In Ukraine, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 instead of Dec. 25, because the Ukrainian Orthodox Church follows an old Julian calendar, as opposite to the more modern Gregorian calendar. The traditional celebration of Orthodox and Western Christmas has plenty of similarities - but many differences, too.
Here's where in Kyiv one can join the crowds to experience the Christmas celebrations on Jan. 7:
St. Sophia Square
The St. Sophia (Sofiyska) Square and the neighboring St. Michael (Mykhailivska) Square are the main places of the holiday celebrations in Kyiv. A Christmas market here sells sweets, grilled meat and mulled wine, and concerts take place every evening. On Jan. 7, the festivities will peak with a special Christmas program.
At 3 p.m., the St. Sophia Square will host a parade of didukh, Ukrainian traditional Christmas decoration made of stray. A nativity play will take place at 5 p.m. And at 6 p.m., the people at the square will be asked to sing a carol together.
Shevchenko Park
One of the favorite parks of the Kyivans, Shevchenko Park in the city center will host a celebration of the Orthodox Christmas focused on the children. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be music shows, carol singing, and interactive games.
Kontraktova Square
Kontraktova Square in Podil neighborhood will entertain its guests with an outdoor concert by Plach Yeremii, one of Ukraine’s most popular pop rock bands singing in Ukrainian, and an a capella show by a choir from Lviv.
Mamajeva Sloboda
The folk park Mamajeva Sloboda will host a family Christmas festival “The Cossack Carols” on Jan. 7. During the traditional celebration that will begin as early as 11:30 a.m., the carol singers will be collecting money for the Ukrainian soldiers in eastern Ukraine. The entrance fee is Hr 50. The park is located at 2 Mykhaila Dontsya St. More details at www.mamajeva-sloboda.ua.
