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Life in Ukraine

How Kyiv Streets Shine With Christmas Stars, in Photos

How Kyiv Streets Shine With Christmas Stars

The stars in Ukraine shine not only in the sky — they walk among the people. On December 25, Kyiv glows with the light of Ukrainian Christmas and the warmth of countless smiles.

Authors
Mykyta Shandyba
Mykyta Shandyba
Photographer
Vlada_Toporkova
Vlada Toporkova
Author

Christmas bells echo from the capital’s iconic bell towers — St. Sophia Cathedral and St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. Central squares like Sophia and Independence Square pulse at the heart of the celebrations. The procession of people resounds with songs performed by Kyiv’s folk groups, lively chatter, and children’s laughter. Today, the nation is once again united by the power of tradition.

Carolers, dressed as mythical creatures — including a goat, symbolizing wealth and prosperity in its pagan origin — lead the procession, holding octagonal handmade stars mounted on sticks. These stars represent the Star of Bethlehem, which heralded the birth of Christ according to Christian tradition.

The masks steal the spotlight, adding a theatrical flair to the celebration. Featured in traditional nativity plays, characters like the goat or the devil engage the audience, telling biblical tales or performing lively skits. They embody the timeless battle between good and evil, a core theme of Christmas.

Today, Ukrainians are reviving their Christmas traditions. Following the Revolution of Dignity, this custom became solidified as a symbol of faith, shared resilience, and cultural heritage. As Ukraine continues to fight Russian aggression, the nation carries stars for those who guard the skies and those who gave their lives for their loved ones, freedom, and the nation’s future.

Children proudly carry their sparkling stars, lighting up the festive streets of Kyiv. St. Sophia Bell Tower stands in the background.
Children proudly carry their sparkling stars, lighting up the festive streets of Kyiv. St. Sophia Bell Tower stands in the background.
Participants wear embroidered shirts, headscarves, coral necklaces, and warm outerwear, highlighting the winter theme of the celebration.
Participants wear embroidered shirts, headscarves, coral necklaces, and warm outerwear, highlighting the winter theme of the celebration.
The people share joy and laughter, spreading the festive mood and resilience in the city that has been living through war. Christmas tree is shining in the background.
The people share joy and laughter, spreading the festive mood and resilience in the city that has been living through war. Christmas tree is shining in the background.
The carols made sure to put on appropriate attire—to look the part! The participants of the celebration are everyday Ukrainians, whose embrace of tradition sparks unity and sincerity.
The carols made sure to put on appropriate attire—to look the part! The participants of the celebration are everyday Ukrainians, whose embrace of tradition sparks unity and sincerity.
One can get lost in the streets full of stars, but not to worry—there’s cheer and smiles wherever you look. The happy faces of youth and children are all around, fully engaged in the festivities, preserving and passing on traditions to the next generation.
One can get lost in the streets full of stars, but not to worry—there’s cheer and smiles wherever you look. The happy faces of youth and children are all around, fully engaged in the festivities, preserving and passing on traditions to the next generation.
Handmade Christmas stars shine and spin — just try to catch one!
Handmade Christmas stars shine and spin — just try to catch one!
The masks steal the spotlight, adding a theatrical flair to the celebration.
The masks steal the spotlight, adding a theatrical flair to the celebration.
A caroler wearing a handmade, colorful goat mask.
A caroler wearing a handmade, colorful goat mask.
A procession participant with two good boys/girls!
A procession participant with two good boys/girls!
People come together with their loved ones to take part in the Christmas carol procession.
People come together with their loved ones to take part in the Christmas carol procession.
Friends and loved ones share moments of joy together, showing off their handmade crafts.
Friends and loved ones share moments of joy together, showing off their handmade crafts.
There’s a sea of handmade stars of various colors and sizes, as the procession moves through Kyiv’s historic streets.
There’s a sea of handmade stars of various colors and sizes, as the procession moves through Kyiv’s historic streets.
The best part is sharing this Christmas spirit together — remembering what unites us.
The best part is sharing this Christmas spirit together — remembering what unites us.
People showing off their stars from the height of St. Michael’s Cathedral's Bell Tower.
People showing off their stars from the height of St. Michael’s Cathedral's Bell Tower.
…or from the ground as well—both the stars and the goats….
…or from the ground as well—both the stars and the goats….
… from big, to small!
… from big, to small!
People of all ages come together, united by tradition, festivity, and perseverance.
People of all ages come together, united by tradition, festivity, and perseverance.
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