When Is New Year in Ukraine: January 1st and January 14th

New Year in Ukraine is officially celebrated on January 1st, aligning with the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. However, a second celebration known as Old New Year takes place on January 14th, following the Julian calendar historically used in Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. This dual celebration reflects Ukraine’s rich cultural and religious heritage, where both modern and traditional customs coexist. Understanding when is New Year in Ukraine involves recognizing not just the official public holiday on January 1st, but also the widespread observance of the Old New Year on January 14th—a key longtail keyword variant that captures the full scope of Ukrainian New Year traditions.

Official New Year Celebration: January 1st

The primary New Year in Ukraine occurs on January 1st, marking the beginning of the civil year according to the Gregorian calendar. This date is recognized nationally as a public holiday, with government offices, schools, and most businesses closed. Ukrainians gather with family and friends for festive meals, watch the annual televised New Year's address from the President, and enjoy fireworks displays in cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa.

The celebrations mirror those in many Western countries, featuring decorated Christmas trees (often referred to as New Year trees), gift exchanges, and music. Popular dishes include Olivier salad, selyodka pod shuboy (herring under a fur coat), and varenyky (dumplings). The evening culminates at midnight, when families toast the new year with champagne and share wishes for prosperity and health.

Traditional Old New Year: January 14th

While January 1st marks the modern New Year, many Ukrainians also celebrate Old New Year on January 14th. This tradition stems from the use of the Julian calendar, which was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in most of Europe during the 20th century. However, some Orthodox churches—including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church—still follow the Julian calendar for religious observances.

The 13-day gap between calendars means that January 1st on the Julian calendar corresponds to January 14th on the Gregorian calendar. As a result, January 14th has become a folk holiday known as Staryi Novyi Rik (Old New Year) in Ukraine. It is not an official public holiday, but it is widely observed across households, especially in rural areas and among older generations.

Old New Year celebrations often resemble those on January 1st, complete with feasts, decorations, and family gatherings. Some families even set up a second New Year tree or reuse the one from January 1st. The day is seen as an extension of the winter holiday season, offering another opportunity to relax, reflect, and enjoy time with loved ones.

Historical Background of the Two Calendars

To fully understand when is New Year in Ukraine, it’s essential to explore the historical shift between the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE, the Julian calendar gradually fell out of sync with the solar year due to its miscalculation of leap years. By the late 16th century, the discrepancy had grown to about 10 days.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar to correct this drift. Catholic countries adopted it quickly, but Eastern Orthodox nations, including Ukraine (then part of the Russian Empire), continued using the Julian calendar for both civil and religious purposes. It wasn’t until the early 20th century—after the Russian Revolution—that Soviet authorities officially switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1918.

Despite the administrative change, many religious communities retained the Julian calendar for liturgical events. In Ukraine, this created a lasting cultural duality: state holidays follow the Gregorian calendar, while certain religious and folk traditions adhere to the Julian system. This explains why both January 1st and January 14th are significant dates in the Ukrainian holiday calendar.

Regional and Religious Variations Across Ukraine

How and when New Year is celebrated in Ukraine can vary significantly by region and religious affiliation. In western Ukraine, particularly in areas with strong Catholic or Greek Catholic influences, December 25th is increasingly recognized as Christmas Day, followed by New Year on January 1st and Old New Year on January 14th. In contrast, eastern and southern regions—with larger populations affiliated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church—may place greater emphasis on January 7th for Christmas (Julian calendar) and January 14th for Old New Year.

Urban centers like Kyiv and Kharkiv tend to embrace modern, secular celebrations on January 1st, often featuring public concerts, ice rinks, and light installations. Rural communities, however, may preserve more traditional customs, such as fortune-telling games on Old New Year’s Eve or singing ancient carols known as koliadky.

Preparation and Traditions for Both Celebrations

Preparing for New Year in Ukraine involves several weeks of planning, shopping, and decorating. Families typically begin setting up their homes in late December, adorning apartments with lights, ornaments, and a central New Year tree. Children write letters to Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his companion Snezanka (Snow Maiden), who are believed to deliver gifts on New Year’s Eve.

Supermarkets and markets are busiest in the week leading up to January 1st, selling everything from sparkling wine to party hats. Many Ukrainians also prepare symbolic foods meant to bring good luck—such as fish for abundance or lentils for wealth. Fireworks sales peak on December 31st, although local regulations may restrict their use in certain cities.

For Old New Year on January 14th, preparations are usually less elaborate but still meaningful. Some families host informal dinners or invite close relatives for a second round of celebration. Others use the day for quiet reflection or visiting elderly relatives. It’s common to see social media posts with hashtags like #СтарийНовийРік (#OldNewYear) as people share photos of their gatherings.

Common Misconceptions About New Year in Ukraine

One common misunderstanding is that Ukrainians do not celebrate New Year on January 1st. In fact, the vast majority do—but they often extend the festivities into mid-January. Another misconception is that Old New Year is a religious holiday. While it coincides with the Julian calendar, it is primarily a cultural and folk tradition rather than a church observance.

Some international observers assume that Ukraine follows only the Julian calendar, leading to confusion about dates. Clarifying that Ukraine uses the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes—and reserves the Julian calendar for select religious events—helps explain the dual celebration pattern.

How to Verify Dates and Plan Around Holidays

If you’re traveling to Ukraine or scheduling business activities around the New Year period, it’s important to note that January 1st and 2nd are official public holidays, while January 14th is not. Government services and banks will be closed on January 1st and likely on January 2nd as well. Most retail stores reopen by January 3rd, though hours may be reduced.

To confirm specific opening times or event schedules, check local news outlets or municipal websites. Major cities often publish holiday event calendars online, listing parades, concerts, and firework shows. For travelers, booking accommodations in advance is advisable, as hotels fill up quickly during both New Year periods.

Comparison of Key Dates in the Ukrainian Holiday Season

Date	Event	Calendar System	Public Holiday?	Typical Observances
December 25	Christmas (Catholic/Protestant)	Gregorian	No (growing recognition)	Church services, family meals
January 1	New Year’s Day	Gregorian	Yes	Fireworks, feasts, TV specials
January 7	Orthodox Christmas	Julian (Jan 7 = Dec 25 Julian)	Yes	Religious services, traditional meals
January 14	Old New Year	Julian (Jan 14 = Jan 1 Julian)	No	Informal parties, second feast

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Ukraine?

Yes, January 1st is an official public holiday in Ukraine. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed.

Why do some people in Ukraine celebrate New Year twice?

Ukrainians celebrate New Year on January 1st (Gregorian calendar) and again on January 14th (Old New Year, based on the Julian calendar), reflecting historical and cultural traditions.

Do children receive gifts on both January 1st and January 14th?

Most children receive gifts on New Year’s Eve (January 1st). Some families may give small tokens or sweets on January 14th, but it is not standard practice.

Is Old New Year a religious holiday in Ukraine?

No, Old New Year on January 14th is a cultural and folk tradition, not a religious observance, though it stems from the Julian calendar used by Orthodox churches.

Are there fireworks on Old New Year in Ukraine?

While not as widespread as on January 1st, some families and communities do set off fireworks or sparklers on January 14th, especially in private settings.