Things to Do in Ukraine in December

December Weather in Ukraine

-2°C (28°F) High Temp

-8°C (18°F) Low Temp

35mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets in Lviv and Kyiv create magical winter atmosphere with mulled wine, local crafts, and traditional Ukrainian holiday foods like kutia and varenyky
Hotel prices drop 40-60% compared to summer months, with luxury accommodations in Kyiv costing ₴1,500-2,500 ($40-65) per night instead of summer rates of ₴4,000+
Authentic winter cultural experiences including traditional New Year celebrations, ice skating on frozen ponds, and seeing historic architecture blanketed in snow
Minimal tourist crowds at major sites like Saint Sophia's Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, allowing for intimate photography and genuine interactions with locals

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 7-8 hours (sunrise around 8am, sunset by 4pm), severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time
Temperatures consistently below freezing with frequent snowstorms can make walking tours and outdoor activities uncomfortable or dangerous
Many seasonal attractions close or operate on reduced schedules, including some monastery sections and outdoor museum exhibits

Best Activities in December

Kyiv Underground and Metro Art Tours

December's harsh weather makes Kyiv's spectacular Soviet-era metro system the perfect escape. The underground stations double as bomb shelters and art galleries, staying at comfortable 15°C (59°F) year-round. Arsenalna station is the world's deepest at 105.5m (346 ft). Winter crowds are minimal, allowing proper appreciation of the marble halls, chandeliers, and mosaics.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently with metro day pass for ₴50 ($1.30). Guided underground tours typically cost ₴800-1,200 ($21-32) and book up quickly during holiday season - reserve 7-10 days ahead. Look for tours that include both metro art and underground passages.

Traditional Ukrainian Cooking Classes

December is peak season for hearty Ukrainian winter cuisine. Learn to make borscht, varenyky, and holubtsi while staying warm indoors. Many classes include market visits to source winter vegetables and teach preservation techniques that sustained Ukrainians through harsh winters. The post-cooking feast becomes a cultural immersion experience.

Booking Tip: Indoor cooking experiences range from ₴1,500-2,800 ($40-75) for 3-4 hour sessions including meal. Book 5-7 days ahead as locals also book these as holiday activities. Look for classes that include traditional December holiday dishes like kutia.

Lviv Old Town Winter Walking Tours

Lviv's UNESCO World Heritage center transforms into a winter wonderland in December. The medieval architecture looks spectacular under snow, and the narrow cobblestone streets create wind protection. Tours focus on heated indoor stops including coffee houses, churches, and the famous Lviv Opera House. Morning tours (10am-12pm) maximize limited daylight.

Booking Tip: 2-3 hour walking tours cost ₴600-1,000 ($16-27) with frequent indoor warm-up stops. Essential to book tours that guarantee indoor components due to weather. Private tours worth the extra cost in December for flexibility with weather delays.

Carpathian Mountain Spa and Wellness Retreats

December transforms the Carpathians into a winter sports destination. Mineral hot springs like those in Polyana and Berehove provide perfect contrast to freezing outdoor temperatures. Many resorts offer traditional banya (sauna) experiences and thermal pools heated to 38-42°C (100-108°F). Snow activities include cross-country skiing and winter hiking.

Booking Tip: Full-day spa experiences range from ₴2,000-4,500 ($53-120) including transport from major cities. Book 2 weeks ahead for December weekends. Look for packages combining thermal springs with traditional Ukrainian wellness treatments.

Orthodox Church Christmas Services and Celebrations

Ukrainian Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th, making December the perfect time to experience pre-Christmas traditions. Saint Sophia's Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra host special December services with magnificent choral music. The acoustics in these ancient stone buildings create unforgettable spiritual experiences, especially atmospheric in winter.

Booking Tip: Church visits are free but guided cultural tours explaining Orthodox traditions cost ₴500-800 ($13-21). December services often include traditional carol singing. Book cultural context tours in advance as many visitors want to understand the religious significance.

Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Market Experiences

December Christmas markets in central squares of Kyiv and Lviv offer authentic winter cultural immersion. Vendors sell traditional crafts, winter clothing, and seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts and medovukha (honey wine). Markets typically operate 10am-10pm with heated pavilions and entertainment featuring folk music and dance performances.

Booking Tip: Market entry is free but budget ₴500-1,500 ($13-40) for food and crafts per visit. Markets run mid-December through early January. Best visited during evening hours when lights create magical atmosphere, but dress warmly as temperatures drop significantly after sunset.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December through early January

Lviv Christmas Fair

Traditional Christmas market in Lviv's Market Square featuring local artisans, traditional Ukrainian crafts, and seasonal foods. Live folk music performances and traditional dance shows happen throughout December weekends.

Throughout December

Kyiv New Year Preparations and Markets

Major New Year celebrations preparation period with special markets, ice skating rinks set up in central squares, and traditional Malanka (New Year) cultural performances in theaters and cultural centers.

December 19th

Saint Nicholas Day Celebrations

Important Ukrainian holiday on December 19th featuring special church services, children's gift-giving traditions, and cultural performances. Many museums and cultural sites host special exhibitions about Ukrainian Christmas traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -15°C (5°F) - essential for icy cobblestones and 15-20cm (6-8 inch) snow depths typical in December

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, wool sweater, and windproof outer jacket - indoor heating varies dramatically between 18-25°C (64-77°F)

Waterproof gloves and warm hat covering ears - wind chill can make -5°C (23°F) feel like -15°C (5°F)

Portable phone charger - batteries drain 50% faster in freezing temperatures during 8-hour outdoor days

Grip aids for boots or yaktrax - black ice forms frequently on sidewalks and steps, especially in mornings

Moisturizer and lip balm - 85% humidity combined with indoor heating causes severe skin dryness

Compact umbrella - December brings mix of snow and freezing rain, often changing throughout single day

Cash in small bills - many market vendors and small establishments don't accept cards, especially during holiday markets

Sunglasses - snow reflection can be intense even with low UV index, particularly in Carpathian regions

Thermos or insulated water bottle - staying hydrated important but outdoor water sources may be frozen

Insider Knowledge

Ukrainians celebrate New Year more intensively than Christmas (which falls January 7th), so late December has party atmosphere with special restaurant menus and extended hours at entertainment venues

Metro stations serve as unofficial warming centers - locals duck into underground areas during harsh weather spells, making them excellent spots for authentic cultural interaction

December hotel rates often exclude heating costs in older buildings - confirm whether your rate includes utilities as heating bills can add ₴200-500 ($5-13) per night

Traditional Ukrainian winter foods like borscht and varenyky are at their absolute best in December when made with properly stored root vegetables and fermented cabbage from autumn harvests

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 3pm means finishing in darkness, making navigation difficult and photo opportunities poor

Assuming all attractions maintain summer hours - many outdoor sites and some museum sections close early or entirely during December, check current schedules before traveling

Not bringing enough warm layers for indoor/outdoor temperature swings - going from -5°C (23°F) streets into 22°C (72°F) restaurants requires adaptable clothing system