Inside Ukrainian Santa’s heartbreaking underground grotto safe from Putin’s missiles 46ft deep where kids can forget war
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CHRISTMAS is not the same during a war. The constant threat of violence means most festivities cannot happen as they should. One of the best-loved Christmas traditions is Santa’s grotto - normally a fun, bright space where children can delight in the thrill of the season.
![[The traditional nativity scene in the Nerubayske grotto, beneath the outskirts of Odessa]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b12c37b1-7f9c-4bbe-9c1b-5ffc34bcd8f3.jpg?strip=all&w=549)
But normally, Santa’s grotto doesn’t need to be missile proof. This year, the grotto in the village of Nerubayske, Odessa, southern Ukraine, has been set up 46 feet below ground in a cave network. The Odessa catacombs are a 2,500km labyrinth of natural caves and 200-year-old limestone mines.
![[A large replica hearth has been constructed, complete with fake glowing wood and Christmas stockings]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b641d4a5-2896-4e82-8507-5689254da4ab.jpg?strip=all&w=550)
Father Christmas is called St Mykolay in Ukraine, and a series of winding, dimly lit corridors lead to his subterranean residence in Nerubayske. Sparse decorations do little to disguise the fact you are journeying through underground passages. The ceilings are low and damp, and there are vast stretches of bare yellow stone - the same limestone used to build the city above.
![[There is a full-size Christmas tree decorated with bauble, bows and lights]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e0063d5-4397-416e-b17b-dbd878934927.jpg?strip=all&w=561)
Entering the main grotto, however, you are transported to a perfect Christmas scene, surrounded by the sound of traditional Ukrainian carols. Thick gold and green fabric has been draped to hide every inch of the bare stone walls. Red stockings hang above a replica hearth and lamps bathe the space in a soft glow of light.
![[The entrance to the caves passages leading to the grotto]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca7bb34e-bcd4-403a-b21d-07563cfea453.jpg?strip=all&w=480)
A Christmas tree sits in the corner decorated with large baubles, bows and twinkling fairy lights. A traditional nativity scene is gathered in another alcove, surrounded by bright, fluorescent plants and flowers. You could almost forget about the violence wreaked by Putin's Russia marring the city above.
![[A candle, an angel and a book sit on the table in the centre of the main grotto room]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9b1ce0f-4749-4610-ae81-ff6a7c6fbb1b.jpg?strip=all&w=525)
