St. Nicholas Day has always been one of the most significant and heartwarming holidays for Ukrainian families, including those on the Crimean Peninsula. This celebration not only brought joy to children and adults but also served as an important symbol of preserving the identity, culture, and spirituality of the Ukrainian people.
In addition to family traditions, Ukrainians in Crimea actively incorporated St. Nicholas celebrations into children’s educational institutions. In Bakhchysarai, thanks to the initiatives of Ukrainian civic organizations such as Ukrainian House, St. Nicholas Day became an integral part of educational activities in preschools with Ukrainian groups and elementary schools with Ukrainian-language instruction. Educators and parents worked together to revive Ukrainian traditions, familiarize children with national customs, and prepare theatrical performances, songs, and games dedicated to this holiday.
At the First Simferopol Gymnasium with Ukrainian-language instruction, St. Nicholas Day was one of the most anticipated events of the year. The school’s drama studio traditionally prepared a festive performance for younger students, featuring key characters such as St. Nicholas, an Angel, and a Devil. The role of St. Nicholas was typically played by a senior student. After the performance, children would find gifts in their classrooms from St. Nicholas. This celebration complemented the festive atmosphere of the winter holiday cycle, which began with the vibrant St. Andrew’s Eve and culminated with Christmas. This created a unique spirit of unity, joy, and connection to Ukrainian culture.
At the Yalta Educational Complex No. 15 Gymnasium-School-Kindergarten named after Stepan Rudansky, St. Nicholas Day annually turned into a true celebration of kindness, joy, and miracles, becoming an inseparable part of school life. On this day, the school was enveloped in a special atmosphere: traditionally, sticks were placed in classrooms for naughty students, creating intrigue and anticipation of gifts from St. Nicholas. Meanwhile, St. Nicholas himself would walk around the school, greeting students and teachers and generously distributing gifts such as candies and sweets. The festive program was rich with thematic performances, songs, poems, and creative numbers, leaving lasting and joyful memories for children and adults alike. Humorous skits featuring the Devil and the Angel added a special touch to the atmosphere. This day not only united students and teachers but also became a significant element in preserving Ukrainian traditions within the school, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration.
At the Yalta Medical College, St. Nicholas Day was celebrated with a bright theatrical performance full of fun and gifts. The initiator of the celebration was a Ukrainian language teacher who, together with students, organized greetings for the entire college community.
On December 25, 2005, in Sevastopol, the National Scout Organization of Ukraine “Plast” hosted a true St. Nicholas Day celebration for the youth group Beehive, organizing a warm and cozy event with a sweet table. This celebration became a wonderful opportunity for the youth not only to feel warmth and joy but also to unite around the values of kindness, mercy, and support embodied by St. Nicholas.
In 2006, the celebration of St. Nicholas Day in Sevastopol was special not only for children but also for cadets of the Naval Academy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine named after P.S. Nakhimov. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church organized the festivities with the support of the Patriarchal Curia’s Department for the Pastoral Care of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Through the efforts of the military chaplain, Father Mykola Kvych, cadets, lyceum students, and sailors were given the opportunity to learn more about St. Nicholas. The event included a documentary film about the life of St. Nicolas and his patronage of sailors, along with heartfelt greetings and wishes from the chaplain. The festive atmosphere was accompanied by a sweet buffet, and on the night before the holiday, all participants, including cadets, lyceum students, and contract servicemen, received commemorative gifts and icons depicting St. Nicholas. On the holiday itself, December 19, the Sevastopol community gathered for a Divine Liturgy dedicated to one of the most revered saints. A children’s performance featuring songs, poems, and riddles added to the joy, and at the end, all the children received gifts, with St. Nicholas promising to return next year to bring joy and wonder once more.
In 2006, in Sevastopol, St. Nicholas Day became an annual tradition full of joy and care for children, thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian Cultural and Information Center (UCIC) and the Sevastopol public organization Union of Ukrainian Women. For eight years, Bohdana Protsak, head of the Union of Ukrainian Women, together with the center’s creative team, organized celebrations for orphans, children from large families, and children with disabilities. During these events, children participated in contests, including drawing competitions and recitations of Taras Shevchenko’s works, with winners receiving interesting and valuable prizes. The best reward for all children was the soft toys, sweets, books, and other gifts they received. Through such initiatives, the UCIC established the annual celebration called “St. Nicholas, Visit Us” in Sevastopol, serving as a genuine example of care for children and preserving Ukrainian cultural traditions.
St. Nicholas Day embodies the tradition of charity, generosity, and care for those most in need of attention and support. This spiritual component of the holiday was realized in charitable initiatives that united communities around the desire to help orphans, children with disabilities, and socially vulnerable families. For instance, during holiday events, the head of the Crimean government visited the Strohanivka orphanage to greet its residents. During the visit, he presented children with sweet gifts and shared stories about the holiday’s history, traditions, and significance. In return, the children prepared creative performances, reciting poems and singing songs, creating an atmosphere of genuine joy and festivity. This event served as a reminder of the importance of care, support, and good deeds in every child’s life.
In the Crimean Republican Institution “Center for Social Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities” in Simferopol, celebrations were also held. Children facing daily challenges took part in the event, watching a magical performance and receiving gifts from St. Nicholas. Dance numbers prepared by the children, such as “Snowstorm Dance” and “Animal Dance,” created a festive mood for all attendees. In addition to sweets, young guests received a symbolic gift—a large soft toy mouse—to which every child could confide their cherished wish.
In 2006, in Yalta, St. Nicholas Day was celebrated alongside International Day of Persons with Disabilities as a holiday of compassion and generosity. This was made possible by the efforts of the public organization Together in cooperation with the Yalta Student Parliament. Over three days, students from local educational institutions—Crimean Humanities University, Yalta Trade and Economics College, and Medical College—participated in a charity event, collecting over 4,000 hryvnias, 600 toys, clothes, books, sweets, stationery, and educational games. All these donations became part of holiday gifts distributed by Together to children and young people with disabilities.
In major Crimean cities such as Simferopol, Sevastopol, and Yalta, St. Nicholas Day celebrations were complemented by vibrant fairs that became centers of winter coziness and charity. These fairs offered traditional sweets, such as honey cakes and caramels, as well as handmade items created by local artisans. A charitable component added meaning to these events: part of the proceeds were directed toward supporting orphanages and helping socially disadvantaged children.
However, after the occupation of Crimea in 2014, St. Nicholas Day became another tool for Russification in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. The occupying administration deliberately uses this day to promote its ideology, erasing all reminders of Ukrainian identity.
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