Christmas lion. We leave for the new year and Christmas in the lions. The most expensive restaurant in Galicia
Christmas in Lviv is a bright, emotional and colorful period even for those who live here. But for tourists, Lviv for the Christmas holidays is a real discovery - directly of the city, ancient traditions, numerous legends and rituals. Moreover, every year in Lviv they come up with more and more new holiday attractions to always surprise guests. For example, on January 7, 2019 at 19:00, Ruslana's Christmas concert will take place on the square in front of the Opera House.
Where to go in Lviv for the Christmas holidays: Fairs
Lviv at Christmas: this fairy tale is worth seeing © instagram.com/lviv1256/
The Christmas market in Lviv has already become a good tradition and a "trick" of the Christmas holidays. It opened in the city center (Market Square and Svobody Avenue) from December 7, 2018.
So what is worth looking for at the Lviv fair?
- Easter eggs, embroidery, leather and beaded art, wickerwork, wooden souvenirs, as well as cups, plates, skittles for beer, coffee grinders, ashtrays, T-shirts, postcards and magnets with views of old Lviv and so on.
- At the Christmas market, you can treat yourself to different goodies. If you are hungry, they will offer barbecue, sausages or dumplings with different fillings. If you want sweets, try traditional donuts with marmalade, poppy seeds or cherries. You can warm up with hot tea, coffee or mulled wine.
- If you are a honey lover, then you should definitely visit the Christmas market too! Indeed, here you can find really good honey and various products from it.
Christmas traditions: carols, nativity scenes, didukh and shopka
Lviv at Christmas: this fairy tale is worth seeing © instagram.com/lviv1256/
Before catholic christmas(December 23) one of the main attributes of the holiday is set up on Rynok Square - a Christmas shop. This is a large wooden model of the Bethlehem barn where Jesus Christ was born. 13 biblical figures are placed under the shop - the Virgin Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, three kings with gifts, an ox and a donkey. On January 6, shopka is solemnly consecrated by priests of different faiths.
On January 6, Lviv hosts the traditional ceremony of bringing and setting Didukh (a three-meter sheaf of wheat). A festive procession with carols moves through the center of the city. The installation of Didukh on Yavorsky Square is usually entrusted personally to the owner of the city - the mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovoy.
Where to go in Lviv for the Christmas holidays: Festival "Velyka Kolyada"
You can hear professionally performed carols in the Dominican Cathedral, where the Great Carol festival will be held from January 7 to 20. It should be noted that preparations for the 19th annual festival "Velyka Kolyada" in Lviv began in mid-October.
Where to go in Lviv for the Christmas holidays: Christmas Festival
The main thing celebratory event in Lviv in winter it is the International Christmas Festival, within the framework of which the Procession of the Stars, also known as the Nativity Scene Parade, takes place. Hundreds of Lviv residents will gather on January 8 at 12:00 near the Dominican Cathedral to join the procession with their beautiful Christmas stars. The festive procession will proceed along the central streets of Lviv to the square in front of the Opera Theatre. S. Krushelnitskaya. The Nativity Festival will take place on the main fair stage in front of the theater on January 8-9. Dozens of teams will share their unique and colorful version of the Christmas performance.
Where to go in Lviv for the Christmas holidays: Shevchenkovsky Hay
Lviv at Christmas: this fairy tale is worth seeing © Tanya Grigel
If you are planning to spend more than two days in Lviv during the Christmas holidays, we recommend visiting the ethnocomplex "Shevchenkovsky Hay". Here, a special program is being prepared for Christmas, you can take part in the nativity scene and sing carols yourself. Here you can also taste traditional Christmas dishes and even learn the recipes for their preparation.
Recall that earlier we talked about 5 unique places in Chernihiv region. Details
The warmest, most comfortable and romantic city of Ukraine - Lviv is ready to receive guests all year round. But it acquires its unique and fabulous atmosphere when the New Year and Christmas appear on the calendar. Western Ukrainian flavor, national traditions and excellent European service. This is what tourists go to Lviv every year in winter. Don't know where to go and what to pay attention to? We offer you a short guide to the brightest corners of Lviv.
Holidays in Lviv - traditions and customs
Lviv at Christmas is full of colors and loud songs sound through the streets. Local residents treat the traditions and cultural features of this holiday with special trepidation. Despite the fact that most of the locals are Catholics, the city noisily celebrates both the New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
Church services begin in Lviv on December 25, guests are treated to pastries and sweets. The city is decorated with miniatures from the Bible, garlands, lanterns and Christmas decorations.
The brightest traditional performances begin on January 5-7, on Christmas Day. A costumed nativity scene walks along the paving stones - the pride of the national heritage of Ukraine. Characters of folklore and church stories walk around the city, sing songs and treat children with sweets. Nativity scenes visit both private houses and shops, restaurants and cozy corners of Lviv.
What to see and do in Lviv for Christmas
Activities in Lviv offer a wide range of leisure activities. It all starts at the beginning of December. One of the most striking events is the Christmas Fair in Lviv on Rynok Square. It starts in the middle of the month, from December 12th. If you missed this event this year, then by all means plan it for the next one. Preparations for the fair are carried out a month before the start. Figures made of wood, paper, fur, plush, glass and other things are made by the best craftsmen of the region. Here you can also buy embroidered shirts, skirts, caftans of the leading handicraftswomen of Ukraine. Books, souvenirs, decor, treats. The best establishments from all over the country present their cuisine - you can eat a year ahead.
Another unusual option entertainment in Lviv - Pampukha Holiday. It starts on January 7 and lasts until January 11, takes place in Shevchenko Gai. Baking masters from Ukraine and neighboring countries come here. All guests are treated to the same donuts. They can be both bought and earned for poems, songs, carols and other amateur performances. If you are confident in your culinary skills, then take part in the Hostess Competition. And for those who are not afraid to get better for new year holidays, offer participation in the competition for eating donuts for speed. In addition to all this, there is a fair with souvenirs and decor items at the festival. self made.
Freedom Square is full of interesting corners throughout the Christmas period. There are small restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. Guests of the city are treated to mulled wine, hot chocolate, cocoa and, of course, the legendary Lviv coffee. Chocolate and gingerbread, fruits, tangerines, lollipops, honey, jam. And also attractions, the opportunity to ride a chariot, warm up by the fireplace or drink honey beer.
It will be very interesting to visit the Opera House in the city center. It is within its walls that performances of nativity scenes and theater troupes on the theme of biblical stories are arranged during the Christmas holidays. You will not see more colorful costumes than the local devils and angels. But we recommend ordering tickets in advance - the excitement for the performances is enormous!
On December 28, an area with attractions and concert stages opens near the Palace of Arts. Local musical groups perform here, children's animators work, various master classes are held, and restaurants smell of pastries all over the street.
Traditional entertainments of Lviv take place near the City Hall, where a shopka installation is installed. And on Christmas, January 6, Didukh is held along the main street. He, surrounded by mummers from Lviv, is carried along the avenue and installed on Yavorsky Square.
On January 8, the International Christmas Festival begins. As part of this event, the city hosts the Nativity Scene Parade, a solemn service in the Dominican Cathedral. The parade ends at the Opera House, where the Nativity Festival takes place.
Until January 21, the Great Carol takes place in the city in the Church of the Holy Eucharist. It is dedicated to the preservation of the spiritual heritage and Christian tradition of the Ukrainian people. Local and all-Ukrainian folklore and choir groups will perform at the concert venues.
What gives Lviv in January
Lviv is so good for the New Year that literally on every corner you can buy gifts for yourself and your loved ones. The main calling card of the city is chocolate. Also in the sets are sold coffee ensembles, gingerbread and other sweets.
Handmade candles are highly valued - scented, artistic, entire installations are created from wax products.
Of course, in the western region it is good to buy embroidered shirts and other national clothes. All this is done by hand, by leading craftswomen. Shirts, towels, napkins - a colorful gift with a national flavor.
Books are a separate pride of Lviv. Fairy tales, detective stories, educational literature, reference books, dictionaries, encyclopedias - all this can be purchased at the best bookstores in the city. Publishing houses and small printing houses will provide the best gift for your loved ones.
In addition, dozens of souvenirs will be presented for the New Year. Christmas symbols, national gifts, crafts, postcards and more. No one will leave Lviv without a gift!
We spend the weekend in Lviv
The trip can be organized both by yourself and with the help of travel agencies. Christmas tours to Lviv for 3-4 days cost from 1,700 hryvnia per person.
Another option is to travel on your own. A train from Kyiv to Lviv costs from 170 hryvnia, a plane - from 2,900 hryvnia. Getting from the Dnieper to Lviv will cost from 165 hryvnia by train.
Video - This is how they celebrate Christmas in Lviv
You can rent an apartment in the city, for more comfortable accommodation there are hotels - in the city of Lviv, the price will please any tourist.
It doesn't matter where you live, it doesn't matter which location you choose to go to. The main thing is warmth, comfort and a real fairy tale offered by Lviv streets. Numerous events, sympathetic and hospitable Lviv residents, European service and frosty patterns on the windows in the evenings. To relax and forget about the bustle of the city during the New Year holidays, go to Lviv.
is a cosmopolitan city in which the cultures, traditions and religions of many peoples are intertwined in a bizarre way. Spending the winter holidays in this city is a real happiness.
In Lviv, Christmas is celebrated twice: Catholic (December 24-25) and Orthodox (January 6-9). The locals say: "From Roman (December 10 - name day of Roman the Wonderworker) to Jordan (January 19, Epiphany) - Ukrainian Ramadan."
Many European traditions are observed in Lviv, therefore the Christmas Fair, which is held from December 8 to January 14 on and, is an integral part of the celebration that fills the city with the spirit of Christmas. Cute wooden houses-trays will please you with the products of artisans and festive treats.
Plan your Christmas trip between December 8th and January 14th. AT new year's eve Lviv will be truly fabulous.
As part of the fair, master classes and concerts are held:
- December 8 - official opening of the fair;
- December 9 - master classes for the feast of St. Nicholas;
- December 12 - Andreevsky evenings;
- December 15 - a master class on making a postcard to St. Nicholas;
- December 19 - St. Nicholas Day;
- December 22 - a master class on making New Year's wreaths;
- January 7 - January 8 - festival of street nativity scenes "Lviv Carol";
- On January 8, a festive procession of star-bearers and nativity scenes, after which a concert takes place on the stage near the main city Christmas tree;
- January 13 is the celebration of Malanka.
Lviv is called the "city of 100 festivals" and, of course, the program of pre-Christmas events includes not only "fair" fun.
Shopkas (Bethlehem nurseries) are installed in churches and on the streets of the city. Shopka on Rynok Square is an illustration of a significant event.
Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on a larger scale than Catholic Christmas and officially starts on January 6th. The Christmas tree, didukh, pampukhi and the Christmas star are its main symbols, so the celebration begins with the establishment of the main didukh of the city.
On January 7-8, the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life "" hosts the festival "Flash of the Christmas Star". Within its framework, everyone is taught to make Christmas stars, which the next day participate in the star-carrier parade.
Pampushka must be present at every festive table. In 2013, the city will host the sixth Pampukha Festival (January 7-9), which is famous for its records: in 2012, the world's largest pampushka was made. Within the framework of the festival, the “Houses Competition” takes place: local residents and guests compete in the skill of preparing this festive delicacy.
Lviv is becoming more and more popular among tourists every year. This is not surprising: rich story, entertainment and low prices. Christmas and New Year's is the "high" season, so you need to book train tickets and accommodation in advance.
A ticket for the Kyiv-Lviv train in a compartment car will cost approximately 160 UAH. For a one-room apartment with all amenities in the central part of the city, you will pay about 250 UAH. per day. In doing so, it is worth considering:
- as a rule, the cost of the apartment also includes a free transfer, if the realtor does not offer this service, ask for it yourself;
- when renting an apartment for more than three days, discounts are provided, and here the cost will already depend on your ability to negotiate (the maximum discount is 20%).
The city has good three-star hotels and establishments without stars, where a double room costs 350-400 hryvnia, and this does not mean at all that they are located on the outskirts.
A double room in a hostel, which is plentiful in Lviv, costs from 250 hryvnia. And if you are going to travel with a company, then pay from 50 hryvnia for a bed.
Taxi for tourists in Lviv is an expensive pleasure if you sit down to the "curb". Therefore, when going on a trip, take the trouble to find on the Internet the phone numbers of taxi services, which, when taking an order, will immediately announce the cost.
Lviv is famous for its pubs and huts, along which you can also spend. Lunch in fast food from salad, first and second courses, as well as compote will cost 50 hryvnia. For dinner in a restaurant with the same set of dishes and alcohol, expect to pay from 150 hryvnia per person. In addition, a large number of pizzerias, eateries, zucchini, cakes and street vendors with pastries will not let you die of hunger.
Please note that the entire historical part of Lviv is paved with paving stones, so prepare yourself and your shoes well for hiking.
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- the greatest and Holy holiday Christian calendar, which is dedicated to the birth of the Son of God. In Ukraine, it is celebrated by combining Christian and folk customs, attending church services, organizing mass celebrations and family feasts. The holiday is especially bright in Western Ukraine, in the ancient city of Lviv, shrouded in legends and myths.
Every year, more and more large-scale and colorful actions are invented here, surprising the residents of the city and its guests. No wonder Lviv is considered a cosmopolitan, where the cultures and customs of many nationalities are closely intertwined. Visit this city during the winter holidays - and you will be guaranteed fresh impressions and long pleasant memories!
Come to Lviv for Christmas for vivid impressions!
How is Christmas celebrated in Lviv?
Christmas is celebrated here twice - according to the Orthodox one. Festive fairs begin to work on Rynok Square and Svobody Avenue from December 8, filling the city with the Christmas spirit and the smells of vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, ginger and hot wine. Wooden houses beckon with bright lights, festive melodies and products the best craftsmen for the manufacture of clothing, shoes, jewelry and a variety of delicacies.
At the same time, various master classes dedicated to the holiday begin to take place. So, on the day of St. Nicholas, you will be offered to make a postcard for a good saint, and then take part in the manufacture of New Year's wreaths, Christmas decorations, angels and amulet dolls. On the days of Orthodox Christmas, the festival of nativity scenes begins, festive processions of star-bearers and folklore concerts take place.
The largest Shopka (Christmas manger) is set up in the central city square. Svoboda Avenue becomes not only a place where a huge fir tree is installed, but also the location of the main new year symbol- diduha (a huge sheaf of wheat), symbolizing abundance, prosperity and prosperity.
Fairs and festivals in Lviv are held with a special Western flavor Large-scale festival open sky takes place in Shevchenkovsky Gay - here you will be offered to make your own Christmas star, with which you can take part in the parade. In addition, an integral part of the festival is donuts, which on this day are always present on the Christmas table. Citizens massively take part in the competition for the preparation of the best pampushka.
What can you see in Lviv on vacation?
You need to start the tour from the central Rynok Square, which preserves the spirit of antiquity and strikes with exquisite European architecture. Right there, having climbed the tower of the Town Hall, you can look around and see the most beautiful panoramic views of Lviv. In the same part of the city is the Italian Courtyard, which will remind you of Rome or even Venice.
Gourmets have a direct road to the Chocolate Workshop, where delicacies are made not in a factory way, but by hand, according to old recipes for making chocolates. Do not forget about the Caramel Workshop, where you can see how candies are made from the sweet mass - from small sweets to huge caramel figures. Here you can also buy sweet gifts for family and friends.
Both adults and children will be interested in the lessons in the Chocolate Workshop The Lviv Opera House is a must-see, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world, striking with luxurious architectural solutions. Being in the central part of the city, visit also the Armenian Church founded in the 14th century. Its beautiful bas-reliefs and elegant frescoes have been perfectly preserved to this day. By the way, if the churchyard seems familiar to you - don't be surprised, you saw it in a movie about the Three Musketeers!
Fans of antiquity will be interested in visiting the pharmacy-museum, founded in 1795 and still open. The halls, on the walls of which shelves with a variety of jars, flasks and devices are nailed, are more reminiscent of an alchemist's laboratory than a modern place for selling pharmacy products. And no wonder - every corner of Lviv breathes history!
Also, don't forget to visit the famous "Gas Lamp", which, in addition to delicious dishes and unusual alcohol settings, you will be offered to see a collection of old kerosene lamps. Coffee connoisseurs definitely visit the Kava Dig, located partly underground - here you can taste the most exquisite varieties of this invigorating drink, and at the same time buy gifts for your relatives. Connoisseurs of good grilled meat go to the Restaurant of Meat and Justice, where they cook the best barbecue in Lviv. However, take care of booking places in advance - this place is always crowded.
Be sure to visit the themed restaurant-museum "Gas Lamp"! Having visited the Galician-Jewish Kneipp "Under the Golden Rose", you will try Jewish cuisine. By the way, the prices are not indicated on the menu, so get ready to bargain with the waiter in the best traditions of this people. The most daring and curious go to dinner at the Masoch Cafe. The name of the institution speaks for itself - the interior is decorated with lashes, whips and other sado-masochistic paraphernalia that you can experience for yourself.
Those who want to see the whole city from a height, go for a walk to the High Castle park, from the observation deck of which you can look at the most picturesque city landscapes. In addition, Christmas is unthinkable without visiting Lviv churches. Be sure to visit St. George's Cathedral - the city's main Greek Catholic church built in the Baroque style.
The Latin Cathedral with a seventy-meter tower is also striking in its splendor. Don't forget the excursion to the Bernardine Monastery, an important part of the city's fortifications. Well, one of the most famous sights of the city is the Dominican Cathedral - a majestic building in the Baroque style.
The magnificent architecture of the city will impress any tourist One of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe is located in Lviv; its main building previously housed the Parliament of Galicia. History buffs will be interested in visiting the complex of defensive structures called the Citadel. Children and adults are happy to go to the Lviv Arsenal, which contains a rich exposition of cold steel and firearms from different eras.
Departure by bus from Minsk– 18.00. The bus transits through the territory of Belarus and Ukraine as part of a night crossing.
Group arrives in Lviv.
Breakfast in a cafe (additional fee). This city is recognized as the capital of Western Ukraine. After breakfast, a sightseeing tour (bus) is held, which will give a lot of impressions and introduce you to the main sights of the city. Tourists will be able to see Castle Hill, which once housed the High Castle. Here is an observation deck from which the entire Lviv- in full view. The Castle Hill symbolizes the place where the city was founded, covered with many interesting legends and secrets. As part of the tour, you will visit St. George's Cathedral, which is the main center of the Greek Catholic Church in the country. The cathedral impresses with its baroque architecture. After getting acquainted with the sights on the bus, you will have the opportunity to explore Lviv on a walking tour. Its historical center is deservedly included in the list of UNESCO monuments. You will wander through the cozy cobblestone streets, get inspired by the indescribable atmosphere of antiquity and something mysterious that reigns here. The culture and amazing history of the city are worthy of your attention. You will see the Market Square, enjoy a visit to the Town Hall, from the upper platform of which a panorama of amazing beauty opens up. You will see Bernardine and Cathedral, the famous Boim chapel, as well as the Latin and Dominican cathedrals, the Armenian Church and many more historical and architectural monuments.
Optionally, you can visit the Lviv brewery with a beer tasting (200 UAH)
After exciting excursions, there will be free time that you can spend on self-acquaintance with the city. And you can optionally visit the excursion " Mystical Lviv» for lovers of history and mysterious reincarnations. This theatrical performance takes place in the evening, under cover of darkness. In the glare from burning torches, you can walk through the streets at night, get acquainted with the past of ancient and medieval Lviv, touch urban legends and even see the battle of knights (minimum group 20 people, extra charge).
After a day filled with impressions, an overnight stay awaits you.
After breakfast, the group will check out of the hotel. Next, you will visit the unique medieval dungeons of the Jesuit and Dominican monasteries.
Those who wish in their free time from the excursion can visit the legendary Pharmacy Museum. This is the only pharmacy in the city, which began its work many centuries ago, and operates to this day. The year of foundation is 1735. You will see apothecary workshops, cellars, 5 halls filled with unique exhibits, old equipment, drugs that have not been produced for tens and hundreds of years. And the interiors of the pharmacy do not leave indifferent any visitor.
Lviv is also a city associated with fresh and aromatic coffee. "Send to kava" - this phrase can be heard everywhere here. As part of the “Coffee History” tour, you will learn many amazing facts about this drink, you will be able to taste the real Lviv coffee, visit the most famous coffee houses with their own history. And fortune-telling on coffee grounds is an activity that captivates not only local residents, but also all city guests without exception who believe in miracles. The coffee tour is optional and requires a surcharge. For it to take place, it is necessary to gather a group of 20 people. After that, you are invited to visit the shopping and entertainment complex "KING KROSS LEOPOLIS". Then the bus leaves for Belarus.
Arrival in Minsk in the morning.