Midnight, the 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 the New Year with holiday fairs and street vendors selling hot mulled wine or cider.
Read: December 2017 Best Festivals in Ukraine

This time Kyiv will entertain its dwellers and guests with various concerts, festivals and spectacular performances. Sofiyivska and Mykhaylivska Squares will traditionally become the centerpiece of the 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. In 2017/18 “Folk Ukraine” has named the festival «NeoRik» (Neon Year) and it will be themed around traditional Ukrainian art, and art works of famous Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko in particular.

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 the 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 Sofiyivska Square, will be traditionally lighted on St. Nicholas Day (December 19, 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 Sofiyivska Square on St. Nicholas Day with children is a good idea for fun and interesting family weekend. Kids will love Christmas themed musical and fun games and quests.

Shevchenko Park in Kyiv will host family-friendly «New Year Adventures in Ice Kingdom» festival. 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. Mariyinsky Park will also have many fun Christmas-themed activities for the whole family starting from December 19 to January 14. The festive zone here is called «Santa’s Fantasy Place».

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 the New Year Eve at VDNH enjoying delicious food from a local food court and best live gigs in the city.

Read: Interesting December 2017 Events in Lviv
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 the New Year and Christmas time you can watch here amazing performances and traditional carol songs and to admire Ukrainian national costumes.
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