Freddie,
Take note that Russian Orthodox Christmas (as observed in Ukraine and Russia) is celebrated January 7, 2010.
When you say Christmas, you probably mean December 25.
New year is a much bigger holiday (than Christmas) in Ukraine and you will have to book an apartment much further in advance and you will have to expect to pay twice as much for the apartment on New Year's eve.
Many people have parties at rented apartments in Kiev so there is much greater demand. Not just people coming to the capital city to celebrate, but also young people who live with their parents, want apartments that night.
If you want to party at a popular nightclub or restaurant, you have to reserve a table in advance and probably pay a deposit for that night.
Have fun!
Tim
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