On November 29th, the National Complex «Expo Center of Ukraine» in Kyiv will kick off the eleventh season of one of the most beloved projects of Ukrainians — «Winter Wonderland». The VDNH team invites everyone to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, enjoying the essence of Christmas and New Year, even if autumn is still on the calendar.
This year, guests will be greeted at the main entrance by a dazzling photo zone and an avenue of sparkling Christmas trees leading into a magical realm. The air will be filled with the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine, festive melodies, and snowmen performing flash mobs. And of course, don’t miss the main Christmas tree!
The ice rink, which aims to be the largest in Ukraine, will cover an area of over 3000 m². Just as a train station opens doors for travelers, the ice rink at VDNH will become the center of winter activities: a fairytale tower with a clock will be placed in the middle of the ice arena, and nearby, a New Year’s train will be one of the season's main photo spots. Additionally, a magical clock counting down to the festivities will be installed at the central pavilion of the Expo Center.
Santa's Residence is moving — this year it will be even bigger, welcoming visitors in pavilion No. 1. Guests will be greeted by enchanting decorations, a wish box for letters, and Santa himself with his elf helpers. Close by, the «Christmas Dream Factory» will be open, where elves will help create holiday ornaments and fulfill the most cherished wishes.
This year, «Winter Wonderland» will introduce a new area where snow will remain regardless of the weather outside. Here, visitors can build snowmen, create snow angels, and engage in snowball fights. Snowy decorations will also adorn the rooftops of pavilions and market stalls, ensuring a festive atmosphere no matter the weather.
The favorite light installation park, Illuminarium, from the last winter season will return, promising countless bright photos for social media. New themed photo zones will also appear in the «Greenhouse of Charms». Furthermore, «Shumiland» will join the winter season, allowing visitors to step into a magical world of dinosaurs and enchanting creatures while strolling along lighted paths.
On the central square of VDNH, traditional winter attractions will include a slide, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and extreme rides. Nearby, a Christmas market will offer mulled wine, treats, grilled dishes, and handcrafted souvenirs, while the Warm Alley will feature a food court, festive music, and live performances on weekends. Throughout the winter season, the territory of VDNH will be served by the Northern Express with audio tours, spreading holiday cheer.
Overall, «Winter Wonderland» will operate daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, featuring around 20 themed locations with warm zones for relaxation and shelters in case of air alerts. In the event of power outages, all zones of VDNH will be powered by their own generators, and the pathways will glow with energy-efficient LED lighting.
