Christmas in Ukraine

Lviv is a dreamy city, known as the Paris of Ukraine, whose charm is only accentuated at Christmas time... Experience winter in one of Ukraine's most beautiful cities: skate on the ice-rink in the main square, drink mulled wine, while wandering the cobblestoned streets under the glistening lights. Visit the thriving Christmas Markets to sample some Ukrainian donuts, pick up some local delicacies, or shop for handmade delights or souvenirs. See in the New Year the Lviv way, with celebrations going on across the city - enjoy a delicious dinner followed by celebratory champagne and desserts!

Visit the charming capital of Bukovyna – Chernivtsi. This cosmopolitan and multicultural city is an eclectic mix of traditional dance rhythms, rich food and a variety of nationalities. See Chernivtsi’s stunning University - an ancient, magical collection of buildings, marked a UNESCO world heritage site, and will take you back in time as you step through its doors...Experience a unique performance the incredibly talented Holos 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 Ukrainian village of Tulova - here the locals are keen to welcome you into their village, to show you around, to experience their culture and day to day life. We’ll make our own borshch and pyrohy, learn carols, and experience Christmas in true Ukrainian style! Travelling up into the Carpathian Mountains is a sight to behold... Hutsulschyna is a wondrous place, full of colour and quirks, rich in customs and tradition. You’ll get to see Ukrainian Christmas as it is celebrated by locals in small villages, with traditions passed down through generations. Experience a traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve Dinner, with all the trimmings, and celebrate Christmas Day –a cacophony of colour and carols! Enjoy the best the Carpathians have to offer - skiing, sledding, hiking in the mountains with views over the snow covered valleys. And finally, take part in a Hutsul Zabava at one of the houses of the locals! Not forgetting a trip to Kosiv bazar – truly a once in a lifetime experience – the locals here sell everything from antiques to handmade blouses, to washing machines and old Lada parts.

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!