Yarn Christmas tree in Astana goes viral on social media

Photo: Threads.com/@karisha.withlove, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

In the center of Astana, near the Baiterek monument, an unusual knitted, eco-friendly Christmas tree has captured the attention of the city’s residents. The art installation has also gained popularity on social media.

The tree is adorned with knitted squares, plush toys and decorative elements. Users say that volunteers of all ages contributed to its creation, with everyone helping to prepare the festive decorations.

Commenters have compared the tree to yarn bombing — a type of street art in which urban objects are decorated with yarn elements. Residents say the tree makes them feel warm despite the frost, calling it one of the coziest New Year installations in the capital.

Separately, an elaborately decorated house in Shelek, a town in the Almaty region, went viral because of the scale of its festive display.