Holy Eve (Sviatvechir) in Ukraine is celebrated on 24 December: since 2023 the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church follow the Revised Julian calendar, so Christmas Eve and Christmas now coincide with most of the Christian world. It is the warmest family evening of the year: with the first star people sit down to twelve meatless dishes, taste kutia, set up the didukh and sing carols. Below are short and longer Holy Eve wishes, poems and gift ideas for the festive table.

Next on the calendar: Christmas wishes, New Year wishes, St Nicholas Day wishes.

Four key moments of Holy Eve

Short Holy Eve wishes

Happy Holy Eve! May the first star bring peace to your home and kutia bring plenty for the whole year.
Christ is born! Warmth, light and family comfort on this holy evening.
May there be twelve dishes on your table and twelve months of joy in your heart.
Happy Holy Eve! May carols reach every home and bring peace and victory with them.

Wishes for family

Mum and Dad, thank you for every Holy Eve when we gathered around one table. May our home smell of kutia again this year and may all our family be close.
Grandma, your kutia is the best in the world. Good health, strength and many more holy evenings together!
My dear family, even if we are far apart tonight, may the first star connect our hearts.

Wishes for friends and colleagues

Friends, may this evening be quiet, warm and bright, and may Christmas bring hope to every home.
Colleagues, I wish you a good rest with your families and a light heart for the holidays. Christ is born!
May the didukh in your home guard all that is good and carollers bring only joyful news.

For those far from home

You are far away now, but there is a place at our table and a spoon for kutia waiting for you. Come home soon!
To our defenders: deep respect and the warmth of loving hearts. May Holy Eve bring you calm and faith in a swift victory.

Traditional greetings

"Christ is born!" — "Let us glorify Him!" This is how Ukrainians greet each other on Holy Eve and at Christmas.
Happiness and health, and may the New Year be better than the last! — an old carollers' wish for the hosts.

Poems for Holy Eve

A star has lit the evening sky,
The kutia steams upon the plate,
May all your wishes multiply
And peace and joy be at your gate.

A carol drifts above the eaves,
The snow is sparkling by the door,
May love be warm as Christmas Eve's
And bless your home for evermore.

What to give on Holy Eve

On Holy Eve people visit with small gifts for the table: sweets, a cake or a festive arrangement. White roses symbolise the purity and light of Christmas and look lovely on the festive table next to the didukh. If you cannot come in person, order flower delivery for your family in advance.

Bouquet of 13 white roses — White roses bring the light of Christmas to the table

See New Year gifts and white roses.

FAQ

When is Holy Eve in Ukraine?

On 24 December, according to the Revised Julian calendar adopted by the OCU and the UGCC in 2023.

How do Ukrainians greet each other on Holy Eve?

"Christ is born!" — and the reply is "Let us glorify Him!"

How many dishes are served on Holy Eve?

Traditionally twelve meatless dishes, the main one being kutia.

The last evening of the year: Generous Eve and Malanka wishes (31 December).

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

Holy Eve Wishes