Want More Christmas? Come to Ukraine, Where the Season Goes Until January 20. Here’s Your Guide

It’s a little like time-travel: You can experience an old-world Christmas in January. Here’s a round-up of Ukrainian Christmas cultural and musical events and activities in and around Lviv and the Carpathian mountains, in Western Ukraine.

by Joe Lindsley

Ah, as an American here, it’s a great feeling, here on the 28 December, to know that Christmas Day still awaits, in about two weeks.

In much of the world, the days after 25 December, especially after a month or more of advertising and anticipation, always feel a little blue. Why can’t such a special day be a little longer? Indeed in the religious calendar, Christmastide lasts for at least eight days, but in our commercial culture, the world moves on.

Not so in Ukraine: Whether people are Orthodox, in the eastern tradition, or Greek Catholic, loyal to Rome, the Christmas season begins 7 January. Before I came here to Lviv, where most people are Greek Catholic, in communion with Rome but eastern in style and tradition, I thought this was absurd. Now, on the ground, I see it as a bonus of time – and a genuine treasure of a celebration.

Lviv’s cobbled streets become more festive by the day, as decorations appear, carolers sing, and visitors from all over the country and beyond arrive.

Here are some stories and information about how to celebrate «Julian calendar» Christmas, called here «Rizdvo»–but first here’s the most famous Ukrainian carol, the Carol of the Bells, or the Shchedryk, to listen while you read:

The holiday period in Lviv lasts until 20 January, as until that day, the Christmas fair works. The city centre is full of festive locations, where you can get acquainted with Ukrainian traditions of celebration and feel the atmosphere of the annual winter spiritual rebirth.

Lviv Christmas Guide

In the list, you can find the spots to buy souvenirs, taste local food and get warmed with a local mulled wine. Christmas tree, didukh and other holiday attributes are also waiting for your visit.

Christmas Guide for Lviv: Christmas Markets and more

Find out where to taste mulled wine, buy handcrafted gifts, and smell the seasonal food. Read more …

Lviv’s central skating rink is open. Here are the details.

Join in the winter activities. Read more …

What Are Ukraine’s Christmas Traditions? Songs and Stories.

During Christmas January 2021, an American found the soul of Ukrainian music. Here’s the story – with videos and songs you might hear throughout the season.

Go Tell It on the Mountain: Here’s a Story of a Hidden Ukrainian Ski Resort

Accessible only by a jeep taxi, the village of Dragobart offers pristine nature, outdoor Carpathian herbal wood-fired hot tubs, cozy taverns, and exciting slopes. Read more …

And learn about more ski opportunities, from rustic to posh, here: Ukrainian Ski Resorts Begin the Season: Location and Prices.

And… there’s a slew of special trains to get you to the mountains. More info here.

Four Reasons Why January Christmas is Better

Every year there is a debate here about whether to do something resisted since the 16th century: to move Christmas from January to December. Here are four reasons in favor of keeping it as is. Read more …

But some disagree. Here’s a summary of the debate, to celebrate on 25 December or 7 January … or, perhaps, both …

Lviv Stories: A Christmas Dialogue: What Do You Think of Christmas?

Lviv wine merchant, Nicholas S, has a philosophy of being «peaces,» which could also be spelled «pieces,» because it means both to be peaceful and to take things one piece at a time. And he wonders how our celebration of Christmas advances the ideas of peace.

«This is why for me this day of Christmas is a day not of ‘peaces,’ it’s a day like dream days, it’s like a dream that can never be true. We want to see God, we believe in God but we never see him. It’s like peace. We believe in peace but we never do peace. We just believe in peace. «