The Light of Christmas Unites Us! This year, the communities of the Lviv Agglomeration have curated a vibrant program that seamlessly blends ancient Ukrainian traditions with charitable initiatives and cozy family gatherings. We invite residents and guests of the Agglomeration to share in the joy of the season.
The Living Tradition of the Vertep (Nativity Play)
The theatrical magic of the Vertep—a traditional Ukrainian nativity play—will grace our communities:
Murovane Community:
- December 25–27 (Hamaliivka): A children’s mobile Vertep titled “A New Joy Has Dawned” will travel through the village streets throughout the day.
- December 27, 16:00 (Kamianopil, People’s House): A Christmas evening titled “Rejoice, O Earth!” featuring a youth Vertep and carols by the “Malvy” ensemble.
- December 28, 10:00 (Murovana, Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist): A Charity Vertep, combining prayer with a fundraising drive for those in need.
Davydiv Community:
- December 25, 16:00 (Emily Resort): A Vertep performance by the Horydyslavychi People’s House.
- December 26: A Christmas Folklore Festival at the village square in Sholomyń (13:00), followed by a traditional women’s carol performance “Coming to You with a Carol” in Stare Selo (16:00).
- December 27, 16:00 (King Cross Leopolis Mall): Local artistic ensembles will present a grand Christmas program for shoppers and visitors.
Novyi Yarychiv Community:
- December 28, 16:00 (Novyi Yarychiv, People’s House): A festive program titled “Rejoice, Earth, the Carol is Coming!”
Celebrating the New Year 2026
The festivities continue into January across the following municipalities:
Kulykiv Community:
- January 4, 14:00 (Kulykiv, St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church): The traditional “Caroling Together” Festival. Set under the vaults of an ancient church, this event features the community’s finest performers, including a Vertep ranked among the top 12 in the Lviv region. Guests can enjoy mulled wine and traditional pampukhy (Ukrainian doughnuts) in exchange for a donation to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Pustomyty Community:
- January 4, 16:00 (Pustomyty, City People’s House): The Pampukh Festival and Christmas performance—a blend of carols, drama, and traditional delicacies.
- January 11, 15:00 (Pustomyty, Hlynna District): A unique Lemko-style Caroling event featuring the “Radotsyna” folk choir, youth, and children.
Bibrka Community: The 5th Festival of Christmas Performances “The Christmas Chime” will take place across several historic wooden architectural monuments:
- January 11: St. Barbara’s Church in Kolohory (a 1927 wooden monument).
- January 18: Church of the Intercession in Sukhodil (a 1928 wooden monument).
- January 25: The Grand Finale at the Bibrka City People’s House (timing to be announced on official community channels).
Murovane Community:
- January 10, 16:00 (Soroky-Lvivski, People’s House): A concluding concert “Let the Whole World Hear: Ukraine is Caroling,” featuring final blessings and a mass community carol sing-along.
The full Christmas program for the city of Lviv can be found at this link.
A Spirit of Unity and Resilience
Let this year’s carols echo louder than ever, flowing from the charming streets of Bibrka to the squares of Pustomyty, and from the ancient churches of Kulykiv to the homes of Murovana and Davydiv. The Christmas traditions of our Agglomeration are not just about the past; they represent our collective strength today.
Every candle lit in our churches, every star carried by a child in a Vertep, and every donation made to support our defenders is a contribution to the great light of our victory. May the festive chimes fill your homes with hope, and may the taste of a warm pampukh remind us that we are one great, unbreakable family.
Let us carol together, cherish our heritage, and let the world hear: Ukraine celebrates, Ukraine believes, and Ukraine shall prevail!
