When to Carol and Greet in 2025: New Dates for Winter Holidays.

Carol on Christmas – December 24-25

According to ТСН: Carol is one of the most beloved winter holidays in Ukraine. Now Christmas is celebrated according to the new style, so we carol on December 24 and 25. On the evening of December 24, on Holy Evening, children and adults visit neighbors and acquaintances with carols – songs dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ. Hosts, in turn, gift guests treats, money, or sweets, receiving sincere wishes for health, happiness, and well-being in return.

Usually, men of various ages – from boys to elderly people – do the caroling. They often dress in bright costumes, sometimes even in feminine images. Traditional characters include a star, angels, shepherds, and even a little devil. The songs are accompanied by short scenes, and hosts generously reward the guests.

Old date: January 6-7, 2026.

New date: December 24-25, 2025.

Greet on New Year's Eve – December 31

The generous evening is celebrated on December 31, the eve of the New Year. On this day, greetings are sung – cheerful songs with wishes for prosperity, happiness, and well-being. While caroling is mostly done by men, greeting is usually done by women. In some regions, roles may change, but the main essence remains the same: cheerful melodies and wishes for family well-being.

The tradition of greeting has roots in the times of Kievan Rus, when New Year was celebrated in spring. In greetings, one can find spring motifs – the return of birds, notably the 'shchedryk', from which the ritual song derives its name.

Old date: January 13, 2026.

New date: December 31, 2025.

Sow on New Year's Day – January 1

The first day of January now combines the celebration of New Year's Day and St. Basil's Day. This is a traditional time for sowing. In the morning, boys and young men go from house to house, scattering grain on the floor and reading special welcoming verses with wishes for health, happiness, good harvest, and luck.

Sowing is traditionally a male ritual: it is believed that the first to enter the house must be a man to bring prosperity for the coming year. Hosts usually reward the sowers with money, and the first guest – especially generously.

Old date: January 14, 2026.

New date: January 1, 2026.

The preservation of these ancient Ukrainian traditions adds vibrant color to our culture, unites families, and brings joy to everyone – both adults and children. Let us not forget about carols, greetings, and sowing: they make our holidays special and unforgettable.