Ukrainian Christmas traditions

 Ukraine has many Christmas traditions. Traditionally, Christmas in Ukraine starts on January 6 (Christmas Eve in the Julian calendar). It lasts until the Feast of Epiphany on January 19. At the same time, more and more Ukrainians celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25: in 2022, 44% supported the change. Since 2017, both December 25 and January 7 are the official state holidays.

Mid-December is when the Christmas atmosphere begins to fill Ukrainian cities, with all Christmas markets and festivals, decorations and magic lights.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve (Holy Eve) is marked by traditional family gatherings in the evening in Ukraine – the so-called Sviata Vecheria (‘Holy Dinner’). The festivities start with the appearance of the first star, though all preparations traditionally start from the very dawn.

The table should be served with 12 dishes, which symbolize the twelve apostles. The main dish of the evening is Kutia (boiled wheat mixed with poppy seeds and honey).