How much does New Year's magic cost today: realistic celebration scenarios for Ukrainians

Winter holidays remain a time of warmth, traditions and special moments for Ukrainians, even despite the difficult circumstances. The choice of celebration format today depends more on the budget. Learn more about the celebration options and their approximate cost

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As Finance.ua recently calculated, this year's New Year and Christmas holidays for most Ukrainians have become more a matter of sensible planning than spontaneous ‘revelry’. The cost of a holiday varies significantly depending on the format: some choose an atmospheric family evening, others seek adventure, travel or lively company gatherings.

We will tell you more about the most popular celebration options today, how much they actually cost, and how not to overpay in this article.

Budget-friendly format: what can you afford this year?

Holiday scenarios can be divided according to your means. There are budget solutions for those who want warmth and comfort without financial stress, there is a ‘happy medium’ with comfort and minimal hassle, and there are options for those who are ready to make the holidays a real event with a sense of great adventure.

The most convenient ways to travel to Ukraine from Europe and around the world for Christmas are listed here.

Affordable and cosy holidays when the atmosphere is the most important thing

Home celebrations require the least expense. The main expense is the festive table. A New Year's menu for a family of several people today starts at around 2,500 UAH, and if you add desserts, delicacies and drinks, the amount can rise to 4,000-5,000 UAH. Separately, it is worth considering gifts and minimal decor — this is another 2,000 UAH and above, depending on your ambitions and imagination.

In general, a full-fledged celebration at home currently costs approximately 4,500–8,000 UAH per family. Savings are quite realistic: pre-purchased products, simple recipes, symbolic gifts instead of expensive ones, and the budget looks quite comfortable.

Holidays without household chores, when you want a change of scenery

For those who want to get away from their home routine but don't want to fly thousands of kilometres, options that involve moving ‘close to home’ are suitable.

The format of company celebrations in country cottages remains popular. Renting a house for several people on holidays is significantly more expensive than on any other days and can start from several thousand hryvnias per person at full occupancy. Add food (on average about 1,500 hryvnia per person for several days) and transport, and such a holiday turns into 5,000-7,000 hryvnia per person.

Another option in the same category is a restaurant celebration. It is appealing because you don't have to cook anything, organise a programme or clean up after the holiday. Festive dinners in large cities start at around 2,500 UAH per person, and in prestigious establishments — significantly more. Together with drinks, travel and possible additional expenses, the evening usually costs 3,500-6,000 UAH per person.

About traditional Christmas dishes in Ukraine and how Ukrainians celebrate Christmas — read the links.

Holidays as a mini-trip for those who want maximum excitement

The most ambitious and expensive format is winter travel. The Carpathians remain a traditional dream for Ukrainians. Accommodation, even in modest options, increases significantly in price during the New Year period. Take into account several days of accommodation, food, travel, entertainment, and if you plan to ski — ski passes and equipment. As a result, a festive holiday can easily exceed 20,000 UAH per person for a few days.

Bus tours of Europe have become an alternative — for many, they now replace air travel, which is unaffordable. Basic tours lasting several days cost from approximately €120 to €250, while more comfortable tours or those with a festive programme included are more expensive. With additional expenses, such a trip can cost hundreds of euros per person, but in return, it offers a different level of emotions and impressions.

Where to go ice skating in the capital and drink aromatic mulled wine — we tell you here.

Which holidays are really ‘profitable’?

There is no universal answer, because it all depends on your priorities. If the main thing is not the amount of money, but the people around you, then a gathering at home or a small party in a comfortable location would be the ideal solution. If you want a change of scenery without spending a fortune, a day trip to the countryside or a restaurant dinner would be ideal. And for those who are willing to invest in memories, consider a trip to the mountains or abroad.

The choice of celebration format is just a tool, and the main value is peace, loved ones, and moments that are remembered much longer than the numbers on receipts.

Reminder! The new year 2026 will be marked by the Fire Horse — a symbol of energy, determination, and forward movement. Choosing your festive look this year is not just about fashion, but also about setting the right mood for the changes ahead. Colours, textures and details can become stylish accents and set the tone for the whole year. How to create a New Year's look that combines elegance, comfort and symbols of good luck — we'll tell you here.

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

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