ASTANA – Ice slides and frozen sculptures of popular characters are beginning to appear in Astana ahead of the New Year’s celebration. The city’s largest ice town is set to welcome residents and guests near the Khan Shatyr Mall Dec. 19.
The area near the mall will also hold an ice rink, a variety of ice slides, a skate and sledge rental store and a coffee shop.
Another public skating rink and ice town will be erected in Stuchenchesky Park.
Lovers of winter entertainments will be able to play on skating rinks in front of the city’s akimat, the Yessil River embankment and near the Solntce (Sun) fountain, which will be arranged in the shape of clocks.
Skating will be also available in Zheruyik and Presidential Parks, as well as on the Akbulak River.
“Large ice slides will be installed in Arai Park. One of the most beautiful rinks will be located here. Young people like this place. Beautiful lights and wonderful trees attract visitors. In general, all ice rinks will be equipped with rental stores and coffee shops. Parks are ideal for skating, as trees protect against the wind and children feel comfortable here,” Astana Communal Property Fund Deputy Director Gani Khassenov said.
Many New Year events and winter sport installations are specifically geared toward children.
Zhastar Palace invites children to take part in New Year festivities Dec. 23-30. Ticket prices can vary from 1,500 tenge (US$4.50) to 2,000 tenge (US$5.90).
In addition, little residents and guests of Astana will be able to plunge into a world of magic by visiting the Dobroye Serdtce (Kind Heart) fairy tale village for 1,500 tenge (US$4.50) from Dec. 19-30 in Zhastar Palace.
Kuanyshbayev State Academic Kazakh Music and Drama Theatre will host a New Year’s performance of “Kulshe kyz” (“Cinderella”) between Dec. 21-30. The price is 1,000 tenge (US$3). A modern fairy tale by Oksana Rozum, “Kak Kotyonok Novyi God Spasal,” (“How a Kitten Saved the New Year”) will be presented Dec. 10 at Gorky State Academic Russian Drama Theatre. The price varies from 500 tenge (US$1.50) to 700 tenge (US$2).
Holiday performances will also take place in Astana Circus from Dec. 24 until Jan. 8. Ticket prices range from 1,000 tenge (US$3) to 6,000 (US$18).
New Year’s celebrations will culminate Dec. 31 on the city’s square and the square near the Khan Shatyr Mall. Festivities will last from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
A New Year tree lighting ceremony will take place near Khan Shatyr Mall Dec. 18. Traditionally, this event is held with the participation of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.
