. If you are looking for Christmas presents and dream of the lovely smell of a Christmas tree or the lovely sound of Christmas carols Lviv downtown is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. There will be no fireworks this year, however the melodic sounds of Christmas singing and folk live performances will fully reimburse for this.
The Christmas festive season, its folkloric traditions along with the New Year’s Eve celebrations are commonly perceived as a time to be spent with our loved ones, family and close friends. From St Nicholas Day (19th of December 2016) to Christmas (7th of January 2017), there are plenty of things happening in all the major cities of Ukraine. New Year 2017 Celebration in Ukraine offers various entertainments for people young and old from favorites like the traditional Christmas Fairs to spectacular performances and live gigs.
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