🎄 New Year’s Kyiv 2025: What to See in the City Center During a Festive Weekend

🎄 New Year’s Kyiv 2025: What to See in the City Center During a Festive Weekend
29.12.2025
If you’re planning to spend a New Year’s weekend in Kyiv, the city center is the perfect place to experience the festive atmosphere. Everything is here: bright holiday locations, music, warm lights, Christmas markets, ice rinks, festive installations, and the country’s main Christmas tree. We’ve prepared a short guide to help you make the most of your winter trip.

🎅 1. Sofiyska Square — Kyiv’s Main Christmas Tree

Traditionally, the main Christmas tree of Ukraine is installed here.

The atmosphere at Sofiyska Square is always special:

  • thousands of lights and garlands
  • festive music
  • food stalls with cocoa, mulled wine, and waffles
  • nativity scenes and photo zones
  • street musicians and family-friendly activities

This is where the New Year’s spirit truly begins — no matter the weather.

✨ 2. Volodymyrskyi Passage & Mykhailivska Square

Just a few minutes’ walk from Sofiyska Square, you’ll find another key festive area:

  • illuminated alleys
  • themed decorations
  • children’s carousels
  • small houses with souvenirs and sweets

It’s especially beautiful in the evening, when the lights create a fairytale-like atmosphere.

🎁 3. Podil: Christmas Markets & Holiday Walks

Kontraktova Square has long been a favorite spot for winter strolls.

Here you can find:

  • handmade Christmas markets
  • festive photo locations
  • an ice rink (weather permitting)
  • outdoor concerts

Podil also offers one of Kyiv’s most beautiful winter views — the illuminated St. Andrew’s Church.

⛸ 4. Ice Rinks in the City Center

Every year, several ice rinks open in central locations.

The most popular ones include:

  • near Gulliver Mall
  • inside shopping malls (a great option in case of frost or rain)
  • sometimes seasonal outdoor rinks near Shevchenko University or in Podil

Ice skating is one of the most atmospheric winter activities for couples and friends.

🕯 5. Festive Lights of Khreshchatyk

During the New Year holidays, Kyiv’s main street turns into a glowing tunnel of lights and installations.

Here you can:

  • enjoy a walk
  • take festive photos
  • visit cafĂŠs and restaurants
  • buy gifts in seasonal pop-up areas

A walk along Khreshchatyk is a must for every visitor to the city.

🏠 Where to Stay Near Kyiv’s Main Christmas Tree?

For those who want to stay in the very heart of festive Kyiv, we offer several apartments located just 2–5 minutes on foot from Sofiyska Square.

✔ Apartments near Sofiyska Square — perfect for a holiday weekend:
  • direct access to historic streets
  • beautiful views of the winter city center
  • Christmas tree, markets, and restaurants within walking distance
  • clean, warm, fully equipped apartments
  • 24/7 check-in by prior arrangement

🎉 Some of our apartments feature panoramic views of the city center, creating a festive atmosphere even without leaving your home.

If you’re looking for an apartment for New Year’s — we’ll help you find the best option to match your budget and preferences.

🎆 Conclusion

New Year’s Kyiv is a fairytale of lights, music, and warm festive vibes.

And the best way to experience it is to stay close to the main holiday locations.

We’ll be happy to help you plan a perfect winter weekend ❤️