The world will soon be celebrating Christmas and the New Year, but for the second year in a row, Ukraine will be celebrating the holidays in a time of war. Find out more about the plans to set up the main Christmas tree in Kyiv this year and whether there will be New Year's celebrations

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Usually, Christmas and New Year celebrations in Ukraine are accompanied by loud festivities, traditional rituals, fun fairs and fireworks, but since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, all celebrations and mass gatherings have been canceled.

Last year, despite lengthy and heated discussions, the main Christmas tree was set up on St. Sophia Square, and on December 19, St. Nicholas Day, it was illuminated in blue and yellow.

Photo: UNIAN

The article below will tell us whether there will be a celebration this year and whether a traditional Christmas tree will be set up in Kyiv.

Will the New Year and Christmas be celebrated in Ukraine?

Unfortunately, just like last year, there will be no traditional winter celebrations, as loud festivities are banned during the war, as well as mass gatherings in public places. That's why there will be no food courts or other celebrations at the New Year's location in Kyiv.

However, the main thing is that the decorated Christmas tree will still be the centerpiece of St. Sophia Square in Kyiv.

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What will the 2023-2024 Christmas tree look like?

Ihor Dobrutskyi, head of Folk Ukraine, the company that prepares the New Year's Eve, told the Evening Kyiv newspaper that this year's Christmas tree will be installed in December at the expense of patrons. 

"The Christmas tree, its decorations, toys, and a generator for lighting will be paid for by patrons. Not a single penny will be spent from the state and city budgets," said Mr. Dobrutsky.

For now, the details of the decorations and the theme of the festive location are being kept secret, and the mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko is to announce them later. 

Where to celebrate the New Year in Ukraine during the war?

Due to the ban on mass celebrations and the curfew, Ukrainians will only be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve with their families. But you can do this not only at home, but also by going on a short trip, which will help you relax and catch your breath.

The Zakarpattia region can be an ideal option for a New Year's trip, as it has a special atmosphere that Ukrainians have been missing for two years in a row. In addition, there is no curfew in Transcarpathia, so you can celebrate the New Year not only at home behind closed doors.

It is also important to note that during the full-scale invasion, Zakarpattia region suffered only one missile attack, so the region remains relatively safe for travel.

A wide range of travel options for Zakarpattia can be found on the Visit Ukraine website. And if you want your New Year's trip to be special, our managers can help you plan and organize an individual tour, taking into account all your wishes, preferences and needs. To contact the managers, please call the hotline (from 08:00 to 02:00 Kyiv time).

We remind you! If you don't remember the last time you went for a walk at night or visited a 24-hour supermarket, read our previous article on how and where you can take a break from the curfew and remember almost pre-war life without leaving Ukraine.

Photo: newsroom.kh.ua (The main Christmas tree in Kharkiv during the war)

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