Lviv, historically a Ukrainian city, was part of the Kingdom of Poland (and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth) and then the Habsburg Empire for much of its history. During this period, the people of Lviv adopted many Western European traditions, including holding Christmas markets during Advent. Christmas markets were held in Lviv every year until the city was occupied by the Soviets in 1939.
After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the Lviv Christmas Market was revived in 2009, becoming the first Western European-style Christmas market in the country. The market usually opened in mid-December around Saint Nicholas Day (December 19 in the Eastern Orthodox tradition) and ran until mid-January around Epiphany (January 19 in the Eastern Orthodox tradition).
The revived market featured dozens of wooden stalls where local businesses sold crafts and treats such as pampushki (yeast-raised buns), varenyky (dumplings), gingerbread, honey, and hot drinks like mulled wine, coffee, and hot chocolate. In addition to the stalls, the market offered entertainment such as concerts, nativity plays (vertep), processions, caroling, and an ice sculpture contest and exhibition.
From 2022 to 2024, the Lviv Christmas Market was on hiatus due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2025, it was revived in a shortened, stripped-down format with fewer stalls and entertainment. The goal was to support local businesses and raise money for charity and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
At its pre-war peak, the Lviv Christmas Market was the largest in Ukraine, attracting over a million people from Ukraine and abroad during the winter holiday season. The market was traditionally divided into three sectors: a gastronomic sector offering food and drinks; a souvenir sector offering unique crafts, including knitted socks and gloves, Christmas tree ornaments, and traditional figurines; and a Christmas spirit sector offering festive entertainment for visitors of all ages.
According to the organizers, the Lviv Christmas Market is an annual event of national importance that skillfully combines long-standing European Christmas market traditions with authentic Ukrainian customs. It is a cozy town within a large, legendary city where Lviv residents and visitors can relax, listen to Christmas music, watch amazing performances, enjoy delicious holiday treats and hot drinks, and buy handmade gifts and souvenirs for themselves, their families, and their friends.
Photo: yarmarok.lviv.ua
