Christmas Events for Kids in Kyiv (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

4 min read · Читати англійською

For 2026, we confirmed 6 Christmas events for kids in Kyiv. The season opens on November 13 with Christmas Stories Manor (Mayetok Rizdvianykh Istorii) and runs until January 10 with Magical Musical “Rapunzel. New Year Wonders” (Rapuntsel. Novorichni dyva). Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Ukraine.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Kyiv: 6
  • First: Christmas Stories Manor (Mayetok Rizdvianykh Istorii), Kyiv, November 13
  • Free events: None confirmed yet

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Kyiv

Kids’ Christmas events
6 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Kyiv
Season
November 13 to January 10
Free events
None confirmed yet
Last checked

Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Kyiv

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

Visit with Santa

Christmas Stories Manor (Mayetok Rizdvianykh Istorii)

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Each session lasts 30 minutes. Guests will find festive halls with Christmas trees in different styles, themed photo zones and an introduction to Ukrainian Christmas traditions.

Children can visit the crafts workshop, join a creative workshop, peek into the Saint Nicholas (Sviatyi Mykolai) house and choose a special Christmas tree ornament. Tickets are sold for sessions, and groups of 15 or more have a separate rate, with one chaperone free for every 10 children.

Parent tip: For discounted tickets, bring a document that confirms eligibility. Choose a session in advance on the ticket page.

Host
Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)
Where
Christmas Stories Manor (Mayetok Rizdvianykh Istorii), вул. Весняна, 25, Kyiv (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 5 more Kyiv events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Kyiv.
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  • Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
  • Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
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Coming up on this page

  • 5 Shows
  • 3 Santa
  • 1 Lights
  • 1 Crafts

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Visit with Santa

New Year Show “Saint Nicholas's Christmas Ball” (Rizdvianyi bal Sviatoho Mykolaia)

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The festive show invites children and parents on a magical journey with Saint Nicholas (Sviatyi Mykolai) and the characters of a story about kindness, friendship and true Christmas miracles. The show lasts about 70 minutes.

Three sessions are scheduled on Saturday, Dec 5: at 11 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets start at UAH 340, and you choose your seat on the hall map on the show's page.

Parent tip: Arrive 15 minutes before the start so you can find your seats without rushing. Expect it to be in Ukrainian.

Host
Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)
Where
House of Architects (Budynok arkhitektora), вул. Бориса Грінченка, 7, Kyiv 01001 (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)

New events in Kyiv every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Kyiv every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

New Year Fairy Tale “Frozen” (Kholodne sertse)

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The New Year fairy tale “Frozen” (Kholodne sertse) runs at the House of Architects on two weekends in December. The show lasts about 70 minutes, so it is a good fit for a first trip to the theater.

Sessions are on Saturday and Sunday, Dec 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 11 am and 1 pm. Tickets start at UAH 340, and you can choose seats online.

Parent tip: Dress the kids so they are comfortable in the coat check, and arrive a little early. Expect it to be in Ukrainian.

Host
Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)
Where
House of Architects (Budynok arkhitektora), вул. Бориса Грінченка, 7, Kyiv 01001 (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)

New events in Kyiv every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Kyiv every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

The Grinch, the Christmas Thief (Hrinch, vykradach Rizdva)

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The Egoist theater's show combines the story of someone who does not like Christmas with circus acts and modern lighting. The show is interactive and lasts about an hour.

Six sessions are shown: Dec 25, 26 and 27, in the morning at 11 am and in the afternoon at 3 pm or 4 pm. Tickets start at UAH 400.

Parent tip: Kids love the interactive moments, so seats closer to the stage may appeal to the youngest. Expect it to be in Ukrainian.

Host
Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)
Where
House of Cinema (Budynok kino), вул. Саксаганського, 6, Kyiv 01033 (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)

New events in Kyiv every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Kyiv every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

New Year Musical “Santa, the Mice and the Christmas Tree” (Santa, myshi ta yalynka)

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The musical is shown at the Central House of Artists, and the show lasts about an hour. It is a light story with songs for children and adults.

Sessions are scheduled for Saturday, Dec 26 at 11 am and 2 pm, and Sunday, Dec 27 at 11 am and 3 pm. Tickets start at UAH 400.

Parent tip: Choose a morning session if your child tires quickly toward evening. Expect it to be in Ukrainian.

Host
Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)
Where
Central House of Artists (Tsentralnyi budynok khudozhnyka), вул. Січових Стрільців, 1-5, Kyiv 04053 (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)

New events in Kyiv every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Kyiv every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

Magical Musical “Rapunzel. New Year Wonders” (Rapuntsel. Novorichni dyva)

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The musical is designed for children ages three and up and lasts about 70 minutes. It is a New Year fairy tale with songs that suits the school break well.

Sessions are at 12 pm on Jan 2 (Saturday), Jan 9 (Saturday) and Jan 10 (Sunday), 2027. Tickets start at UAH 340.

Parent tip: For the little ones, bring a snack for after the show, since eating in the hall is not allowed. Expect it to be in Ukrainian.

Host
Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)
Where
Central House of Officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Tsentralnyi budynok ofitseriv Zbroinykh syl Ukrainy), Kyiv (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Concert.ua (opens in a new tab)

New events in Kyiv every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Kyiv every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

More Christmas events for kids in Ukraine

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.com (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Kyiv: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Kyiv?

For 2026, we confirmed 6 Christmas events for kids in Kyiv, each on its host’s own page: Christmas Stories Manor (Mayetok Rizdvianykh Istorii), New Year Show “Saint Nicholas's Christmas Ball” (Rizdvianyi bal Sviatoho Mykolaia), New Year Fairy Tale “Frozen” (Kholodne sertse) and 3 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Kyiv?

Where to see Santa: Christmas Stories Manor (Mayetok Rizdvianykh Istorii) and New Year Show “Saint Nicholas's Christmas Ball” (Rizdvianyi bal Sviatoho Mykolaia). Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Kyiv

Christmas in Kyiv is full of old family customs that children love: Saint Nicholas, carolers with a star, a sheaf of grain in the corner and a table with twelve meatless dishes. Here is what each tradition means and which family events to plan for.

How Kyiv celebrates Christmas

Kyiv's Christmas season centers on a big tree, fairs, a skating rink and the house of Saint Nicholas. The main city tree stands on Sofia Square, and the first one was set up there in 1936. In the 1990s a Christmas star started to be placed at the top, and the ornaments were made as little houses with national patterns. Since 2020 a Bethlehem star has shone on the main tree.

A few decades ago, children went to morning tree parties at big halls such as the Palace Ukraina. Today, families mix open-air fun with theater shows, interactive spaces and workshops.

Traditions your kids will meet

Christmas Eve, called Sviatyi Vechir, is on December 24. The family sits down when the first star appears, lights a candle and tries twelve meatless dishes. A traditional dish called kutia stands in the middle of the table.

In the corner of the room stands a didukh, a sheaf of grain that reminds the family of summer and the generous field.

Children and teenagers go caroling with kolyadky and shchedrivky, songs they sing in exchange for sweets. By old custom, the group included a star carrier, a bell ringer and someone to carry the bag.

Another favorite is the vertep, a puppet or live play about the Nativity. Historians believe puppet and live vertep shows were performed in Ukraine as early as the 17th century. Saint Nicholas brings gifts under the pillow on the night before December 6.

Planning a Christmas visit to Kyiv with kids

Events on this page run from mid-November into January. The Manor of Christmas Stories, an interactive space of Ukrainian Christmas traditions, is open daily from November 13 to January 10, with a crafts workshop, a Saint Nicholas house and decorated trees. Theater shows for families fill weekends in December and after Christmas, including a St. Nicholas Day ball, a fairy tale based on Cold Heart, a Grinch show, a Santa and mice musical and a Rapunzel musical for children from three.

The events listed here are ticketed. Most are in Ukrainian, so check with the host if you need English. The shows are visual and musical, so younger children can often follow along.

A season of lights, rinks and a free express

In 2019 the Kyiv festive season ran from December 14 to January 19. The main tree on Sofia Square was lit on December 19. It stood over 20 meters tall with about 800 decorations and more than three kilometers of colorful garlands, and a fairy-tale town called Four Kingdoms was built around it.

On Kontraktova Square, children found the residence of Saint Nicholas and a skating rink of 1,600 square meters. For the first time, a free Christmas express ran around a monument in the city center, and nearly a hundred festive fairs were open in the city. In a recent season, a large nativity scene stood around the main tree, and the tree carried over 20,000 toys.

Traditions today

  • Christmas Eve on December 24: The family sits down when the first star appears, lights a candle and tries twelve meatless dishes. Kutia stands in the middle of the table.
  • The didukh: A sheaf of grain stands in the corner of the home, a reminder of summer and a generous field.
  • Carols and shchedrivky: Children and teenagers go from home to home singing and receive sweets. By old custom the group had a star carrier, a bell ringer and a bag carrier.
  • The vertep: A puppet or live play about the Nativity. In Kyiv a vertep was even set up around the main tree.
  • Saint Nicholas: Gifts appear under the pillow on the night before December 6, and Kyiv has set up a Saint Nicholas residence on Kontraktova Square.
  • The main tree on Sofia Square: Every December the lights come on, and around the tree there are a fairy-tale town, fairs and a rink.

A fact for kids

Once, a free Christmas express ran for the first time around a monument in the center of Kyiv, and the main tree glowed with about 800 decorations.

Questions about Christmas in Kyiv

Is Kyiv worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Kyiv has rich family traditions, from Saint Nicholas to carolers and puppet nativity plays. Events on this page include an interactive Christmas traditions space and many children's theater shows from November to January.

When do the Christmas events in Kyiv start?

The Manor of Christmas Stories opens on November 13 and runs daily until January 10. Theater shows begin on Saturday, December 5, with the St. Nicholas Day ball, and continue on December weekends and into January.

Where can kids meet Saint Nicholas in Kyiv?

The Manor of Christmas Stories has a Saint Nicholas house, and the family show The Christmas Ball of Saint Nicholas is on Saturday, December 5. In the past, a Saint Nicholas residence was set up on Kontraktova Square.

Where can kids meet Santa in Kyiv?

Kids can see Santa in the New Year musical Santa, Mice and the Christmas Tree on Saturday and Sunday, December 26 and 27. There is also a Saint Nicholas house in the Manor of Christmas Stories.

Are there free Christmas events in Kyiv?

The events listed on this page are ticketed, with prices starting at about 340 hryvnias for most shows. In the past, the city has also offered free fun, such as a free Christmas express in 2019. Check with the hosts for current free options.

Are Christmas events in Kyiv in English?

Most events are in Ukrainian. Many are musical or visual, but check with the host if you need English.

What is the Manor of Christmas Stories?

It is an interactive space of Ukrainian Christmas traditions, with decorated trees, a crafts workshop, a Saint Nicholas house and a children's workshop. It is open daily from November 13 to January 10, with sessions from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What is Sviatyi Vechir?

It is Christmas Eve on December 24. The family sits down when the first star appears, lights a candle and tries twelve meatless dishes, with kutia in the middle of the table.

What is a didukh?

A didukh is a sheaf of grain placed in the corner of the home at Christmas. It reminds the family of summer and the generous field.

What is a vertep?

A vertep is a puppet or live play about the Nativity. Historians believe puppet and live versions were shown in Ukraine as early as the 17th century. In Kyiv, a large vertep with figures of the Holy Family, shepherds, kings and angels was once placed around the main tree.

What are kolyadky and shchedrivky?

They are Christmas songs that children and teenagers sing as they visit homes, and they receive sweets in return. By old custom the group had a star carrier, a bell ringer and someone to carry the bag.

What do Ukrainians eat on Christmas Eve?

Families try twelve meatless dishes. A traditional dish called kutia stands in the middle of the table, and a candle is lit when the first star appears.

When does Saint Nicholas bring gifts in Ukraine?

Saint Nicholas brings gifts under the pillow on the night before December 6. Kids look forward to it, and there are special shows around that date.

Where can kids see a Christmas show in Kyiv?

Theater shows are held at venues such as the Architect's House, the Central House of Artists and the House of Cinema. Shows include Cold Heart, The Grinch, Santa, Mice and the Christmas Tree and a Rapunzel musical.

How much do Christmas shows in Kyiv cost?

Tickets start at about 340 hryvnias for the St. Nicholas Day ball, Cold Heart and Rapunzel, and about 400 hryvnias for the Santa musical and the Grinch show. At the Manor of Christmas Stories, groups of 15 or more pay 530 hryvnias per group.

What is the Grinch show in Kyiv?

It is an interactive fairy-tale show by Egoist theater about the Grinch, with circus acts and light effects for the whole family. It is on December 25, 26 and 27.

Is there a show for young children in Kyiv?

The Rapunzel musical, The New Year Wonders, is for children from three. It runs on January 2, 9 and 10 at noon. The family shows in December are also designed for children and parents together.

What is The Christmas Ball of Saint Nicholas?

It is a fairy-tale show about kindness, friendship and Christmas wonders for children and parents. It is held on Saturday, December 5, at 11, 1 and 4, on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day.

What is Cold Heart?

It is a New Year fairy tale based on the well-known story of two sisters and a frozen heart. It is shown on the weekend days of December 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 11 and 1.

When was the first main Christmas tree in Kyiv?

The first main city tree was set up in 1936 on what is now Sofia Square. Since 2020, a Bethlehem star has shone at the top of the main tree.

What was the Christmas season in Kyiv like in 2019?

It ran from December 14 to January 19. The main tree was lit on December 19 with about 800 decorations, and there was a fairy-tale town called Four Kingdoms, a Saint Nicholas residence and a rink on Kontraktova Square. Nearly a hundred festive fairs were open.

Are there Christmas events in Kyiv after Christmas?

Yes. The Grinch show and the Santa musical are held December 25 to 27, and the Rapunzel musical is on January 2, 9 and 10. The Manor of Christmas Stories stays open until January 10.

Which Kyiv weekend has the most Christmas events?

The weekend of December 25 to 27 is a good choice, with the Grinch show and the Santa musical both on the program. The weekend of December 12 and 13 has Cold Heart, and December 5 has the St. Nicholas Day ball.

Sources

  1. Як кияни новорічні дерева ховали в шафах та коли в Києві вперше встановили ялинку на Софійській площі, Телеграф
  2. У Києві на Софійській площі запалили головну ялинку країни, УНІАН
  3. Дідух, вечеря та вертеп: як традиційно відсвяткувати Різдво в Україні, ТСН
  4. Новорічно-різдвяні святкування в столиці: програма на Софійській і Контрактовій площах, Київська міська рада
  5. Хто такий Святий Миколай: легенда про походження свята та його значення, ZAXID.NET
Kelsey Cecil
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