The main New Year tree of Ukraine 2025-2026 on Sofia Square: what will it be like and when will it be opened?

This week, the main New Year tree of Ukraine will be installed on Sofia Square in Kyiv. Find out what the 16-meter tree will look like, who can help decorate it, and when the festive location will be open

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In Kyiv, the installation of the main New Year tree of Ukraine on Sophia Square will begin this week.

In 2025, the holiday tree will be artificial, 16 meters high, and its decoration will be fully financed by the organizers and patrons, the city will not spend budget funds on the festive location.

The main feature of this year's New Year tree of Ukraine is that anyone can decorate it, read more in this article.

What will be the main New Year tree of Ukraine on Sophia Square?

As the president of Folk Ukraine, the founder of Dobropark Igor Dobrutskyi, said, the tree will be decorated with balls in pastel, green, blue and golden shades. This palette was specially selected to harmoniously combine with the bell tower and domes of St. Sophia Cathedral and not disturb the atmosphere of the historical square. In total, more than 4.5 thousand branches and more than 10.5 thousand toys will be placed on the 16-meter tree.

In addition, the organizers emphasize that this year's Christmas tree should be, first of all, "soulful":

"We want it to correspond to the inner state of people and be in harmony with Sofia Square. We want to involve more people with a good heart in the decoration, in order to convey their energy through these toys."

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Anyone can decorate the main Christmas tree of Ukraine in 2025-2026

This year's feature is that everyone can join in creating a New Year's atmosphere on the main square of Ukraine. From November 25 to 30, a festive area will be open on Sofia Square, where visitors can receive baskets with toys, garlands and decorative branches to decorate the main Christmas tree of Ukraine with their own hands. It is planned that approximately 500 toys will be available for decoration by Ukrainians.

In addition, the organizers are also inviting volunteers to join the work.

When will the main New Year tree of Ukraine on Sofia Square be operational?

The official opening of the main tree in Kyiv is planned for December 4 or 6 - traditionally on St. Nicholas Day.

Due to martial law, mass events will not be held, but a small Christmas location will be set up next to the tree:

- An open-air skating rink,

- Holiday houses with food, sweets, coffee and tea,

- The “Winter Herbata” festival with herbal drinks made from apple, cherry and other tree branches.

It is worth noting that all participants are required to comply with safety and electricity saving requirements.

Despite the difficult times, the main New Year tree of Ukraine on Sofia Square will once again become a symbol of unity, hope and warmth. This year it will not be just a festive installation, but a joint project of thousands of people who will be able to personally participate in its decoration. The atmospheric location with an ice rink, fair houses and “Winter Tea Party” will give Kyiv residents and guests of the capital the opportunity to feel a part of the holiday and support important traditions that unite the country.

Even in difficult times, Ukrainians continue to create light together – and this Christmas tree will be a vivid confirmation of this.

In preparation for the winter holidays, Visit Ukraine has created a selection of stylish merchandise with Ukrainian symbols – from warm hoodies and sweatshirts to bags, backpacks and festive accessories – a great way to add Ukrainian mood to the New Year atmosphere at home or while traveling.

Browse the “Visit Ukraine Collection” and choose holiday merch that will create a special mood under the tree and emphasize your support for Ukraine.

Each purchase is a small but important contribution to Victory!

Reminder! The European Christmas Markets of 2025 promise unforgettable impressions: from historic Strasbourg to fabulous Gdansk. We have already talked about the top 11 best Christmas towns in Europe with unique traditions, dates and features of each location.

Photo – Depositphotos

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