Christmas Lviv 2025/26: how to plan a trip taking into account air raids and curfews?

Are you planning a trip to Lviv for the holidays? You should know how fairs, transportation, and establishments operate during curfews, as well as what to do in case of an air raid. Learn more about safety rules and tips for winter travel

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Christmas Lviv is a combination of history, aromatic coffee, festive lights and an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else. Despite the war and certain restrictions, the city continues to welcome visitors, adapting its infrastructure, working hours and security procedures. Tourists can safely walk around the city center, visit fairs, museums, and themed events if they plan their route in advance and take into account curfews. Lviv remains one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in Ukraine, especially during the holidays of December 25 and January 6-7.

In this guide, you'll learn how to plan your trip, where to go, how holiday locations work, and what to consider during air raids. And how Visit Ukraine services can help make your vacation comfortable and safe.

Earlier we told you that the West Tower of the Lviv Organ Hall will be opened to visitors for the first time.

How to get to Lviv from abroad in 2025 read here.

About whether Lviv is safe for tourists now in this material.

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Why should you go to Lviv for Christmas in 2025/26?

Christmas Lviv combines a festive atmosphere, long-standing traditions, and a unique spirit of the city that is felt even in difficult times. Demand for travel in December and early January traditionally increases as tourists come to celebrate Christmas on December 25 and January 6-7. The city has adapted the operation of locations, holiday fairs, transportation, and establishments so that guests can have a comfortable time while complying with current safety regulations. That's why Lviv remains one of the most popular winter destinations in Ukraine, and the 2025/26 season is expected to see no less interest.

In winter, Lviv transforms into a real Christmas capital: decorated streets, festive decorations, musical performances, lights and spice aromas create a special mood. The city center traditionally becomes a pedestrian zone with many seasonal activities.

Lviv celebrates Christmas twice: according to the Gregorian calendar and the Julian calendar. This means two periods of fairs, themed performances, Christmas concerts, nativity scenes, and processions. Tourists can choose any dates or plan a trip to see the celebrations of both traditions.

In December and January, the flow of tourists from both Ukraine and abroad increases. Popular hotels and apartments are booked in advance, and transportation flights fill up quickly, so it's important to plan your trip in advance.

Earlier, we told you that Oleksiy Kuleba announced the start of construction of a new European railway that will connect Lviv with the Polish border.

Important rules: curfews and air raids

When planning a trip to Lviv, it is important to consider wartime restrictions. The city operates steadily, but has clear rules for traveling in the evening and the algorithm of actions during sirens. Proper preparation will help you avoid inconveniences and make your trip as smooth as possible.

What is the curfew in Lviv in winter 2025/26?

Lviv has a curfew that lasts from 00:00 to 05:00. The current schedule is always published on the city's official resources.

Walking on the streets during this time is prohibited. Public transportation ends earlier. Long-distance and international flights are scheduled to avoid arriving after the start of the restrictions. Therefore, it is worth booking accommodation near the center or from the locations where you plan to spend the evening.

How do restaurants and establishments work during the curfew?

Restaurants, cafes, museums, galleries, and entertainment venues adjust their opening hours to meet current security regulations. The last boardings usually take place 1-1.5 hours before the curfew starts.

Establishments close completely before the start of the restrictions. Some cafes operate in a reduced mode depending on the situation. Food delivery also ends early. Therefore, it is worth ordering in advance, especially on holidays. To plan a dinner or a festive event, it is recommended to check the schedule of a particular establishment in advance.

What to do during an air raid?

During an air raid, mass events and many locations in the city stop working. It is important for tourists to know where to seek shelter and how to quickly find their way around the city center.

Where to hide in the center of Lviv:

- Underpasses and part of the underground premises in the central part of the city;

- Shelters in shopping centers and large public buildings;

- Basements and specially equipped shelters marked with appropriate signs.

Tourists should use the official Air Alert app and check the interactive maps of shelters of the Lviv City Council. Look for the “Shelter” signs near cafes, museums, and municipal institutions. We also advise you to check with the staff of these institutions for more information: most of them have been given special instructions.

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Transportation: how to plan your trip to Lviv with restrictions in mind

Traveling to Lviv in the winter of 2025/26 remains quite realistic and comfortable if you take into account a few important nuances in advance. Due to the curfew, possible delays, and periodic changes in transportation schedules, you should plan your route so that you arrive and move around the city at a safe time.

Trains and buses

Ukrzaliznytsia continues to run steadily to Lviv even under martial law, which is one of the safest and most reliable ways to travel. Most flights are scheduled so that arrival in the city does not fall under the curfew. However, during peak winter dates, schedule changes are possible, so it's worth it:

- Choose daytime or early evening trains;

- Avoid late trains that may arrive after the start of the restrictions;

- Take into account the increased passenger flow during the holidays.

Bus services from Lviv are also stable. Especially convenient are the routes from Poland (Krakow, Rzeszow, Przemysl), Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. However, there may be delays due to border crossings, so it is advisable to have time to spare and not plan to arrive at the last hour before the curfew.

On the platform Visit Ukraine, you can buy tickets for trains and buses in Ukraine and international flights in a few clicks, without going to third-party sites. This helps to avoid sold out on peak dates and immediately choose a convenient time of arrival in Lviv.

Taxis and transfers

Within the city, taxis operate until the curfew starts. After it starts, private transportation is prohibited, so tourists should prepare in advance:

- Book a transfer to the hotel before the trip;

- Save contacts of reliable taxi services;

- Make sure that the time of arrival in Lviv allows you to get to your accommodation in time without breaking the rules.

For foreign tourists traveling through Poland or Slovakia, a good option is a transfer from the border. This way you can avoid long public transportation rides late at night.

Visit Ukraine offers dozens of popular transfer destinations in Ukraine and abroad – choose a route, date and book online.

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Among the available options:

- Transfer Lviv - Warsaw. Car: Toyota Camry, 5 seats.

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- Transfer Lviv - Warsaw. Car: Hyundai Staria, 9 seats.

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Where to stay in Lviv during the winter holidays?

The winter season in Lviv is a period of high demand, so it is better to plan your accommodation in advance. During the Christmas events in December and early January, the city traditionally receives a lot of tourists, and popular hotels and apartments are booked several weeks in advance. In the 2025/26 season, the trend will remain the same: the sooner you decide on the area and format of accommodation, the more comfortable your vacation will be.

Recommendations of districts

The most convenient for a winter trip are the central districts: Rynok Square, Svobody Avenue, Doroshenko Street, Kastelivka district and part of Pohulanka. Most of the festive locations are located here: the fair, the Opera House, museums, and themed cafes. Housing near the center allows you to be less dependent on transportation and easily return to your apartment before the curfew.

If you want quiet, the areas near Stryiskyi Park or near the Citadel are a good choice. They are close to the center, but less busy in the season.

How to choose housing with close access to a shelter?

Safety remains a key issue. Most hotels and apartments in the central part of Lviv have equipped shelters or indicate the nearest shelters. When booking, it is worth checking:

- Whether there are shelters in the building or nearby;

- Whether they are equipped with seating and internet;

- Whether there is a generator or alternative lighting in case of blackout.

These parameters allow you to choose accommodation that is not only comfortable but also safe.

How to find and book accommodation in Lviv was described in our previous article.

For stress-free booking, use the Visit Ukraine hotel booking service. You will get access to exclusive offers and proven accommodation in the safest areas of the city.

What to see in Lviv: festive locations that work even under restrictions

Christmas Lviv creates a festive atmosphere every year, even during martial law. The city adapts the work of the main locations to the curfew and safety rules: schedules change, events are held earlier, and some activities are held during the day. Thanks to this, tourists can enjoy the festive atmosphere to the fullest without violating restrictions.

Learn more about unique tours of Lviv and Lviv region here.

Christmas market

The Christmas market in Lviv is traditionally located on Svobody Avenue and near the Opera House. Here you can taste local dishes, warm up with mulled wine, buy gifts, handicrafts, honey, pastries, and festive decor.

During martial law, the fair is open during the day and in the evening, but its closing time depends on the curfew. The last hours before closing are usually less crowded, so it's a good option for those who want to avoid the crowds. If an air raid warning is sounded, the fair temporarily suspends operations and visitors are asked to go to the nearest shelters.

Opera House

The Lviv National Opera and Ballet Theater is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, which looks especially festive in winter. During the Christmas holidays, themed performances, concerts, and ballets are usually held here.

The program is tailored to the security situation: performances are held earlier so that the audience can return home before the curfew. If an air raid is announced, shows may be suspended. Employees accompany guests to the shelter in the interior.

Rynok Square

This is the heart of the city and one of the most popular locations for winter walks. In winter, festive illumination, photo zones, Christmas installations, and caroling and performances are set up here.

Rynok Square is convenient because it is close to many establishments that operate in an adapted mode: cafes, restaurants, Arsenal museums, the Historical Museum, and Palazzo Bandinelli. All of them close early, in accordance with restrictions, so it's best to plan your walks in the afternoon or early evening.

Themed museums and cafes

Lviv is known for its atmospheric museums and coffee shops, some of which are tourist attractions in their own right. They are popular in winter:

- Kryivka Museum and Restaurant

- Arsenal Museum of Weapons

- Pharmacy Museum

- Chocolate Museum

- Museum of glass

All these locations operate on a shortened or adapted schedule. Many coffee shops close in advance, so it's best to book a table or check opening hours before visiting.

The advantage of winter holidays in Lviv is the abundance of daytime activities: tastings, master classes, excursions, and themed programs that do not depend on evening restrictions.

In the previous article, we told you what to see in Lviv over the weekend, where to go on your own, and what little-known locations will open up new experiences.

Discover the city in a new way, plan a weekend with Visit Ukraine and enjoy your trip without unnecessary worries, with comfort and support at every step.

How to keep safe while traveling?

When traveling to Lviv in winter, it is important to be aware of the current situation: curfews, air raids, changes in the operation of transport and institutions. In the 2025/26 season, tourists have access to convenient tools that allow them to receive real-time alerts and respond quickly to any changes.

Modern city services and mobile applications make traveling safe and predictable, even during the war.

Apps and official sources of information

The most effective way to keep the situation under control is to install the Air Alert app. It instantly notifies you of the start and end of an alert in a particular region. Tourists should activate the alert for the Lviv region.

In addition, the official telegram channels of the city council and the military administration are available: they publish curfew changes, information about possible threats, transportation, and important updates during the holidays.

It's a good idea to double-check official resources before and during your stay in Lviv: winter events attract a lot of tourists, so the city periodically adjusts the organization of events.

How do I receive notifications about alerts and restrictions?

Alert notifications are enabled automatically through Air Alert, but it is important for tourists:

- Turn on the sound and push notifications;

- Follow the tables of restrictions published by city services;

- Check the opening hours of establishments on the day of your visit, as they may temporarily suspend operations during the alarm.

There are many marked shelters in the center of Lviv. They are located in large cafes, museums, retail spaces, and municipal offices - in most cases, the staff will tell you where to go.

Rules of behavior during a blackout

Although long-term blackouts are less common, tourists should have a basic plan:

- Always have a charged power bank;

- Offline map of the city saved in your phone;

- Flashlight or flashlight function in your smartphone;

- Caching of tickets, reservations, and routes.

Most establishments in the center of Lviv have generators and alternative lighting sources, so even in the event of a blackout, tourists will be able to get to a shelter or hotel.

Visit Ukraine services for safe travel

When planning a winter trip to Lviv, it is important for tourists to have tools at hand to help them solve issues of transportation, safety, insurance, and route organization. Visit Ukraine combines all these services in one place: it is convenient for both Ukrainians and foreign visitors who come to the country for the first time during the war.

Tickets for Ukraine and abroad in one click

The Visit Ukraine platform offers tickets for:

- Trains within Ukraine for a comfortable trip to Lviv;

- Intercity buses, including those from the capital and other major cities;

- International destinations from Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and the Czech Republic.

This is especially important for the winter period, when the demand for travel increases and tickets are quickly sold out. The service allows you to choose a convenient time of arrival in advance, avoid flights that overlap with curfews, and get an electronic ticket without additional transitions between sites.

Travel insurance for foreigners

For citizens of other countries, traveling to Ukraine requires insurance. Most border services recommend choosing a policy that covers medical treatment and wartime risks.

Visit Ukraine offers:

- Travel insurance, which is valid throughout the country;

- War Risks - special coverage for foreigners that is recognized by insurance companies;

- Mini CASCO for traveling by car or rented car.

Such products increase the safety of travelers and remove unnecessary questions at the border.

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24/7 chat support while traveling

Another service that tourists appreciate is 24/7 online support. Visit Ukraine specialists help in situations when:

- You need to clarify the rules of entry or exit;

- Transportation schedule changes;

- There is a question about the curfew;

- A tourist does not know how to act in case of an emergency;

- You need advice on routes or documents.

- Support is available around the clock, which is especially important for foreign guests.

Information guides and news

Preparing for a trip becomes much easier when you have all the relevant information in one place. Visit Ukraine offers:

- Real-time updates: changes in restrictions, new entry rules, travel tips;

- Guides and analytics to help you choose the best time to travel and plan your holiday itinerary.

- Up-to-date news on entry rules, security, and transportation;

- Recommendations on holiday events, popular locations and seasonal activities;

- Practical information on the operation of institutions, possible restrictions and tips on traveling during the war.

These are indispensable tools for those who are visiting for the first time or traveling for the first time during the war.

War risk insurance for foreigners is a reliable protection during your stay in Ukraine, which takes into account modern realities. The policy covers emergency medical care and the consequences of emergencies related to military operations.

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Recommendations for tourists: how to make your trip comfortable and safe?

Traveling to Lviv in the winter of 2025/26 can be very cozy and eventful if you follow a few simple rules. Winter holidays are a period of high tourist traffic, so it's best to plan your routes in advance, take into account the opening hours of establishments and possible restrictions.

Plan your day taking into account the curfew

It is best to start walking early to have enough time to visit the fair, museums, cafes, and themed locations. It is advisable to plan your dinner for 18:00-20:00 to return to the hotel before the curfew. It is also worth checking the opening hours of establishments on the day of your visit in advance - in winter they may close earlier.

Life hacks for getting around the city

Winter Lviv is convenient for walking routes, especially in the center. If you plan to visit several locations in a row, it is most convenient to create a small route: Rynok Square → fair → Opera House → cafes on Doroshenko or Svobody Avenue. In the evening, keep in mind that public transportation may end earlier, so it's better to plan your return to your accommodation in advance.

How to avoid crowds?

The largest influx of tourists is on weekends and on major holidays (December 25, December 31, January 6-7). If you want a quieter atmosphere:

- Visit the fair on weekdays in the morning or afternoon;

- Book restaurants in advance;

- Choose less popular but atmospheric locations - Lviv has a lot of them.

Tips for families with children

For families with children, it is most convenient to plan short routes with the ability to quickly stop by a cafe or museum to warm up. Many places have children's areas or adapted menus. It is also important to know where the nearest shelters are located - the staff in the establishments will usually tell you where to go in case of an alarm.

Christmas Lviv combines a magical atmosphere, festive traditions, and a well-developed infrastructure that allows tourists to feel comfortable even during wartime. A well-planned route, taking into account the curfew and knowledge of basic safety rules will help you fully enjoy the holiday, walks, fairs and historical locations. The city continues to welcome guests, operate in a stable mode and create all conditions for a warm winter vacation. Travel responsibly, plan ahead and use Visit Ukraine's convenient services to make your trip to Lviv even more comfortable and safe.

Book tours from Visit Ukraine online or get a consultation to plan the perfect winter vacation.

Your winter adventures start here - don't delay, choose your perfect tour today!

We remind you! One of the oldest wooden churches in Ukraine, the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, built in 1663, has been restored in the village of Isai in Lviv Oblast. The restoration preserved the authenticity of the structures and ancient murals. Read more about how the cultural heritage was preserved for future generations.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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