Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan may not be the first city that comes to mind when people think of a Christmas vacation, but its loveliness is sure to shine through when you visit.
Kur-Sultan is Kazakhstan’s capital city. It is rich in cultural sights, political buildings and museums. It’s also a hub for music, shopping and entertainment.
With such a varied landscape, you are guaranteed to have a terrific time when you travel for the holidays. Here are some things you won’t want to miss out on.
Magic Christmas Tour
Skybooker’s Magic Christmas Tour is a great way to check out the best of Nur-Sultan’s holiday lights. A local guide will take you to the city’s most beautifully decorated places and teach you about its holiday history. You will hear local legends and visit the Christmas tree of Nur-Sultan.
Christmas Bazaar
The Christmas Bazaar is a Nur-Sultan annual event. It is hosted by the Association of Ambassadors Spouses. It is a one day bazaar that takes place in early December and a lottery is held with the money raised being donated to charity.
The market has several booths that represent countries around the world. In 2019, it included goods from 53 countries including South America, China, Finland and Venezuela. There were even vendors selling Swiss cheese from Switzerland.
The organizers also promote a positive theme. For instance, in 2019, the environment was in the spotlight and guests were encouraged to use public transportation and bring tote bags to reduce the use of plastic bags.
Shop at Khan Shatyr
If you don’t find all your gifts at the bazaar, you may want to head over to Khan Shatyr. This is an upscale mall that features all the latest boutique stores. Visit the top floor to check out the monorail and sand from Maldives.
The mall is built to resemble a yurt and it is one of the largest tent structures in the world. The tent itself is made of an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene material that absorbs heat so it’s always nice and toasty inside.
Visit the Park of Lovers
The Park of Lovers sits across from Khan Shatyr. It is a popular spot for young couples, and it features several interesting pieces of art. From there, you can walk down Nurzhol Blvd. to check out futuristic buildings like the KazMunayGax and KazTransOil.
Bayterek Tower
Bayterek Tower is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It has a unique modern architectural structure with an observation deck on top surrounded by spikey points. It is meant to look like the golden egg of Samruk being held by the tree of life.
The observation deck is almost 100 meters above ground and provides spectacular views of the city. While there, you can make a wish by putting your hand in the handprint of former President Nazarbayev while looking at the palace he used to live in.
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
This is the official workplace of Kazakhstan’s president. The building has a blue and gold dome which makes it an architectural standout. Unfortunately, you can not go inside the building or take pictures on the premises.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
This palace is marked by a pyramid structure that was built to welcome attendants of the Annual Leaders of World and Traditional Religions conference. It is home to an opera house and a museum which provides insight to Kazakhstan’s history of cultural and religious tolerance.
Independence Square
Independence Square is another place to visit if you want to check out some interesting architecture. There you will find the Palace of Independence which is used for state functions as well as interesting museums like the Modern Art Gallery, the Gallery of Applied History and the Museum of City History Atsana. You will also find the University of Arts which has a space age look.
The Kazak Eli monument sits in the center of the square. It is a statue of an 18-year-old Scythian golden warrior who was buried in a gold suit or armor near Almaty.
The National Museum of Kazakhstan
Nur-Sultan is packed with museums that will give you some insight into the city’s history and pride. But if you don’t have time to visit them all, you may just want to settle for the National Museum of Kazakhstan.
It provides a well-rounded account of how the city developed from ancient to modern times. Check out its Hall of Ethnography to learn about the country’s nomadic culture.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque & Nur Astana Mosque
These mosques serve as places of worship for the many Muslims in the area. They are both relatively new structures.
Nur Astana opened in 2008 and Hazrat Sultan opened in 2021. Hazrat Sultan is the second biggest mosque in Central Asia and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Inside you will find shops selling religious artefacts, beauty salons and barbers and a restaurant.
Old Town Nur-Sultan (Arsana)
Also known as Arsana, this older section of town features charming buildings that differ greatly from the modern structures on the other side of the city. You will find more of the Soviet Culture in this area and there are interesting shops and activities to partake in.
Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces
This museum sits in a yurt shaped building and its free to enter. Like so many museums in the city, it is telling of Kazakhstan’s history but it provides deeper insight into its nomadic culture. It also has a hall dedicated to World War II and the country’s participation in the Soviet Army.
Nur-Sultan may not be the most obvious choice for a holiday vacation, but it is a surprising destination that is sure to make your season bright. Which of these activities will you be doing first when you visit?
Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market
