Deck the Halls
It’s that time of year again: mulled wine on every street corner, Christmas classics on repeat, and excitement in the air! With Christmas and New Year quickly approaching, there’s no better place to be to take it all in than the capital of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Willy Wonka
What with shopping, travel plans, and the mad rush to finish your work before the year’s end, ‘tis the season to be frantic. However, getting into the Christmas spirit is easier than you think. If you’re not feeling festive yet, Roshen has the perfect antidote: an evening visit to the Roshen Winter Village will take you straight into the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and you’ll feel its magic no matter what year you were born. Light shows to blow your mind, dreamy Christmas music, festive food and drink, and a state-of-the-art skating rink could turn any ‘Bah, Humbug!’ day around.
Shop ‘til you Drop
Think Christmas shopping is stressful and time-consuming? You just have to go to the right places… Kurazh Bazar is a great place to soak up the festive atmosphere and buy gifts from a curated selection of Ukrainian vendors. From restored Soviet Christmas ornaments to handmade soaps and beautifully printed Ukrainian books, there’s something for everyone. Performances by local artists, photo zones, a live DJ and prize giveaways are just a few of the extra attractions on offer. Plus, VDNH’s Winter World is conveniently located nearby. This is a great place to go with the little ones: you’ll find a skating rink, a slide, sweet treats, light shows and a little train chugging around the event grounds. For adults, there’s also a great selection of mulled wine, served by cheery-eyed Christmas-sweater-wearing servers!
Fan Favourite
Be it the monthly market, or their two flagship locations on the famous Khreschatyk, we know we can rely on Vsi Svoi. With a massive selection of Ukrainian-designed-and-made goods, you’re not only supporting the local economy but purchasing high-quality goods. Conveniently, their Christmas market is open every weekend until the end of December. Come to find the perfect gifts and stay to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Market Madness
Be sure to visit Kyiv’s annual Christmas markets on Kontraktova Ploshcha and Sofiivska Ploshcha, running for over a month, from 14 December to 19 January. Here you can enjoy a mix of traditional and modern goods and entertainment. With special events and entertainment planned for 25 December, 31 December, and 7 January, these markets are the perfect place to celebrate if you’re on your own for the holidays.
The More the Merrier
Whether you’re celebrating solo or with friends and family, Kyiv will be sure to enchant you. With two official dates for Christmas, we can safely say that nobody does Christmas like Ukraine!
Roshen Winter Village
Until 8 March
Nauky Pr 1
⎯ 10.00 – 22.00
120 UAH
FB: roshenwintervillage
Kurazh Bazar
Akademika Hlushkova 1
⎯ Keep an eye out on Facebook for their next event.
150 UAH
FB: kurazhbazar
Winter World at VDNH
7 December – 1 March
Akademika Hlushkova 1
FREE
FB: vdngkyiv
Vsi Svoi Christmas Market
14-15, 21-22, 28-29 December
Desyatynna 12
FREE
FB: vsi.svoi
