Holiday season in Lviv: when will the city's main Christmas tree be lit?

Lviv is already preparing for the start of the winter holidays and has set the date when the city will be lit up with festive lights. This year, a record number of trees donated by residents of the city and surrounding communities are competing for the title of main Christmas tree. Find out more about when the main Christmas tree will be lit and which contenders are being considered by the city council

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Lviv is preparing for the start of the Christmas and New Year season. According to a report by the press service of the Lviv City Council, the city has already decided on the date when the main green beauty will light up in the square. The organisers promise a traditional atmosphere and support for community initiatives.

When exactly will the festive lights be lit and what is known about the contenders for the title of main Christmas tree? We will tell you more in this article.

When will the main Christmas tree be lit?

The ceremonial lighting of Lviv's main Christmas tree will take place on 5 December, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. This date is traditionally considered the start of the winter holidays in the city.

Christmas tree from the community: where the proposals came from

This year, the Lviv City Council received more than 15 applications from residents of both Lviv and surrounding settlements. Among the proposed trees are fir trees from Yavoriv, Zimna Voda, Zaverechytsia, Mshana, Sokilnyky (two proposals), Pisky, Horodok, Rudne, Bilohiria, and four options directly from Lviv. All the contenders have their own stories, which their owners shared.

All proposed fir trees are currently undergoing final approval. Which one will be installed as the main tree will be announced in the near future. However, the opening date remains unchanged — 5 December.

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A festive Christmas tree at no cost to the budget

The city council emphasises that Lviv does not spend money on purchasing trees. Every year, the tree is donated by caring residents of various communities.

Existing frames and lighting are used to install and decorate the structure, allowing the city to avoid additional costs.

What was last year's Christmas tree in Lviv like?

Last year, Lviv residents admired a Christmas tree donated to the city by the Pidvirny family from the village of Birky. The Christmas tree was about 20 years old, reached a height of 16 metres, and grew in the owners' yard from a seedling found by chance in 2004. The tree was cared for for a long time, but over time it became too large for the yard, so the family decided to give it to the city.

The festive season in Lviv traditionally impresses with its atmosphere, but the magic of Ukrainian winter is not limited to this city alone. There are dozens of places in Ukraine where winter holidays feel special, such as Hutsul carols in Kryvorivnia, thermal pools in Zakarpattia, fogs over Lake Synevyr, castles in Podillia, fairy-tale lights in Chernivtsi, or Christmas markets in Odesa.

If you want to experience the true flavour of winter travel, choose tours from Visit Ukraine.

The portal has collected the most atmospheric routes around the country, from two-day getaways to the Carpathians to long winter trips that restore your faith in the magic of the holidays.

Plan your ideal winter trip — choose a tour on Visit Ukraine and set off on an adventure right now!

Reminder! Planning a trip to Lviv for the holidays? It is important to know how fairs, transport, and establishments operate during curfew, as well as what to do in case of an air raid alarm. Read about Christmas in Lviv 2025/26 and how to plan your trip taking into account air raid sirens and curfew here.

Photo: Anna Srogiy/Suspilne Lviv

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