A pampukh (or pampushka, a diminutive of pampukh) is a small, sweet or savory, yeast-raised bun or doughnut that can be baked in an oven or fried in a pan. Savory pampuks usually have no filling and are seasoned with garlic sauce. They are traditionally served with borscht. Sweet pampukhs can have various fillings, such as berries, jam, or poppy seeds, and are sprinkled with sugar or powdered sugar. Sweet pampukhs are traditionally prepared on Christmas Eve (Svyatvechir).
In 2008, Lviv began hosting the annual Pampukh Feast (Svyato Pampukha), a culinary festival dedicated to this popular Christmas treat. During the festival, thousands of pampukhs were baked and sold each year. The festival program included contests, competitions, concerts, and other entertainment. It was usually held at the beginning or end of January, around Orthodox Christmas or Epiphany.
The Pampukh Feast was held in Lviv every winter until 2022, when it was put on hold due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In December 2025, however, DikArt Creative Marketing, the organizers of the original festival, decided to revive it in a new format as the Pampukh and Mulled Wine Festival, combining Ukrainian and Western European Christmas traditions. The new festival is held in December rather than January because in 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the revised Julian calendar and began celebrating Christmas on December 25.
The Pampukh and Mulled Wine Festival features four themed areas. The Pampukh Fair offers thousands of delicious pampukhs to suit every taste. The Mulled Wine Area has a wide selection of hot spiced wine, cider, and juice. The Art Space has a branded photo zone and an ice sculpture show. The Nativity Scene Area is where nativity scene competitions, family-friendly workshops, and performances by guest artists take place.
Additionally, partner brands have special areas where you can get a pampukh in exchange for a donation to charity, decorate a pampukh with chocolate or icing, or participate in an exclusive workshop. The festival program combines tradition with modernity, offering entertainment for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
While the Pampukh Feast took place on Rynok Square, the main square in Lviv, the Pampukh and Mulled Wine Festival takes place at the Lviv Arts Palace on Kopernik Street. Admission to the festival is paid (except for children under six), and each ticket includes a branded mug for mulled wine.
The Pampukh and Mulled Wine Festival is a great opportunity to meet up with friends or enjoy time with your family. If you don’t live in Lviv, it’s a chance to visit this wonderful city and experience its festive atmosphere.
