As the holidays get closer, Kyiv starts to feel like a small winter fairy-tale town. Even with blackouts and missile attacks, the city still finds a way to shine.
Streets light up, Christmas trees pop up in every district, and cozy stalls make the cold and dark evenings feel a little warmer.
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In this guide, Kyiv Post highlights some of the most charming Christmas spots around the city.
Milk Bar Cafe
Dates & Hours: Dec. 1, 2025 – end of January | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Location: 16 Shota Rustaveli Street
Milk Bar turns into a cozy holiday pavilion with limited-edition treats like Christmas Whoopie Cookies, stollen, festive desserts, and New Year drinks.
The café is decorated with a snow-globe photo zone at the entrance, “singing deers” figures throughout, and an interactive kaleidoscope tent for photos and videos.
Milk Bar Cafe. (Photo by Milk Bar Cafe / Instagram)
Café Namelaka
Dates & Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Location: 63 Mezhyhirska Street
Namelaka decorates its façade in festive pink tones. A 10-meter Christmas tree, five giant “carolers,” and a small holiday village with a bear family create a photogenic scene outside the patisserie.
Seasonal treats like gingerbread and holiday cakes are available inside. It’s one of Podil’s most popular Instagram spots in winter.
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Café Namelaka. (Photo by Alisa Orlova / Kyiv Post)
Café Namelaka. (Photo by Alisa Orlova / Kyiv Post)
VDNG: Winter Country
Location: 1 Akademika Hlushkova Avenue
VDNG’s “Winter Country” is one of Kyiv’s largest holiday destinations, with multiple zones for lights, skating, and family activities.
ILLUMINARIUM Light Park: Over 200 light installations, including a small decorated tree, reindeer, Santa, giant hat, moon, and a light tunnel. Hours: daily 4–10 p.m. | Tickets: from 250 UAH (≈ $6) Ice Rink: Large arena with a fairy-tale clock tower and the main tree of the location. Hours: daily until 9 p.m. | Tickets: 300 UAH/hour (≈ $7) Santa’s Residence: Meet Santa, get a gift, join elf activities. Hours: daily 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | Tickets: 550 UAH (≈ $13) Christmas Dream Factory: Craft holiday ornaments or take festive photos. Hours: daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m. | Tickets: 470 UAH (≈ $11) Other attractions: Carousel, Northern Express, swan ride, Ferris wheel, quest room. Hours: 12–10 p.m. | Tickets: 150–300 UAH (≈ $4–$7)
Visitors can also enjoy a winter slide, a “snow sandbox” for kids, and walk through festive areas.
(Photo by vdngkyiv / Instagram)
(Photo by Alisa Orlova / Kyiv Post)
(Photo by vdngkyiv / Instagram)
Dobropark: Winter Out of Town 2025
Dates & Hours: Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026 | 4–9 p.m. Location: Motyzhyn village, about 29 km from Kyiv
Dobropark becomes a large holiday park with over 50 photo zones and light installations 7–9 meters tall. Highlights include the Dobrochar Residence (an 18-meter tent), a New Year market, a French carousel, a children’s train, and the park’s Christmas tree.
Tickets: Adult 400 UAH (≈ $10), Child/Discount 300 UAH (≈ $7)
The park is perfect for family outings, couples, or anyone looking for a peaceful winter escape outside the city.
Dobrochar’s Residence (Photo courtesy of Dobropark)
(Photo courtesy of Dobropark)
Crystal Ice Rink near River Mall
Dates & Hours: Dec. 1, 2025 – end of winter (weather permitting) Weekdays: 12–10 p.m. Weekends & Holidays: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Location: 12 Dniprovska Embankment
The open-air rink offers skating with views of the Dnipro River and Kyiv’s left bank. A crystal-style Christmas tree and lighted installations create a festive atmosphere.
Kids can use penguin skating supports, and instructors are available for beginners. Food stalls and rest areas make it a full holiday outing.
Tickets: General 450 UAH (≈ $11), Discount 300 UAH (≈ $7), Instructor 400 UAH (≈ $10), Penguin supports 300 UAH (≈ $7)
The rink is ideal for dates, families, and groups who want to combine skating, city views, and holiday photos.
(Photo courtesy of Kryshtaleva Kovzanka / Instagram)
(Photo courtesy of Kryshtaleva Kovzanka / Instagram)
