December 6 is the most eagerly anticipated day for Polissian children: in the morning a present awaits under the pillow, and during the day they also want to see Saint Nicholas himself. Below is a look at what was held last year in Zhytomyr, Rivne, Lutsk, Chernihiv, Sumy, and the Kyiv region: the format mostly repeats, with city councils announcing exact dates closer to the holiday. This serves as a good guide, as residences and performances usually recur. Look for this season's dates and addresses on city council websites and in local media.
How the holiday moved to December 6
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Greek Catholics have followed the new calendar since 2023, so Saint Nicholas Day is now on December 6 instead of the 19th. The traditions remain the same. On the eve, children write letters and place them on windowsills, and in the morning find gifts under their pillows or in polished boots. Misbehaved kids may traditionally receive a twig—as a reminder.
The custom of putting gifts under the pillow is most common in Right-Bank Ukraine, which was once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth—including Volyn and the Zhytomyr region. For many villages, December 6 is also a patronal feast day: a solemn service is held in churches named after Saint Nicholas.
Zhytomyr
Last year, the city council's department of culture opened Saint Nicholas's residence at the House of Ukrainian Culture. It operated from December 2 to 23. Children wrote letters to Nicholas, made a fire horse—the symbol of 2026—at a workshop, took photos with Saint Nicholas, and played and danced with animators. On December 6, light garlands were lit on a live Christmas tree on Mykhailivska Street, and festive events were held for the little ones.
If you want to visit something else together, Zhytomyr has two museums that appeal to children: the Korolyov Museum of Cosmonautics with rockets and the constructor's memorial house, and the Museum of Nature. Read more about the city in our Zhytomyr travel guide.
Rivne
In Rivne last year, the holiday began on Teatralna Square. On the evening of December 6, an 18-meter Christmas tree was lit near the regional music and drama theater. The opening was accompanied by a theatrical lantern procession and Christmas carols. The "Scrooge Fest" also launched that same day across three venues: the drama theater, the puppet theater, and the philharmonic. The festival lasted until about January 10, and the play "Scrooge" was performed 37 times on the main stage. During the festival, funds were raised for Rivne's military brigade. Read about the city in our Rivne travel guide.
Lutsk
Last year, Lutsk set up Saint Nicholas's residence inside a shelter—in the cellar of an old monastery at 2 Voli Avenue, home to the "Obraz" art gallery. Visitors could stay there during air raid sirens. The residence was opened by the city youth center on December 5 and operated for three days from 14:00 to 20:00. Children gave their letters to Nicholas, drew pictures, and received a keepsake gift. Admission was free, with groups of 5 to 15 children registering in advance. That same evening, three live Christmas trees were lit on Teatralnyi Square.
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of one of the oldest monasteries in Volhynia. The Zhydychyn Monastery stands a few kilometres from Lutsk: according to the chronicle, Prince Danylo Romanovych came here to pray to Saint Nicholas in 1227. For a family outing, the Volyn Local History Museum and the open-air museum in Rokyni with old Volhynian cottages are also suitable. Read more in our Lutsk travel guide.
Chernihiv
In Chernihiv on 6 December last year, one St Nicholas walked the streets and rode trolleybuses, greeting people and handing out sweets. Four more St Nicholas figures — soldiers of the Operational Command "North" — together with the city's department of culture and tourism, greeted about 40 families of fallen defenders. For a walk with children, the Tarnovskyi Historical Museum on the Val is a great choice. Read more about the city in our article about Chernihiv.
Sumy
In Sumy, festive locations were lit up on 6 December last year. A photo zone was set up near the Sadko Fountain, live Christmas trees were decorated, but the central artificial tree was not erected. The hromada prepared sweet gifts for over 8,000 children from vulnerable categories.
Safety: Sumy and the border communities of Sumy and Chernihiv regions are subjected to regular shelling. These sections are intended for local families. Unnecessary travel there for the holidays is not recommended.
Kyiv Region
In Bila Tserkva on 6 December last year, an 8.78-metre-tall didukh was erected in the city centre near Shevchenko Park. The city named it the tallest in Ukraine, and it stood until Epiphany. Look for festive event schedules in Brovary, Irpin, and other cities in the region on the hromadas' official pages closer to the holiday. Read more about Bila Tserkva in our article about the city.
Churches of Saint Nicholas
If you prefer a quieter holiday, you can attend a service at an ancient Saint Nicholas Church. In Zhytomyr Region, there is the fortress church in Olevsk built in 1596, featuring 1.8-metre-thick walls and embrasure-style windows. In Volhynia, near the Shatsk Lakes, you can visit the Church of Saint Nicholas in Pulmo, whose parish was first mentioned in 1510. Please check with the respective parishes for service schedules.
Tips for parents
- Find out where the nearest shelter is in advance. During an air raid alert, outdoor events are interrupted, but a residence located in a shelter, like the one in Lutsk, may continue operating.
- Free residences often require registration — keep an eye on the pages of city councils and culture departments starting in late November.
- Due to power outages, schedules may change. Bring a charged power bank, warm clothing, and a thermos.
- Exact dates and programs are announced by city councils every year — check them before heading out.
