Things to do in Kyiv in winter

In winter, Kyiv takes on a special kind of energy and charm. Streets glow with festive lights, people head out for walks, and the city feels different — cozier and full of anticipation for the holidays and the year ahead. Even in the colder months, there’s plenty of things to do here, from skating rinks and seasonal attractions to warm evenings in cafés and theaters. This guide brings together the best ideas for enjoying winter in Kyiv and making the most of the season.

Visit Winter Country at VDNG

In winter, VDNG turns into a festive winter hub as it hosts Winter Country, the largest Christmas festival in Ukraine. It brings together an ice rink, rides, festive photo spots, Santa’s residence, and the immersive light installation ILLUMINARIUM.

After skating or exploring the installations, it’s easy to warm up at one of the food courts, where hot meals and seasonal drinks are served throughout the day. Entry to the VDNH territory itself is free, but individual attractions require tickets:

• Ice rink: 450 UAH
• Rides, Ferris wheel, carousel: 100–300 UAH
• Santa’s residence: 550 UAH
• ILLUMINARIUM: 350 UAH for adults, 250 UAH for children

Evenings tend to be the busiest, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter visit, plan to come on a weekday or earlier in the day.

Warm up with Christmas cocoa or coffee at Milk Bar

At Milk Bar, seasonal flavors are taken seriously, and winter is all about cocoa and coffee. This year’s Christmas menu leans into rich chocolate, warm spices, and caramel notes, with pumpkin, gingerbread, and even a crispy waffle cone — the kind of flavors you want to sip slowly, warming your hands around the mug.

It’s easy to pair your drink with a festive dessert, whether you’re treating yourself or picking up a small seasonal gift:

• Gingerbread Man made with honey dough, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg
  Chocolate Christmas tree crafted from milk chocolate and colorful dragées
• The holiday “My Kyiv” gift set — iconic Kyiv pralines with hazelnut filling, dressed up in festive packaging

And then there’s the atmosphere. Milk Bar’s holiday decor makes it feel cozy and perfect for winter photos.

See a Christmas performance at the opera

The National Opera of Ukraine is a classic and very fitting choice for a winter evening in Kyiv. During the Christmas season, the program focuses on festive ballets and operas that set a calm, ceremonial mood.

Among the most popular winter performances are The Snow Queen and Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka, based on a story by Mykola Hohol. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to book at least a few weeks in advance.

Climb the bell tower of St. Sophia after sunset

Kyiv’s main Christmas tree is traditionally set up in Sofiiska Square, in front of Saint Sophia Cathedral. In recent years, during the full-scale war, the decorations here have been more restrained, but the symbolism remains strong: the tree stands on one of the city’s oldest squares, deeply connected to Ukraine’s history.

For a different perspective, climb the cathedral’s bell tower. The best time is after sunset, when the tree glows with lights and the cathedral is softly illuminated in blue. Afterward, you can walk around the grounds of St. Sophia, along paths once used by Kyiv’s medieval princes.

Ticket prices

• St. Sophia grounds: 50 UAH (adults), 25 UAH (children)
• Bell tower access: 80 UAH (adults), 30 UAH (children)

Join a painting workshop with a view of St. Sophia

Another interesting perspective on Saint Sophia Cathedral comes from Issaeva Gallery, a small, cozy art space right on Sofiiska Square. The gallery hosts painting and handmade workshops with views of the cathedral. In winter, many sessions focus on making traditional Christmas decorations.

It’s a good option if you want to slow down and do something creative without leaving the historic center.

Go ice skating outdoors

Ice rinks in Kyiv operate year-round, but winter skating feels different. Seasonal outdoor rinks turn into festive spaces with lights, decorations, holiday music, and the spicy smell of mulled wine — enough reason to head outside even on cold days.

These are some of the most popular outdoor rinks this winter:

• The rink at Winter Country at VDNH
• The “Cosmic Ice Rink” at Respublika Park
• The “Crystal Ice Rink” at River Mall
• The “Imaginary Ice Rink” at Kontraktova Square
• The Ice Queen rink at Blockbuster Mall

Unlimited skating usually costs 300–480 UAH, with skate rental included.

Listen to Harry Potter music live

In winter, Kyiv feels not only festive but slightly magical — and a live symphonic concert like The Harry Potter Symphony taps right into that mood. The program brings the world of Harry Potter to life through music, offering a fresh way to experience the story.

The concert features iconic themes from the films, accompanied by video clips from some of the most memorable scenes. It works just as well for longtime fans as for anyone who simply enjoys live orchestral music.

Have dinner at Budynok Velykoho Dyva

In Kyiv, winter magic isn’t limited to music — it shows up on the plate, too. Budynok Velykoho Dyva is one of the city’s most popular spots for creative dishes and impressive presentations.

During the Christmas season, the restaurant adds special seasonal items to the menu. This winter, standouts include:

• French-style baked meat with pineapple cream and onion marmalade, served in a real skillet straight from the oven.
  
• “Dyvo Carousel” cocktail — a house drink with whiskey, honey, and warm spices, served in a hand-crafted ceramic cup shaped like a festive carousel.
  
• Snow globe dessert — an interactive dessert that guests decorate with edible paints at the table; inside is coconut mousse with mango–passion fruit coulis.

Take a winter walk in Mezhyhiria

If you’re in the mood for nature, head to Mezhyhiria, a large state park just outside Kyiv. With more than 140 hectares to explore, it’s easy to spend a full day here — walking along quiet paths, taking in views of the Kyiv Reservoir, watching swans and deer, and enjoying the winter scenery.

It’s a good idea to bring a thermos with hot tea and a snack, as there are only a few food courts on the grounds. Getting here is easy by taxi or by marshrutka No. 355K from Heroiv Dnipra metro station.

Ticket prices:

• Adults — 300 UAH
• Children — 100 UAH

Visit Christmas exhibitions

In winter, Kyiv’s museums and galleries traditionally curate seasonal exhibitions focused on winter and Christmas themes. This season, the Kyiv Picture Gallery is hosting In the Christmas Garden, an exhibition featuring works by Mariia Prymachenko, along with traditional motanka dolls, ceramic animals, and other vivid festive imagery.

Christmas-themed exhibitions and interactive formats can also be found at the Sadyba na Kudriavtsi, the Kyiv History Museum, and the Ukrainian House.

Walk through the Christmas market at Kontraktova Square

This year, the Christmas village has returned to Kontraktova Square. The market includes an ice rink and small wooden stalls selling souvenirs, food, and hot drinks.

In the evening, the square feels especially inviting, with festive lights and photo spots creating a cozy winter atmosphere. After exploring the market, it’s easy to continue your walk up Andriivskyi Descent and into Kyiv’s historic district.