4.3 million Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas in the EU: How much does the festive meal cost?.

According to ТСН: At the end of 2025, millions of Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas far from their hometowns. Due to the widespread war, the largest communities of refugees have formed in the countries of the European Union, where the expenses for festive foods significantly differ from those in Ukraine.

According to statistics, at the end of the summer of 2025, there were over 4.3 million Ukrainians in EU countries who left their homeland due to military conflicts.

The three countries with the largest numbers of Ukrainian citizens are:

• Germany - over 1.2 million Ukrainians

• Poland - almost 1 million people

• Czech Republic - about 386,000 Ukrainians

In these countries, Ukrainian families will most often celebrate Christmas in 2025.

What does the Christmas table cost in Germany?

In Germany, Ukrainians will have to spend the most on the festive dinner. A basic package with chicken fillet costs 38.32 euros (approximately 1,887 Hryvnias). However, if you replace chicken with beef, the cost rises to 45 euros (2,216 Hryvnias).

The cost of meat is the biggest burden on the budget. Compared to Ukrainian prices, the difference is significant:

• Chicken fillet - 11 euros/kg (542 UAH);

• Beef - 17.77 euros/kg (884 UAH).

In Germany, tomatoes are also the most expensive - over 4 euros (205 UAH) per kilogram. Even ordinary apples cost almost 3 euros here, and oranges about 2 euros.

What are the prices in Poland?

Ukrainians in Poland will spend the least on their Christmas purchases. Even a “rich” basket with beef costs about 32 euros (1,600 Hryvnias), which corresponds to the price of a “budget” package in the Czech Republic.

A benefit of Polish supermarkets is the low prices for meat:

• Chicken fillet - only 5.86 euros/kg (288 UAH);

• Beef - 11.12 euros/kg (547 UAH).

The vegetable package is also the cheapest here: potatoes cost 0.82 euros, onions - 0.98 euros. However, tomatoes are more expensive - 2.57 euros (126 UAH) per kilogram, which is still cheaper than in neighboring countries.

What about prices in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic occupies a middle position regarding food prices. Prices here are higher than in Poland but lower than in Germany. A standard basket costs 32.5 euros (1,600 Hryvnias), the variant with beef - 36.14 euros (1,780 Hryvnias).

Here are some prices:

• Chicken fillet - 8.28 euros/kg (407 UAH);

• Beef - 11.92 euros/kg (587 UAH);

• Tomatoes - 3.15 euros/kg (155 UAH).

Interestingly, in the Czech Republic, you can buy apples (1.48 euros) and onions, which cost less than 1 euro per kilogram, the best.

It should also be noted that at the end of December, the working hours of stores in Poland traditionally change due to the trade ban on holidays. On Christmas Eve, December 24, as well as on December 25 and 26, most supermarkets and shopping centers are closed or operate with restrictions.

This Christmas will not only be a holiday for millions of Ukrainians in Europe, but also a reflection of the new realities faced by refugees. Despite the difficulties in material provision, the tradition of celebration remains an important part of preserving identity and unity.