New Year's Day in Ukraine

New Year’s Day is a national public holiday in the Ukraine on January 1 each year. It marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

Use our Countdown to the New Year to count down to the New Year in your local time.

Fireworks are lit to celebrate the New Year.

©iStockphoto.com/LorenFFile

What do people do?

New Year’s Day in the Ukraine is celebrated in a similar way that Christmas is celebrated in many countries. For starters, it is a time when many Ukrainians decorate their Christmas tree and buy presents to give to one another. Children in the Ukraine receive gifts from Ded Moroz, which is a similar character to the modern day Santa Claus. Many people prepare dinners and arrange parties to celebrate the New Year.

Traditionally, prior to midnight between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a presidential speech is broadcast nationally. As Ukraine approaches the New Year, many people raise a toast to drink to the New Year and as they enter the New Year, they congratulate each other. Fireworks are also lit to celebrate January 1.

Public life

New Year’s Day is a national holiday in the Ukraine so schools, banks and public offices are closed. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the Monday after the weekend is a day off for many people. Taxis and public transport options are generally available but it is best to check with the relevant transport authorities on schedules and ticket availability.

Background

New Year’s Day on January 1 marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated in many countries worldwide including the Ukraine.

Symbols

Ded Moroz (also spelled as Did Moroz) is known as Father Frost, the Ukrainian and Russian version of Santa Claus. He is characterized in cartoons, images, and in theatrical plays.  His coat is long and embroidered with silver stars and crosses. He wears a red hat embroidered with pearls, as well as mittens, a belt, boots, and a staff made of silver or crystal. He was traditionally a symbol of winter, and is often accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka.

New Year's Day Observances

Other holidays in January 2013 in Ukraine

• Christmas Day ―Monday, January 7, 2013
• Orthodox New Year ―Monday, January 14, 2013
• Ukrainian Unity Day ―Tuesday, January 22, 2013
• Tatiana Day ―Friday, January 25, 2013