Calgary has one of Canada’s largest Ukrainian communities, and for many families Christmas comes twice. Here’s how Ukrainian Christmas is celebrated in the city.
December 25 or January 7?
Traditionally, Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic churches celebrated Christmas on January 7 under the Julian calendar, with Christmas Eve (Sviat Vechir) on January 6. Since 2023, many Ukrainian churches have moved to December 25, but some parishes and families in Calgary still keep January 7. Check with your parish.
Sviat Vechir: Holy Supper
Christmas Eve dinner begins when the first star appears. The table holds twelve meatless dishes, starting with kutia (wheat with poppy seeds and honey), followed by borscht, varenyky, holubtsi, fish and pampushky, under a didukh sheaf of wheat. Carolling (koliadky) follows.
Where to Buy Ukrainian Christmas Food
Ukrainian delis and church kitchens across Calgary sell frozen varenyky, holubtsi and kutia ingredients in December, and some parishes take pre-orders. Order by mid-December for the busiest weeks.
Services and Concerts
Calgary’s Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic churches hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day liturgies, and choirs and dance ensembles often stage Christmas concerts in January. See also Christmas Eve services in Calgary.
Related: Christmas Eve services, New Year’s Eve.
Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026
