New Year's Day (Suspended) 2025 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.

Is New Year's Day (Suspended) a Public Holiday?

Due to martial law in Ukraine, all national holidays have been suspended until further notice. While this holiday might be privately observed, government offices will remain open on this day.

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. 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.

About New Year's Day (Suspended) in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.