Christmas in Ukraine

Lviv is a dreamy city, whose charm only grows at Christmas time. Experience winter in one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Skate in the ice rink in the main square and drink mulled wine while wandering the cobblestone streets under shimmering lights. Visit the lively Christmas Markets to sample some Ukrainian donuts, pick up some local delicacies, or shop for handmade gifts. Bring in the New Year the Lviv way, with celebrations going on across the city.

Visit the charming capital of the Bukovyna region, Chernivtsi. This multicultural city is an eclectic mix of traditional dance rhythms, rich food and a variety of nationalities. See Chernivtsi’s stunning University - an ancient and magical collection of buildings, marked a UNESCO world heritage site, that will take you back in time when you step through its doors. Experience a unique performance by the incredibly talented Gerdan Ensemble, and sample some authentic Hutsul dishes – try some “banosh” – a maize base, usually served with a mushroom sauce, sour cream and “brynza” – sheep’s cheese! Trust us – it’s delicious!

Join locals in the authentic village of Tulova. The locals are ready to welcome you into their village and show their culture and day-to-day life. We’ll make our own ‘borsch’ and ‘pyrohy’, learn carols and experience Christmas Ukrainian-style! Next, we travel into the Carpathian Mountains, home of the Hutsuls. Hutsulschyna is a wondrous place, full of colour and quirks, rich in customs and traditions. You’ll get to see Ukrainian Christmas as the locals have celebrated for centuries. Experience a traditional Christmas Eve Dinner, with all the trimmings, and celebrate Christmas Day in a symphony of colour and carols! Afterwards, enjoy the best the Carpathians have to offer – relax by a cosy fire, or take the option to go skiing, sledding, or hiking in the mountains with views over the snow-covered valleys. In the evening, we’ll party at a Hutsul Zabava (dance party) at one of the houses of the villagers!

We will return to beautiful Lviv for a last few days of exploring, sightseeing, and some souvenir shopping on the Christmas Markets, before one last Ukrainian Zabava to end your trip with a bang!