Christmas in Ukraine

2020 was a year of finding silver linings. One of ours? The choice to stay in Kyiv for the holidays and enjoy a Ukrainian Christmas season. Not only do the Ukrainians put on a beautiful Christmas celebration, they also celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7, which means we were able to enjoy the lights, markets, and festivities for several weeks. We ice skated, we “snow”-tubed, we drank hot chocolate and hot mulled wine, we ate all of the treats, we received Ukrainian carol singers at our door, we strolled and enjoyed the light displays, we rode carousels, we did all the things . . . all of the things that we could do responsibly, of course. And while the markets were toned down this year, and we celebrated on December 25 and January 7 in our own home, we still got to experience the beauty of the season in this fascinating country, and I’m so glad that we did.

Christmas in Ukraine

Here are some highlights from our Christmas-time in Kyiv . . .

Visiting Sophia Square

Kyiv’s main Christmas tree and markets are in front of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Such a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities!

Saint Sophia Carousel

Ivy riding the carousel at Saint Sophia Square

Exploring Kyiv Christmas Markets

Mr. Quinn takes in the beauty and wonder of Kyiv’s main Christmas market in Saint Sophia Square.

Saint Sophia Square Carousel

Who doesn’t love a beautiful carousel?

Saint Sophia Square Carousel

I mean, this carousel makes our American carousels look . . . you know, not quite as chic

Ukrainian Mulled Wine

Hot mulled wine, anyone?

Saint Sophia Square Christmas Tree

Posing in front of Kyiv’s main Christmas tree at Saint Sophia Square

Kyiv Christmas Market Ornaments

The artistry in these ornaments . . .

Kyiv Christmas Markets

Checking out the yummy food on offer at the Saint Sophia Christmas market

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Saint Sophia Cathedral is an iconic location in central Kyiv . . . so beautiful

Kontraktova Square in Podil

The beautiful Podil Christmas Market features a ice rink with a Ferris wheel as the backdrop

Podil Christmas Market

Eating french fries to keep warm at the Podil Christmas market

Podil Christmas Market

The kids had such a blast throwing darts at these balloons for $1, and won sparklers as a prize.

Friendship Arch

Walking the bridge under the Friendship Arch, admiring the lights, and checking out a new skating rink

That Famous Kyiv Sign

In case there is any doubt, we currently live in Kyiv

Christmas Fair at the People's Friendship Arch

Enjoying a huge treat at the Christmas fair located under the People’s Friendship Arch

Treats, and more treats

We did a lot of treating ourselves, if you can’t tell . . .

Christmas Fair at Bankova Street

The Christmas decorations at the fair in front of the President’s Office at Bankova Street were my favorite of all of Kyiv’s decorations

Christmas Fair at the President's Office on Bankova Street

Enjoying an absolutely gorgeous Christmas fair, complete with a carousel and ice skating rink, in front of the President’s Office on Bankova Street

Snowy December 23rd

A white Kosmo in the beautiful snow that feel in Kyiv on December 23rd

Enjoying the snow

Sledding on our street . . . pretty great!

Giant Snowballs

Making giant snowballs circa 3pm (yes, it is this dark at 3pm in December in Ukraine . . . )

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where did you celebrate christmas 2020? tell us about your festive experiences, and let us know if you have a favorite christmas market, whether it be from this year or years past.