someone holding a candle in a wooden bowl surrounded by christmas decorations

Sleigh the Holidays: Your Insider Guide to Ukrainian Christmas (Sveta Style)

Festive season meets Ukrainian charm at Sveta, where holiday traditions pair perfectly with twinkling lights and cocktails you won’t forget. Curious how Ukraine celebrates Christmas? Let’s show you how it’s done, NYC-style.

Two Dates, Twice the Magic

What’s better than one Christmas? Two, obviously. January 7th has been around forever, but December 25th got added to the calendar in 2017. Double the dates means double the joy – or double the borscht. Ultimately, Christmas in Ukraine isn’t just one day; it’s a full-on celebration.
there is a bowl of food with nuts and a candle on a table

Holy Supper, Holy Slay

Let’s talk about Christmas Eve, a.k.a. Sviata Vecheria. There are usually 12 meatless dishes on the lineup (yes, plant-based before it was cool) – a nod to the 12 apostles. First up? Kutya. It’s sweet, nutty, and symbolic. Wheat, honey, and poppy seeds mix to create a porridge that says, “Hey, we made it through another year. Let’s eat!” 

And the rest? 

  • Borscht: Beet soup, but make it iconic.
  • Varenyky: Dumplings that understood the assignment.
  • Holubtsi: Cabbage rolls serving looks and flavor.
  • Uzvar: The OG fruit tea – no iced latte could compete.

At Sveta, our Ukranian classics are reimagined with a modern edge, served in a winter wonderland straight out of your dreams. Don’t believe us? Check out our menu and see for yourself.

a close up of a table with a lot of food on it

Deck the Halls, Ukrainian Style

Instead of mistletoe, Ukraine’s Christmas opts for Didukh – a sheaf of wheat that symbolizes ancestors and the harvest. Think of it as the original farmhouse chic centerpiece. Meanwhile, carolers (koliadky) go full-on Christmas concert mode, with kids and adults signing songs from door to door. Some even carry a bright star on a pole – kind of like an OG parade float. This is what Christmas traditions in Ukraine are about – all culture, all heart.
four women in costumes are posing for a picture outside

Celebrate a Ukrainian Christmas at Sveta NYC

Sveta is your home away from home – where the cocktails are epic, the food is out of this world, and the holiday vibes are next level. Whether you’re digging into Ukrainian classics or just soaking up the atmosphere, we’ve got everything you need to make this Christmas unforgettable. So grab your crew, make a reservation, and let’s do the holidays Sveta-style. This season, we’re all family.

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