The Kyiv City Administration has received a new Christmas concept for the capital's main tree for consideration. The initiative was put forward by Folk Ukraine, the company that has been responsible for the festive decoration of the tree on Sofia Square for many years. According to company director Ihor Dobrutskyi, the thematic concept is named "Light Within" and aims to create a restrained yet emotionally warm location for residents. A final decision on the implementation of the idea is expected within 10 to 15 days.
"Light Within" Concept: Restraint and a Sense of Warmth
As Ihor Dobrutskyi stated in a commentary to RBC-Ukraine, the main idea of the concept is to give Kyiv residents "a sense of warmth, coziness, and a special mood" taking into account the realities of the present moment. The organizers intend to build the Christmas location in a restrained manner, without excessive decorative load, focusing on the atmosphere and emotional response. At the same time, the company has not yet disclosed the details of the design—the color palette, the format of the zones, and technical solutions—as the administration's final decision has not yet been made, and any public statements at this stage may not match the final version.
Who Is Responsible for Decorating the Main Tree
Folk Ukraine is the permanent contractor in the field of festive decoration for Kyiv's main tree and has been working on the project for a number of years. Its team develops thematic concepts, selects decor, and organizes the technical support of the location. This year, the company took the initiative in advance, submitting the "Light Within" concept to the city administration for consideration before the installation season begins, allowing the authorities to evaluate the proposal and, if necessary, adjust it before the tree is installed.
Sofia Square Traditions and the Role of Patrons
Installing the main tree in Kyiv is an established tradition: the tree is placed on Sofia Square, and the funding for the decoration is provided by patrons. The ceremonial lighting of the tree is traditionally timed for December 6—Saint Nicholas Day, making the event one of the key points in the capital's winter calendar. In recent years, the celebration format has been adapted to security conditions: mass New Year and Christmas events by the KCMA are not held, and the focus shifts to creating an atmosphere and photo zones accessible to citizens on an individual basis.
Context: What the Tree Looked Like in 2025
Last year, in 2025, the festive tree in Kyiv was decorated in white with blue garlands. The white color symbolized "life with a clean slate," while the blue garlands symbolized a clear sky over the country. Photo zones with hearts operated at the festive location, which visitors could take home in exchange for a donation to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This approach—a combination of symbolic decoration and a charitable element—has become a guideline for the current concept, although the final visual range of "Light Within" may differ.
Timelines and What to Expect Next
Currently, the organizers have confirmed that the concept is under review by the city administration. The outcome—approval, adjustments, or rejection—should become known within 10–15 days from the date of submission. Until a decision is made, Folk Ukraine is not disclosing the details of the color scheme and location format. If the concept is approved, installation and preparation for lighting the tree on Sofia Square will, as before, be timed for December 6.
