It is one the most favorite of all holidays in Ukraine. As in Western countries on Christmas Eve, Ukrainians give "New Year" presents, Children receive their presents under the New Year Tree on the morning of the 1st of January. Traditionally just prior to midnight there's a Presidential speech broadcast nationally. When the clock strikes Midnight, people pop open thier champaign bottles and raise a toast. With the first glass they congratulate each other as the clock strikes 12 times and fireworks fill the sky. The week before the New Year is a busy one with shopping, parties at work, decorating pine and fir-trees, and cooking the years most delicious meals. The tradition of predicting fortunes on this night is very popular among young people.

A peculiar tradition includes writing down on a piece of paper your wish for the coming year, then dropping it in to your champagne and drinking it as the clock stikes twelve times. Another "fun" folk tradition pacticed mainly in the villages on New Year night is for the unmarried girls to go outside and throw one of thier boots over the Hosts' fence. Whichever way the toe of the boot ends up pointing indicates where the future husband will come from. 

The period from the 7th until the 14th of January is Saint Christmas week. During this week people go from one house to another, singing songs and wishing good wishes to health, prosperity, etc. and just having a good time. Most usually are dressed in folksy or carnival type costumes. Such activity is called "Kolyaduvannya" and "Schedruvannya". The songs are called "kolyadky" and "schedrivky". When somebody is singing these songs and greeting you, as a rule you should give them sweets or food or drinks or whatever you have as a token of appreciation. It is believed that everything that the people have sung in their Kolyadka and Schedrivka will come true.

Also during the new year holidays, up to the 14th of January it is common for kids (and sometimes adults-in the villages) to go from one house to another wishing the owner of the house new year wishes, new happiness, health, etc. All those wishes are usually said in rhymes and with the spreading of seeds, such as wheat or other grains. This shows a wish of prosperity for the house. This practice is called "Posivannya". Some token, usualy food, drink, sweets, or money, is usualy given in return.

International Women’s Day is considered the first Spring Holiday in Ukraine. It is an official day off.

It is also thought of as the "Day of Spring" and the "Day of all Women", mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, wives and girlfriends. Unlike Mother's Day "every" woman expects to receive flowers and gifts.

The 1st of May historicaly has been the traditional holiday of Spring. 

This holiday has become a celebration as the day of triumph for "Nature", from which is a full bloom with birds' singing, trees budding, and multicolored flowers painting the countryside. In this celebration people look forward to warm weather and the joys of summer.

On this day in 1996 the Constitution of Independent Ukraine was adopted. Fireworks and various concerts and musical events are common throughout the country.

Independence Day is Ukraine's largest State holiday, which commemorates the adoption in 1991 of the "Declaration of Sovereignty" of Ukraine. Impressive fireworks displays and noteworthy concerts throughout the capital Kyiv and the rest of the country.

NOTE: If any of the above official holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, it is customary for the following Monday to be an official public holiday also. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine may also transfer Monday or Friday" work days" to the preceding or following Saturday ONLYif any of the above holidays fall on the corresponding Tuesday or Thursday.

Ukrainian Unity Day (Den Sobornosti) is an important historical event in Ukraine. It goes back to the date when Eastern and Western Ukraine were united. On this day in 1919 the "Treaty of Unity" between Ukrainians was signed and the unity of all Ukrainian lands previously belonging to the Russian Empire (UNR) and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was solemnly proclaimed on Sofijivska Square in Kyiv. "Den Sobornosti" is the symbol of territorial and spiritual unity of Ukraine as a unified sovereign state.

St. Valentine's Day inherited from Western culture, is now very popular in Ukraine.

This holiday is celebrated everywhere in Ukraine with people attempting to get the best of each other through trickery and jokes. But nowhere is this holdiay taken more seriously than in Ukraines port city of Odessa where an impressive and light hearted parade is held annualy to celebrate both April Fools Day as well as Odessa itself as the "Humor Capital" of the CIS.

Mother’s Day is a day when Ukrainians express their love, respect, and appreciation to their Mothers.

On this weekend, Ukraine celebrates a day to show unity, respect and an opportunity to magnify the public will and determination to join the Union of European Nations. This holiday weekend is a major cultural event. The Central Squares of Kiev and other large cities of Ukraine host concerts, performances and shows highlighting European musicians, artists, along with European cuisine as well.

Last Sunday of May - Kyiv Day - the beautiful capital of Ukraine celebrates her day. This is a time when chestnut trees - the symbolic tree of Kiev - are in full bloom and sporting their wonderfully eloquant "white candles". Spring is a great time to visit Ukraine's Capital Kyiv and see it with your own eyes.

Children are the future of the mankind. And this day is their day. Kids right for life and dignity must be respected and defended. What is sunnier, joyful, and memorable than the childhood? A child gets to know the world with the help of adults, learns and finds out new interesting things. A child is happy when he is loved, warmed fed and understood. A lot of different concerts, shows and games are held on this day.

Day of Journalists There are many professional holidays in Ukraine, and this is one of them. Being an independent journalist can be dangerous. But at the same time, it is one of the most important and interesting professions in providing people with unbiased information that they need to understand the world around them.

Another important professional holiday. People in white garments are receiving greetings and due respect for their hard and important work. But, try not to get sick on this day, as all doctors, nurses, and health care administrators will be getting together for some very, merry festivities. :)

Youth Day is celebrated with a lot of fun, fireworks and concerts!

The end of June is well known as graduation time for schools, institutes and universities. It is the time when all exams are passed and young girls and boys receive their certificates or diplomas and thus enter their new life.

This is a serious holiday called the "Day of Open Doors" and includes all Schools, Colleges, Universities and Institutes. It is celebrated as the time when all students begin their new year studies. After a funfilled hot summer students are going back to the "Land of Knowledge". The day starts with meetings held next to each school. You'll see many nicely dressed students carrying flowers everywhere.

World Tourism Day is a wonderful time to visit this site and Ukraine!!

This special day was created to focus the World's attention on the contributions and achievements of teachers as well as their concerns and priorities. Teachers recieve special appreciation for all the hard work they do.

Lawyer's Day is another holiday in Ukraine that celebrates the legal profession.

In 1991 the Decree regarding the establishment of the" Armed forces of Ukraine" was signed and is annualy celebrated.

On this day parents and relatives try to surprise their kids by placing small gifts, toys, or books into symbolic shoes or stockings or even under their pillows. St. Nicolas is the most well known Saint from the KievanRus era. People consider him first to help with any appeal and trouble. On December 19 he was beautified. Relics of St. Nicolas are kept in Bara city, Greece where people are believed to be cured by a single touch. This day opens the chain of winter holidays. Every child who behaved during the year will receive a present from St. Nicolas on this day. Nowadays it has become traditional to present gifts to every child.

Catholic Christmas is also celebrated in Ukraine, especially in her Western regions.

Cheers! :)