New Year's table 2026: how much does it cost and what dishes are better not to serve

New Year's holidays in Ukraine are traditionally associated with a generous table, but this year, the usual dishes may cost much more than many families expect. Prices for meat, salads and alcohol have risen so much that preparing for the holiday is becoming a separate expense. Find out how much this year's New Year's table will actually cost and where Ukrainians can save money

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This year's New Year's table will cost Ukrainians significantly more than it did a few years ago. Despite the difficult economic and military situation, the tradition of celebrating the holidays with a generously laid table remains unchanged. However, prices for traditional dishes and products have risen so much during this time that many families are already having to revise their menus and give up some of the classic dishes.

Classic dishes hit the wallet

Over the past three years, the cost of basic New Year's dishes has increased significantly. One of the main symbols of the holiday, Olivier salad, cost about 183 hryvnia per kilogram in 2022. Today, its price has reached about 264 hryvnia. Herring under a fur coat has also become significantly more expensive: if earlier it could be prepared for 96 hryvnia, now you will have to pay about 122 hryvnia per kilogram. This is no longer a symbolic increase, but a tangible blow to the budget.

Meat dishes have become one of the most expensive items of expenditure. Pork neck has almost doubled in price, from 220 to 410 hryvnia. Even simple sprat sandwiches, which were previously considered an affordable ‘quick snack,’ now cost a serious amount: their price has risen from 329 to 662 hryvnia.

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There is also good news

Alcohol is not far behind. A bottle of champagne, which cost about 140 hryvnia a few years ago, now costs 229. Roast chicken, one of the most popular hot dishes, has also become more expensive. If earlier a carcass weighing about one and a half kilograms cost 136 hryvnia, now you will have to pay about 193 hryvnia for it.

Amidst the general rise in prices, there was a small but pleasant exception. Mandarins — an invariable symbol of the New Year — not only did not rise in price, but even became cheaper. In 2022, a kilogram cost about 62 hryvnia, and now they can be found for about 55. This may be a small compensation, but it is precisely these details that help to maintain the festive mood.

As a result, this year's New Year's table requires Ukrainians to spend much more than before. However, many are still trying to maintain the festive atmosphere, even if it means a more modest menu and careful planning of expenses.

What dishes are best not to put on the New Year's table?

The Year of the Fire Horse promises activity, renewal and a powerful energy boost. But this symbol is demanding: it is important to celebrate the holiday correctly, otherwise you can ‘scare away’ luck, stability and financial flow. What you put on the New Year's table is of particular importance.

What not to serve on New Year's Eve:

• Beef — is considered a sign of disrespect to the Horse and can attract material losses. It is better to replace it with poultry or rabbit dishes.

• Overly spicy dishes — an excess of ‘fire’ exacerbates conflicts, irritability and fatigue.

• Cheap alcohol — a symbol of disorder and loss of control. This year, quality is valued over quantity.

• Empty plates and a monotonous menu — a hint of stagnation and a lack of resources in the future.

• Whole fish with a head — according to superstitions, it blocks cash flow, especially if it ‘looks’ at the guest.

• Food ‘without soul’ — dishes prepared without desire and pleasure repel good luck. The horse is sensitive to emotions and sincerity.

Reminder! Christmas is just around the corner, and most Ukrainian families are planning a festive table with 12 traditional lean dishes. Find out how much a traditional Christmas basket will cost this year.

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