In the midst of preparations for New Year celebration, the Western media spread reports about Russia’s possible attack on Ukraine as early as in January. The leading papers and journals from the USA, the UK, Canada and Europe publish detailed plans and maps of the attack. Despite this military hysteria, Ukrainians are busy preparing for New Year. They set up a New Year tree on the main square of the country, open ice rinks and festive locations.
The Capital Prepares for New Year
Following the tradition, thousands lights turn on the main New Year tree of the country on December 19 on Sofiivska Square in Kyiv. The organizers promise there has never been such a fir tree nowhere in the world. As for the top of the New Year tree, which was a subject of extensive discussion and controversy last year, the organizers keep the mystery and promise a surprise.
The festivities will follow a Christmas theme, the birth of Jesus Christ the Son of God. There will also be fitting verteps and panels around the tree with figures of 38 characters of this story from the life of the Holy Family. Among the novelties on Sofiivska Square, there will be an ice rink built around the monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
As for now, the fir beauty is being installed on the square. A Christmas fair will take place around it and on Volodymyrskyi Proizd where capital residents and guests will be able to taste different dishes and warm up with hot beverages.
On a side note, last year’s main fir tree of Ukraine made it to the top 5 of the most beautiful New Year trees of Europe.
2021 New Year
Christmas Locations in Kyiv
Apart from the central New Year tree, New Year and Christmas holidays will see 14 festive locations all over the city beginning December 16. Most notably, they will appear on Kontraktova Square and near the Friendship of Nations Arch. As for now, there are few details about what they will look like. We know that in addition to a fir tree there will be an ice rink and a food court on Kontraktova Square. Another location with amusements for children, the Land of Saint Nicholas, will be in Shevchenko Park. The authorities also promise to decorate all streets and squares and to set up a New Year tree in every district of the capital.
2021 New Year near the Friendship of Nations Arch
2021 New Year near the Friendship of Nations Arch
2021 New Year location on Saint Volodymyr Hill
2021 New Year on Kontraktova Square
2021 New Year on Kontraktova Square
Places to Entertain Yourself
Virtually, every part of the capital promises a lot of joy and entertainment. Thus, Santa House, Santa’s residence, opens near the Roshen factory. There will be five locations at Roshen Winter Village in total: an art gallery; a workshop for creating a unique toy for a souvenir; an interactive Tik-Tok location; a transformation place where every guest can become their favorite fantastic hero by way of face painting, audiences and photo shoots with Santa.
Roshen’s ice rink
Preparations to build a New Year area and an ice rink also began near the Office of the President.
The Winter Land municipal winter amusement park will traditionally open in the Expocenter. They set up a New Year tree, food courts and a festive fair, rollercoasters for children and adults, an ice rink. A fairy tale musical will be performed on the main square there, while the guests of the Winter Land will be able to watch an amazing show in the Expocenter concert hall.
2022 New Year
Photo: vdng.ua
The residence of Dobrochar, who is a new Ukrainian wizard, opened its doors in Dobropark which is near Kyiv. Its area is 780 sq m and a park of fifty 3D light figures of different sizes is located around the residence: there are snowmen, deer, penguins, toys, New Year heroes from fairy tales and amusement facilities. Inside, you can treat yourself with tasty dishes and hot beverages, and you can also visit a fair outside the residence.
Residence in Dobropark
New Year Sales and Tree Markets
The shops already offer New Year decorations and various presents for friends at a holiday discount. And beginning December 15, fir tree markets should open in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. You can legally buy a New Year tree there.
2022 New Year
Bring Your Cheerfulness and Certificates
We must remind you that quarantine restrictions are still maintained in Ukraine due to coronavirus pandemic. Even in orange and yellow zones, the rules state that, beginning December 6, only vaccinated people may visit public events. Without vaccination, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to celebrate New Year at a restaurant, unless you have a negative PCR test or a certificate of recovery.
You don’t have to show your certificates or tests outdoors though and the weather forecasts promise a not at all frosty New Year night with -2 to +1 Celsius but a snowy weather befitting the holiday.