A Guide To The Festive Christmas Markets Of Kyev

Covered in snow, cosy Kyev (Kiev) looks like a fairytale. Festive, a smell of mulled wine and happy crowds creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the bustling capital of Ukraine. The numerous Christmas markets are spread all over the city. Therefore, everyone coming to Kyev will feel the festive mood.

1. St Sophia Square

Architectural Landmark

The authorities of the city install a real Christmas tree (brought from the Carpathians’ dense forest) on one of the main squares in Kyev — at St. Sophia Square. It is decorated with toys of different shapes and designs, while the whole market will sparkle with 22 mile (36 kilometres) of neon flashlights. Except for these decorations, there will be various holiday illuminations, a large chain carousel, food and drinks stalls, festive souvenirs and continuous performances of local musicians or artists. An entertainment town with all sorts of attractions and rides will be located on the Mikhailovskaya Square, opposite the main Christmas tree of Ukraine.

2. Expocentre of Ukraine

Food Court, Ukranian

The Expocentre of Ukraine hosts over 20 entertainment locations for children and adults. The entrance to the local Winter Wonderland will remain free throughout the season. It is a small town of Christmas fairs, showrooms of Ukrainian fashion designers with fireplace and food court called Bavarian yard. There will also be lots of photo-zones and entertaining events with animators, which will take place near the Christmas tree. Among paid zones, one can visit the Santa Claus Residence, roller coasters, Illumination Museum, ice rink, Kyev puppet theater and an art space with thematic workshops.

3. Mariinskiy Park

Park

Since the middle of December, another residence of Santa Claus will be open in the Mariinsky Park. One can enjoy winter playgrounds, festive illumination and workshops for kids. Meanwhile, children will play snowballs, entertain themselves with costumed animators or sledging (aka sledding), adults can sip fragrant mulled wine and have a nice conversation with each other. Festive market at Mariinsky Park is a perfect choice to spend a sunny winter day with family in the fresh air.

5. Poshtova Square

Market

When the most ancient and mysterious area of Kyev, Podol, is covered in snow, locals know that’s it time for the Fairy Tale festive market. The Christmas Fair has an ice rink, an exhibition of ice sculptures and the residence of St. Nicholas, which is open during the day. It is also a charity event, in which money raised at the festival is transferred to the children’s hospital. Moreover, children with disabilities and orphans will take part.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.