On November 27, 2026, the 12th season of the festive project "Winter Country" will kick off at the National Expocenter (VDNG) in Kyiv. The organizers promise over 20 themed locations, updated lighting designs, and an expanded entertainment program for children and adults alike. Having transformed the Expocenter into the capital's main winter resort for over a decade, this year's project focuses on scale: ranging from a 3,000-square-meter ice rink to Santa's Residence with animated performances and a Christmas decoration fair in Pavilion No. 2.
Ice Arena, Festive Station, and Light Installations
The central attraction of the season will once again be the open-air ice rink, located directly behind the main New Year tree. This year, its area spans 3,000 square meters, making it one of the largest ice surfaces in Ukraine. Next to the arena, organizers are recreating the concept of a "festive railway station": a decorative train will run across the ice, and a clock tower will be erected in the center of the composition. At the main entrance, visitors will be greeted by illuminated reindeer figures, while fairy lights will stretch along the avenue. The main tree will feature new star-sky-styled garlands, and on weekends and holidays, hourly animated shows featuring little snowmen will take place nearby.
Santa's Residence, Decoration Fair, and New Attractions
Pavilion No. 1 will house "Santa's Residence," a location featuring fairytale decorations, tours, and performances starring the main Christmas character and elves. Pavilion No. 2 will host the "Christmas Tree Decoration Fair," showcasing designer collections, decorated trees, and Christmas-themed decor, alongside a workshop where visitors can order personalized lettering from an artist. The Ferris wheel will be relocated to Pavilion No. 1, standing at 28 meters high to offer panoramic views of the entire festive grounds. Among the new attractions is the "Hawk" ride featuring 360-degree rotation, the "Big Chain" carousel, quest rooms, slides, and an expanded "Snow Sandbox" where visitors can build snowmen and play snowball fights. Other returning features include Pana Divko's Wonderworld, the Christmas Dream Factory, Shumiland, the Science Museum, CUBOID, Animal Park, Kitchen & Garden, the Greenhouse, and the Book.ua Space.
Safety: Generators, LED Lighting, and Shelters for 10,000 People
This season, the organizers have placed special emphasis on safety infrastructure. All key locations will be equipped with dedicated generators to ensure continuous operation during power outages. Festive lighting has been fully upgraded to energy-efficient LED lamps. Additional shelters will be set up across nine pavilions on the Expocenter grounds. According to the organizers, in the event of an air raid alert, safe zones at VDNG and in the immediate vicinity of the complex will be able to accommodate approximately 10,000 people simultaneously. For those preferring to stay outdoors, photo zones along the "Warm Avenue," photo booths, and a Christmas market offering hot drinks and grilled dishes will be available.
Practical Information: Opening Hours, Admission, and Transport
Admission to the VDNG grounds remains free of charge, while terms for visiting individual attractions and themed locations should be checked separately. On weekdays, the complex is open daily from 12:00 to 21:00, and on weekends and holidays from 10:00 to 21:00. The "Northern Express" train, offering audio guides, runs across the territory to help visitors explore all key spots. Cultural and entertainment events for various age groups will be held throughout the season at VDNG. The 12th season of "Winter Country" will run until February 2027.
