December Getaways: Top 10 Ideas
If you are tired of spending the holidays or weekends in December in the same places, and of missing the TV New Year shows, choose one of the possible options for a December getaway! Take the people closest to you on the trip and turn your free time into an unforgettable journey!
Picturesque the Carpathians
Of course, one of the most popular places for winter recreation is the Carpathians. You can go to the most crowded and best developed places, or choose lesser-known tourist spots. In the Carpathians there are many places where your holiday will be fun and unforgettable!
Photo from kamendvir.com.ua
- Bukovel — one of the popular Carpathian ski resorts, loved not only by Europeans, but also by Muslims. A large number of lifts, a huge number of different entertainment options, fun attractions, cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as accommodation for every budget and taste. Here your holiday will be full of impressions and adrenaline.
- Pypylets — a ski resort where lovers of snowy active recreation are offered 11 runs, steep mountain slopes and plenty of entertainment. Among the advantages of the mountain slopes is the possibility to choose an option both for a beginner and for a professional skier and snowboarder. The resort is located in Lviv region, on Mt. Trostian.
- Plai — a ski resort near the Kyiv-Chop highway for those looking for a budget holiday with excellent service. The ski complex is located in the very heart of the Carpathians. Its mountain slopes suit both beginners and pros, since the mountains have steep slopes at the top and gentler ones at the foot. A snow park and a ski school mean that even without training you can master new skiing or snowboarding skills.
- Dragobrat — an ideal place for a December getaway! This high-mountain resort is more suited to professionals, who are no longer afraid of steep slopes and want to learn new tricks on skis or snowboards. So beginners on the slopes are a rare sight at such a resort, since not everyone wants to take their first lessons on the descent from Mt. Stoh, with a height of 1707 m.
A winter fairy tale in the cities of Ukraine
- Kamianets-Podilskyi — a city that captivates and looks like a real winter fairy tale. Old houses, interesting monuments, numerous landmarks, and one of the seven wonders of Ukraine — “Kamianets” — the national historic and cultural reserve. Its mighty stone walls, crowned with snow-covered towers, are a mesmerizing sight worth seeing. In addition, the city hosts a Christmas fair every year in December, and a winter ethno-festival will take place from 25 to 26 December.
Photo from khm.depo.ua
- Romantic Lviv — beautiful in any season. However, only in winter can you feel the special pre-New Year atmosphere here, which sets the mood for unforgettable celebrations. In the very center of the city, on Rynok Square, an ice rink will traditionally operate. For children, there will be open residences of Saint Nicholas, workshops and Christmas quests. Those who arrive in Lviv on 5 December will have a chance to visit the most atmospheric fair, Tlum&Kram. There will be a grand sale of vintage items that will work well for decorating an interior or as a memorable gift for loved ones.
- Dykanka. Who did not read the story “Evenings on a Farm Near Dykanka” at school? For each person, perhaps, this mystical story remained one of the best among the many works of Ukrainian literature. The same Dykanka looks no less enchanting today. If you are planning to spend a December holiday in a cozy town with many places worth seeing, Dykanka is the best option! Here, in the Dykanka Regional Landscape Park, there are ancient caves that once extended for almost 500 m. The Triumphal Arch and the church of the Kuchubei estate will remind you that before the Civil War there was one of the largest estates in Poltava Governorate here, built at the end of the 17 century. The house had about 100 rooms; there was a stable, a brewery, a greenhouse and a brewery. The settlement has a local history museum, a Triumphal Arch, monuments and many interesting places to see.
- Pirogovo Museum — one of the largest historic parks of Ukraine. Every winter, workshops are held here for children and theatrical performances take place. In December, Pirogovo is a place where children’s dreams come alive, because from 10 December the residence of Saint Nicholas opens here, where children will not only have an individual meeting with the saint, but also a small gift. Adults can stroll through the snow-covered park, learn about the history of Ukraine, Ukrainian customs and rituals, taste traditional Ukrainian dishes in the local cafes, and enjoy the beautiful views.
Healing places
- Pochaiv Lavra — one of the most popular tourist places, where 150 thousand pilgrims come every year. Here people find peace of mind, gain strength for the next year, and simply renew the body at the spring of Righteous Anna to get rid of accumulated negativity. On the territory of Pochaiv Lavra there are many shrines, caves with underground passages, a refectory, the Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God, and magnificent churches.
Photo from pochaev.org.ua
- Morshyn — the benefits of Morshyn’s mineral waters are known not only to Ukrainians, but also to foreign visitors who come here every year for rest and health improvement. Millions of visitors have been able to appreciate the benefits of the mineral waters; they prefer the healing power of nature’s gifts to modern medicines. Therefore, for those who want a break from the daily noise, strengthen their health and spend time well among the snow-covered park landscapes, comfortable sanatoriums in Morshyn are the better choice.
Ukraine is an amazing country with many beautiful places for active or health-focused rest in December. So we wish you to choose exactly the option that will give you the emotions you want and only a good mood!
