Christmas locations in Kyiv: where to go ice skating in the capital and drink aromatic mulled wine?

In winter, Kyiv transforms into a city of warm lights, large ice rinks, and cosy Christmas markets, where the aroma of mulled wine mixes with festive music. This year, the capital has prepared several vibrant locations for active and atmospheric recreation. Find out more about the most interesting places to go ice skating and experience the spirit of Christmas in Kyiv

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In winter, Kyiv turns into a fairy-tale labyrinth of light, music, and the aroma of mulled wine. Ice arenas open one after another, generously adding to the city's winter atmosphere. This year, several large spaces are open for skating and walking, each with its own theme and festive mood.

Where to feel the spirit of Christmas, skate under the open sky and find the most delicious drinks — we tell you in this article.

VDNG Winter Country: a fairy-tale territory where a large Christmas city comes to life

VDNG traditionally becomes the largest winter stage in the capital, and this year the location is once again growing into a full-fledged Christmas world. Everything here works to create a festive immersion: from light installations to themed decorations that change the atmosphere literally from the first steps. But the main attraction remains the large open-air ice arena. It is a space with transparent ice corridors, festive towers, decorations and photo zones, where you want to stop every few metres.

There are areas with hot drinks near the arena, so you can easily alternate skating with short breaks for mulled wine or cocoa. The evening hours are especially beautiful. Here, lanterns illuminate the ice, music creates a festive rhythm, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of European Christmas parks.

River Mall's ‘Crystal Skating Rink’: icy elegance on the waterfront

The Dnipro embankment always looks special in winter, and the winter town near River Mall only enhances this effect. The skating rink is decorated in a light, almost ‘snowy’ style with a crystal Christmas tree in the centre, like a small winter lake that has appeared between the river and the shopping centre.

It is a convenient place to skate with friends and family: the space is open but cosy, the music does not interfere with conversation, and there are food courts around with hot dishes, desserts and traditional warming drinks. River Mall is the perfect place for an atmospheric walk along the embankment when you want both activity and a warm rest in one place.

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Ice Queen Blockbuster Mall: a large arena for active winter fun

In the northern part of Kyiv, a spacious ice rink, Ice Queen, is opening near Blockbuster Mall. The large area, festive music, movement of people, and the opportunity to return to a warm pavilion between rides make skating as comfortable as possible, even on frosty days.

There are hot drink stands nearby, so the aroma of mulled wine and street food fills the entire space. Blockbuster Mall is also convenient for large groups, as you can combine skating with shopping, cinema, relaxing in the food court or other activities inside the centre.

Skating rink and Christmas village on Kontraktova Square

This winter, for the first time since the start of the full-scale war, a full-fledged Christmas village with a skating rink and a festive fair has been set up on Kontraktova Square in Kyiv. The official opening of the location is scheduled for December 19, 2025, but you can already go skating starting December 10.

Final preparations are currently underway: festive decorations are being installed, and food and drink stalls are being set up where visitors can warm up with hot mulled wine and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. According to preliminary information, on weekdays, the town will mainly operate in the evening, and on weekends, from morning until late evening.

According to the organizers, the “Imaginary Skating Rink” on Kontraktova Square is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week.

The cost of a session starts at 300 UAH and may vary depending on the time of visit and day of the week. Prices are usually higher in the evenings and on weekends. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance, as the number of people wanting to go ice skating is traditionally very high in the pre-Christmas period.

To make your walks around Christmas locations even cosier, it's worth bringing something warm and stylish with you. The patriotic Visit Ukraine merchandise collection includes hoodies, hats, scarves and other accessories designed for winter city tours. They keep you warm and add a festive Ukrainian touch to your look.

Order your merchandise now and set off to discover the best Christmas locations in the capital in warmth and comfort!

Reminder! The 2026 New Year holidays are just around the corner. How and where to spend the holidays in Ukraine in comfort, with a festive atmosphere and unforgettable emotions — we tell you here.

Photo: VDNG

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