Zakarpattia's best destinations to spend Christmas Eve

During the holidays, many people want to go to a place where they can fully experience the fairy-tale atmosphere. Snow-capped peaks, tall Christmas trees and bright decorations are what our souls need. And although in recent years there hasn't been much snowfall in Ukrainian cities, there are places where there is plenty of it since November. To know where to go to feel the Christmas mood, read below.

Uzhhorod

It is located on the Uzh River at the foot of the Ukrainian Carpathians. First, we recommend visiting the Mykolaichykiv Parade. The event was organized in 1993. Hundreds of men, women, and children dress up in red costumes and walk through the Old Town. The route starts from Sandor Petofi Square and goes to Teatralna, Poshtova, and Narodna streets. Then the crowd heads to the regional state administration and the children's hospital. The event is accompanied by New Year's songs and bells. Next, head to the Avanhard Stadium. Every year, the Ice Land ice rink is set up here. There is also tubing and a variety of rides. Do not miss the Uzhhorod Castle either. The fortification was built around the ninth century. Since 1947, the local history museum has been operating here, which has the largest collection of monuments on the history, ethnography, and culture of Transcarpathia. Tourists will be offered to visit the departments of nature and archeology, as well as to see ancient folk musical instruments of various types: percussion, string, wind and mechanical.

Dragobrat

The highest ski resort in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Polonyna is located at an altitude of about 1,300-1,700 meters above sea level at the foot of the Stih (1701) and Blyznytsia (1882) mountains. The skiing season starts in November and lasts until mid-May. The webcam system helps to monitor the current weather and queues at the ski lifts.

The total length of the trails stretches for 10 kilometers. There are more than 20 routes of different difficulty levels. That's why both beginners and professionals come here.

More than 12 lifts have been built here, including drag, multi and chair lifts.

Experienced instructors help travelers quickly and safely learn the basics of skiing or improve their skills. They conduct both individual and group lessons.

During the day, tourists can enjoy snowmobile tours, quad biking, snowmobiling or hiking with incredible views of Hoverla and Petros. In the evenings, we recommend relaxing in the Finnish sauna or having fun in the game room with billiards and table tennis.

Synevyr

The deepest and largest alpine lake in Ukraine. It is located at an altitude of 989 meters above sea level and is part of the Synevyr National Nature Park.

The attraction was formed after an earthquake more than 10,000 years ago. It is characterized by clean and clear water with a maximum temperature of +13°C. There are three types of trout in the reservoir: lake, rainbow, and brook trout.

There is a legend about the unhappy love of a young couple. Count Syn's daughter was in love with a shepherd named Vyr. Under certain circumstances, the man was killed on this spot, and the woman's tears formed the "sea eye".

In winter, photo shoots are often organized here, as the location turns into a real ice kingdom.

There is a kolyba nearby where you can taste traditional bohrach or banosh. We also suggest going for a horseback ride.

Berehove

It is located within the Zakarpattia Lowland at the foot of the island volcanic mountains. The city is famous for its unique thermal waters.

The region's healing springs improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, have a positive effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as refine the appearance.

Tourists can visit salt rooms, baths and SPA treatments, as well as warm up in the open-air pools. The water temperature cools down to +30°C. Therefore, you can relax both in summer and winter.

We also recommend visiting the Old Wine Cellar, a small family farm. The attraction is considered to be the most valuable attraction in Berehove. It is said that it has been preserved since the 17th century. There is a legend that the dungeon was built by captured Turks. Here, travelers will learn about the culture of the drink, how to distinguish it from a fake and taste several varieties.

Put aside all doubts and hurry up to meet the holiday!

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