As we countdown to 2026, Minsk has transformed into a living illustration of a cozy winter fairytale. The evening city is wrapped in the soft glow of twinkling lights, and the light frost only makes you want to find that perfect warm corner to thaw out and slow down time.
This season, the capital’s restaurateurs seem to have outdone themselves: windows have turned into works of art, dining halls are filled with the scent of fresh pine, and every interior has become the perfect backdrop for your holiday memories.
We know how hard it can be to pick the perfect spot just by looking at a sign, so we took that task off your hands. We’ve carefully studied the capital’s holiday map and curated a collection of venues that are winning guests over with their decor this year. It’s a true kaleidoscope of holiday cheer, ranging from intimate cafes to luxurious halls.
In this guide, you’ll find locations with the most impressive trees, cozy details, and photo spots that are already lighting up social media. Take a look, get inspired, and choose exactly where you want to experience the magic of the coming holidays.
Grand Café
If you’re looking for an “Old Europe” atmosphere and noble chic, this is the place. Even from the street, the venue beckons with lights: the entrance is buried in thick pine needles adorned with gold threads and elegant icicles, creating the feeling of a portal into a fairytale.
Inside, a semi-darkness reigns, making the play of light look especially dramatic. Huge crystal chandeliers reflecting in mirrors, candles, and a classic Christmas tree in gold and silver tones set the mood for a special evening. This is the ideal place to wear a beautiful dress, order a glass of sparkling wine, and take cinematic photos against the backdrop of glowing windows.
The Highlight:
A luxurious entrance zone and an interior in the style of The Great Gatsby.
Address: 2 Lenina St., Minsk
Instagram: @grand_cafe_minsk
Pinky Bandinsky Gastrobar
Perhaps the most original location in our selection. This year, “Pinky” decided to play on nostalgia and turned its cozy courtyard into a genuine vintage circus tent. An atmosphere of magic and lighthearted mischief reigns here: red and white striped decorations reminiscent of a circus big top, retro garlands, and cute illuminated clouds.
The main characters of the decor are painted carousel horses that look like they stepped right off an antique postcard. Add to this cozy haystacks, colorful flags, and snow-covered (maybe real, maybe not) fir trees, and you get an ideal photo spot you won’t want to leave. This place is literally charged with childlike delight.
The Highlight:
A unique “Retro-Circus” concept and the brightest photos in the inner courtyard.
Address: 13a Komsomolskaya St., Minsk
Instagram: @pinky_bandinsky
The Odi Restaurant and Confectionery
This venue is the embodiment of a European Christmas right in the heart of Minsk. The main accent is placed on a noble, deep red color that looks luxurious against the backdrop of the winter city.
You’ll immediately notice the main feature of the decor — giant red runners from a fairytale sleigh at the entrance. It’s not just a decoration, but a full-fledged photo zone. The restaurant windows have turned into living postcards: pine wreaths with velvet ribbons and silhouettes of flying deer create a sensation of flight. And the inscription on the door promises that this is a “Place where wishes come true” — looking at such beauty, you can’t help but believe it.
The Highlight:
Taking a picture in “Santa’s Sleigh” and enjoying the view of the main avenue through the dressed-up windows.
Address: 12 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk
Instagram: @odi.minsk
Rakovsky Brovar Brewery Restaurant
The city’s oldest brewery has transformed into a mysterious magic forest this season. Decorators have created a veritable jungle of gold and silver leaves here, in which the entrance group and restaurant halls are immersed.
Particular attention is drawn to the details: hundreds of shimmering balls scattered at the foot of improvised trees, and long strings of giant pearl beads hanging from the ceiling next to crystal chandeliers. This decor literally envelops you in comfort. Against the background of old brickwork, such an abundance of gold and greenery looks especially striking — perfect for warm, atmospheric shots.
The Highlight:
A feeling of abundance, a fairytale “Golden Forest,” and a location in the historic quarter in the city center.
Address: 10 Vitebskaya St., Minsk
Instagram: @rakovskij_brovar
Salt. bistro
Minimalism and impeccable style. The entrance to this bistro is guarded by two stately Nutcrackers, but not in the usual colorful outfits — these are in elegant black and gold uniforms. They look like the guardians of a real gastronomic fairytale.
Symmetrical human-sized figures stand on both sides of the door, framed by lush, thick pine with large gold balls. There is nothing superfluous here — only a noble combination of black, green, and gold. The composition creates an ideal frame for a portrait photo: stand between the “guards,” and a spectacular shot is ready.
The Highlight:
Stylish black Nutcrackers and beautiful symmetry for your Stories.
Address: 5 Svobody Sq., Minsk
Instagram: @salt.minsk
Siniaya Ptitsa (Blue Bird) Home Bakery
Here, they decided not to chase quantity but created a real art object. The entrance group is designed in the brand’s signature style: unusual deep blue textile ornaments are nestled on fluffy pine intertwined with textured dried florals.
These elements resemble giant silk tassels or stylized feathers of fairytale birds. The cold blue color (electric blue) contrasts incredibly stylishly with the warm terracotta walls of the building. It’s the kind of case where it’s worth stopping by for fresh pastries and taking an aesthetic shot against this designer minimalism while you’re at it.
The Highlight:
Unique blue decor and a trendy color combination (terracotta + electric blue).
Address: 15 Yurovo-Zavalnaya St., Minsk
Instagram: @ptichka.minsk
Elementum Gastrobar
This venue literally decided to become the main gift for Minsk residents. The entrance is designed with incredible scale: huge bows made of airy red fabric and velvet decorations against a background of thick pine create the effect of a giant gift box. Walking past without taking a picture is simply impossible.
Inside, the celebration continues, but in a more modern style: neon lights, “snowy” textiles under the ceiling, and, of course, the main tree. Pay attention to the most touching detail — the branches are decorated not only with balls but also with live Polaroid snapshots of guests. This adds a special warmth to the place and the feeling that everyone is welcome here.
The Highlight:
Seeing the “gift” entrance and checking out the photo stories on the tree (and maybe leaving your own!).
Address: 20A Internatsionalnaya St., Minsk
Instagram: @elementum_gastrobar
Madame Koko Café-Bar
Here, the season’s Christmas trend — lush bows — is played out with special elegance. The entrance reminds you of a dressed-up shop window somewhere in Paris. Thick, rich green pine frames the entrance, and the composition is crowned by a huge bow in a noble ruby shade.
Unlike other establishments, the decor here feels more intimate and “velvety.” Warm fairy lights are buried in the branches, and matte red balls echo the fabric of the bow. This place is literally made for making a beautiful entrance, ordering a glass of bubbly (just like in a video!), and feeling like the heroine of a romantic movie.
The Highlight:
The atmosphere of a French Christmas and an ideal background for portrait photos.
Address: 17 Karla Marksa St., Minsk
Instagram: @madamekoko.by
News Café
A bastion of sophisticated coziness on Karla Marksa Street. This year, News Café remains true to itself: the decor here doesn’t scream, it softly envelops. The entrance is framed by a classic arch of pine with thousands of warm lights, inviting you to hide away from the cold street.
Inside, semi-darkness prevails, where red velvet ribbons hanging straight from the ceiling and elegant wreaths look particularly noble. The main accent is on the bar area — it’s lit so that the bottles and glasses themselves become part of the decoration. This is an ideal location for a romantic date or a leisurely dinner with soft music when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle.
The Highlight:
Cinematic low light, a jazz atmosphere, and classic red-and-green decor without excess.
Address: 34 Karla Marksa St., Minsk
Instagram: @news_cafe_minsk
Le Pigeon Coffee Shop
A new attraction point on Independence Avenue, opened in the former location of the “Golden Scallop” confectionery. The decor here seems to invite you to an old French fair: a red tent with retro light bulbs stretches over the entrance, and guests are greeted by festive carousel horses peeking out of fluffy pine.
Be sure to take a closer look at the details: the tree is decorated not just with toys, but with giant candies and… golden croissants! This is a subtle hint at what awaits you inside. And it’s definitely worth going in: besides French charm, they offer perhaps the largest menu of syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) in Minsk. The perfect plan for a lazy holiday breakfast.
The Highlight:
Taking a fairytale photo with the “carousel” and trying one of the dozen types of syrniki.
Address: 37 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk
Instagram: @pigeon.minsk
Verrine Café-Confectionery
If you’ve already seen enough of the classic Christmas paraphernalia, head to the National Library. Here, in the Mayak Minska neighborhood, they’ve created a real phantasmagoria. The entrance has been turned into an enchanted birch grove where giant red toadstools “grow” and huge fluffy bullfinches sit.
It looks incredibly cute and a bit like Alice in Wonderland, only with a winter flavor. Soft, fluid lines of lighting on the windows add magic, and inside, a “starry sky” of many small lights awaits you under the ceiling. This is one of the most unconventional photo spots in the city, which is especially popular with children and those looking for unusual angles.
The Highlight:
Seeing giant bullfinches and taking fairytale photos with mushrooms against the backdrop of the futuristic “diamond” library.
Address: 10 Petra Mstislavtsa St., Minsk
Instagram: @verrine.cafe
Minsk knows how to surprise, doesn’t it? Each of these places isn’t just a dot on a gastronomic map, but a little story created with great love. We advise you not to try to hit everything in one day, but to stretch out the pleasure—after all, winter in Minsk is made for leisurely strolls.
To ensure your holiday trip goes perfectly, it’s important to take care of not just a beautiful dinner, but also a place where you’ll want to return after a long walk in the frost. If you haven’t decided where to stay yet, be sure to check out our guide: Where to Rent an Apartment for New Year’s Eve in Minsk: The Best Options for the Winter Holidays.
In this article, we’ve selected the coziest accommodation options, located so that you can easily get to most of the restaurants from today’s selection. Book, come visit, and enjoy the magic of the festive city!
