Christmas in Ukraine

Origins and history

The holiday was established after Prince Vladimir ordered the baptism of Rus' in 988. Celebrations continued through the centuries but were banned during the Soviet era. The Bolsheviks removed religious holidays in 1929, replacing them with secular New Year traditions. Many customs, such as the decorated tree and gift-bringing Ded Moroz, were repurposed for the new year. After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, religious Christmas observances returned. In 2023, the government moved the official public holiday to 25 December to align with most Christian churches worldwide.

When it is kept

The date depends on the church calendar followed by the community. Most Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Church of Ukraine parishes now use the Revised Julian calendar, celebrating on 25 December. Some parishes still follow the traditional Julian calendar, observing the holiday on 7 January. Armenian churches in Ukraine celebrate from 5 to 6 January. Festivities generally begin on Christmas Eve and extend until Epiphany on 6 January.

How it is kept

Families gather for Sviatyi Vechir, or Holy Evening, on 24 December. They decorate their homes with hay and a sheaf of wheat called didukh. The meal begins only after the first star appears or after attending church service. The table holds twelve meatless dishes. Kutia, made of grain and honey, is served first. A spoonful is tossed at the ceiling to predict a good harvest. Uzvar, a dried fruit drink, is also essential. Families leave portions for deceased ancestors and fallen soldiers.

Food and drink

The traditional supper excludes meat, milk, and eggs. Two mandatory dishes are kutia and uzvar. Kutia consists of wheat berries, honey, and poppy seeds. Uzvar is a beverage prepared from cooked dried fruits and berries. Other common foods include knyshes, pyrizhky, and various fish dishes like borshch and fried fish. The number of dishes ranges from seven to seventeen, though twelve is the standard symbol. These meals represent the end of the Nativity Fast.

How Christmas in Ukraine is kept

Families prepare their homes with symbolic items like hay and didukh. On Christmas Eve, they attend church services before returning home. The supper starts when the first star is visible. Twelve vegan dishes are served, beginning with kutia. A portion is left for ancestors. After dinner, families may attend night vigils or exchange gifts brought by Ded Moroz.

When and where

It falls on 25 December for many churches or 6 January for others. The date is set by the specific calendar used by each religious community.

It is observed throughout Ukraine. Kyiv serves as a major center for these celebrations. Communities across the country participate regardless of their specific church affiliation.

What Christmas in Ukraine means

The twelve dishes represent the apostles. The didukh honors ancestral spirits and farm bounty. Tossing poppy seeds predicts future harvests. Leaving food for ancestors maintains a connection with those who passed away. The entire evening marks the end of a period of fasting and abstinence.

On the table

• Kutia
• Uzvar
• Knyshes
• Pyrizhky
• Borshch
• Fried fish
• Tovchenyky
• Cabbage soup

Days Christmas in Ukraine is marked

Questions people ask about Christmas in Ukraine

See also

NowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnicsMaslenitsaA seven-day Eastern Slavic festival of pancakes and bonfires marking the end of winter before Lent.Kupala NightA summer solstice folk festival marked by bonfires, water rituals and herbal gatherings across Eastern Europe.PysankaA wax-resist egg decorating tradition kept by Slavic communities for Easter and spring renewal.

Good reading and sources

• Рада зробила 25 грудня вихідним днемBBC, Article
• Ukraine war: New Christmas date marks shift away from RussiaBBC, Article
• Ukraine moves Christmas date to 25 December in snub to RussiaThe Guardian, Article
• Рада зробила 25 грудня вихідним днемBBC, Article
• Ukraine war: New Christmas date marks shift away from RussiaBBC, Article
• Ukraine moves Christmas date to 25 December in snub to RussiaThe Guardian, Article

• Christmas in Ukraine on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.