A Guide to the Festive Christmas Markets of Kyev

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.

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.

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.

A festive atmosphere can also be found at Ice Age market at Spivoche Pole. It is the best fair for winter sports activities and leisure. The location has two hills with a height of 70 meters (229 feet) and 30 meters (100 feet), where guests can on sledge and snow-tube. You can visit a contact zoo with Husky puppies, a zone of children’s attractions, an exhibition of flower compositions and large-scale snow figures, get a hot dog at the food courts, have fun at photo zones or warm up in the tents. The Christmas shops offer sweets, honey, wool products, interesting gifts, souvenirs and much more.

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.