Christmas and New Year’s are not just a time for Christmas trees, festive lights, and family traditions. It is also a wonderful opportunity to break free from the everyday, change familiar routes, and discover new experiences.
In this list, we have prepared atop-17 unusual places where winter holidays become a real adventure—with atmosphere, captivating stories, and a special mood that will stay in your memory for a long time.
Source: UkraineIs
Ethno-Park "Agroland"
This is a unique format of recreation where you can get closer to animals while enjoying the farming atmosphere and infrastructure for walks and relaxation.
Who should visit: families with children, groups seeking a "real holiday" away from the hustle near Ternopil.
Location: s. Velyky Khodachkiv, Ternopil region, Berazhanivska St, 2A.
St. Panteleimon Church
One of the most famous ancient temples of Prykarpattia: a monument of Romanesque style, associated with the period of the Galician-Volhynian principality.
Who it suits: those who value history, architecture, and unpopular tourist spots without fairs.
Location: located on the territory of the "Ancient Halych" reserve, s. Shevchenkove, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Salt Factory in Drohobych
Drohobych Salt Factory is a place where you can see the traditional salt-making process during tours. You can also combine it with winter walks around Drohobych (cafes, architecture, museums).
Who it suits: those who want to spend an unconventional "urban" weekend instead of traditional resorts.
Location: Lviv region, m. Drohobych, Soloniy Stavok St, 27.
Underhill Earth History Park
This is a themed park for family recreation with sculptures on the themes of the ancient world (dinosaurs, “historical eras”), emphasizing walking and "wow-photos." You can take a short "outdoor" tour with children, arrange photo zones, and actively spend time in nature.
Who it suits: families looking for an alternative to shopping malls during the holidays.
Location: Ivano-Frankivsk region, Bohorodchansky district, s. Pidhir’ya.
“Country House” Estate
This is a countryside retreat in a rural style near Kremenchuk: the motivation is "come to relax," enjoy homemade food, stroll the grounds, and forget about the city. Experience cozy relaxation without crowds, warm evenings in a homey atmosphere.
Who should visit: couples and families looking for a "quiet Christmas" without noisy events.
Location: Poltava region, village Checheleve.
“Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” Film Museum
This is a house-museum associated with the filming of the movie: the exhibition has been operating since the early 2000s, and the location reflects the Hutsul context. Official sources state that the museum opened in 2000. You can combine it with the Christmas atmosphere of Verkhovyna and carols in the Carpathians.
Who it suits: cinema, ethnography, and Carpathian enthusiasts who do not yield to Bukovel.
Practically: the working hours may be limited on certain days—it's worth checking before your visit.
Location: Ivano-Frankivsk region, Verkhovyna, s. Hlyfa.
Ven Greenery
Here, you can take walks through the park, enjoy seasonal decorations and exhibitions (depending on the year), photo sessions, and family recreation.
Who it suits: those who value beautiful locations and aesthetic strolls.
Location: Chernivtsi region, s. Mamaivtsi.
Haiovronska Narrow Gauge Railway
This is a historical railway monument known for its retro trains and themed trips. Tourist guides emphasize it as an important location to visit. If festive rides are scheduled—this will be the best option (keep an eye on announcements), plus it’s worth strolling around the city.
Who it suits: families, railway lovers, those looking for an unusual "way as an adventure."
Location: Kirovohrad region, Haiovron.
Alpaca Farm "Clever Barn" + Guest Houses
Here, you can visit animals (perfect for children), enjoy walks through the Carpathian landscapes, and "slow" relaxation in guest houses.
Who it suits: families, couples, and those who wish to celebrate in the mountains without the noise of large resorts.
Location: village Yavori, Kosiv district, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
The cost of booking depends on the day of the week - on weekdays - 10,250 UAH/night; on weekends - 10,750 UAH/night.
Spaso-Preobrazhenska Church
This is a famous defensive church (a combination of a temple and a fortress), which serves as a unique example of Podolian defensive architecture. You can come for a few hours to learn about the history, combining it with a route through Podillia (Kamianets, Medzhybizh, small villages).
Who it suits: everyone who loves unusual landmarks without crowds.
Location: village Sutkivtsi, Khmelnytsky region.
The Largest Christmas Crib
The crib, which represents the largest exhibition, is located in the Church of St. Apostle Peter in Ternopil. It is large-scale and contains numerous elements of composition. You have the opportunity to visit the crib during the period when it is open to visitors; it creates a genuine atmosphere for those who do not visit fairs.
Who it suits: families, tourists planning a one-day trip to Ternopil, everyone looking for the "Christmas meaning," not just adhering to visual beauty.
Location: St. Apostle Peter's Church, Volodymyr the Great St, Ternopil.
Lantern Park
This is a seasonal illumination project in the Bohdan Khmelnytsky Culture and Recreation Park in Lviv. Evening walks, photos, and “light” holiday mood in any weather (provided there is no storm wind or heavy rain).
Who it suits: couples, families, and guests of Lviv who do not want to stand in lines at fairs.
Location: m. Lviv, B. Khmelnytsky Park.
“Christmas in Podil” (Kyiv)
The festive location in Podil is usually located at Contract Square: there is a fair and an ice rink as part of the Christmas village. You can visit the fair, taste hot drinks and street food, take photos, and, if available, skate.
Who should visit: those who seek “a holiday in the city,” but without long journeys.
Location: m. Kyiv, Podil.
Onyshchuk Family Winery
This location is positioned as a family vineyard estate with tastings and tours. In winter, you will be offered to enjoy tastings and tours, which can be combined with Kamianets-Podilskyi and winter landscapes of Podillia.
Who it suits: adult companies, couples, and "gastro-enthusiasts."
Location: s. Kulchiyivtsi (Kamianets-Podilskyi district), Peremohy St, 20.
Medvino Safari Park
You can expect a safari tour, enjoyment of nature, a “reset” for a day or with accommodation.
Who it suits: families, couples, groups looking for an alternative to mountain resorts closer to Kyiv.
Location: Kyiv region, s. Medvin, Lisova St, 21. An important note: the rules state that visits are only possible with prior booking.
Blessed Symeon Lukach Retreat Center
This is a spiritual pilgrimage site associated with the figure of Blessed Symeon Lukach—a clandestine bishop of the UGCC who was killed for his faith during Soviet terror. The center is located in the village of Starunya, near Bohorodchany, and is renowned for its atmosphere of silence, prayer, and inner peace.
There is a chapel, a spring, and a space for prayers. You can participate in services or pray individually, spend time in peace, without tourist noise, combining your trip with visits to Ivano-Frankivsk or Yaremche.
Who it suits: those seeking spiritual recharge, meaning, and inner peace, rather than entertainment.
Location: s. Starunya, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Winter Trostyanets Dendrology Park
Unlike typical tourist resorts, there is no hustle and festive bustle here. That’s why this place is ideal for quiet walks, conversations, and inner restoration. Here you will find walking trails, strolls for photography among natural landscapes, and peaceful relaxation.
Who it suits: those who appreciate quietness, the aesthetics of nature, and want to spend holidays away from usual tourist routes.
Location: Trostyanets settlement, Chernihiv region.
Ukraine has many more winter destinations than just traditional resorts or central city squares. From spiritual centers and ancient temples to cozy farms, parks, and unique natural locations—each of these places creates its own format of Christmas and New Year.
These trips are not about loud celebrations, but about a sense of meaning, warmth, presence, and true relaxation. That is why they stay in memory for a long time.
