Ukraine
Colorful Odesa loves holidays and festivities. No wonder, since Christmas and New Year are a special occasion. Winter holidays in Odesa are an unforgettable adventure that is not like standard tourist entertainment. You can feel like a part of the city, immerse yourself in its harsh winter beauty and enjoy rare deserted moments alone with the colorful streets of Odesa.
Odesa Christmas tree
For many years, the main tree of the city is set up in mid-December on St. Nicholas Day on the main city street – Deribasivska. There is not only a large Christmas tree, but also huge glowing figures of Christmas balls, Santa Claus, Deer and many other New Year and fairy-tale characters.
Shops, cafes, restaurants, which decorate their windows with Christmas and New Year installations, also do not fail. You may see there even an exhibition of gingerbread houses that could be bought on the spot! Besides you may buy a variety of souvenirs and gifts.
Odesa Christmas tree
For many years, the main tree of the city is set up in mid-December on St. Nicholas Day on the main city street – Deribasivska. There is not only a large Christmas tree, but also huge glowing figures of Christmas balls, Santa Claus, Deer and many other New Year and fairy-tale characters.
Shops, cafes, restaurants, which decorate their windows with Christmas and New Year installations, also do not fail. You may see there even an exhibition of gingerbread houses that could be bought on the spot! Besides you may buy a variety of souvenirs and gifts.
Odesa theaters
Ukrainian Theater, the Musical Comedy, the Opera and Ballet Theater, Odesa Sports Palace organize New Year’s parties for children.
New Year’s master classes, meeting with St. Nicholas, snow show and quests for children are also held in the city.
The skating rink in Shevchenko Park
The skating rink in Shevchenko Park is one of the most popular open-air skating rinks in the city. Lunapark is located nearby. The skating rink has a very nice atmosphere in the evening, because everything around is illuminated by the multi-colored lights of the rides and the Ferris wheel.
Odesa museums
Odesa museums are open all year round, and no weather will prevent you from immersing yourself in history and science. The most interesting museums:
- The Museum of Interesting Science is the first interactive science and entertainment museum in Ukraine, where adults will find it interesting and children – incredibly educational. Physics, chemistry, engineering – you can touch, test and understand all of this.
- The secrets of underground Odesa, or the Odesa catacombs under Moldavanka.
- The Shustov Cognac Museum is for adult connoisseurs of taste, with a tasting at the end of the tour.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art is for adults and conscious lovers of immersion in art.
All events last until mid-January, and then a couple of days later preparations begin for the celebration of Valentine’s Day, and of course, Maslenitsa (Shrovetide). In these February days, Odesa is filled with a romantic atmosphere and a spicy scent of flowers.
And on Maslenitsa the park named after poet Taras Shevchenko hosts a fair with pancakes and tea drinking from a real samovar. The celebration of the departure of winter and the meeting of spring with traditional Ukrainian songs and dancing.
Odesa is good in all seasons, and whenever you come, you will always have something to see and to do.