It has become a good tradition for Lviv to start a new calendar and tourist year with various New Year and Christmas events. During this period, the city receives many guests who want to get acquainted not only with unique architectural masterpieces, but also to visit theatrical performances, exhibitions, fairs and take an active part in the celebration of one of the most significant Christian celebrations.
The Department of Culture of Lviv City Council informed that within the framework of the traditional Pampukh Feast on January 8-9, 2012 on the square in front of Opera Theater will be held the third festival of creches, which will be attended by about 20 professional and amateur groups of Lviv region and other regions of Ukraine. Unlike the traditional Latin creches of Western Europe, the Ukrainian creche is a Christmas mass performance on city squares, in which both spectators and actors take part. The festival will begin with a festive procession from the City Hall and will continue on an outdoor stage near the Opera House. Announcing this event on their official website, the organizers of the festive events addressed the residents and guests of the city with the following words: «Merry carolers will meet you with sincere carols, professional and not so professional actors will show street creches, and the most famous cooks from all over Ukraine will treat you with Christmas pampushki».
During these festive days in the city center there will be a Christmas fair and a fair of folk artisans «Vernisage», where you can buy traditional Ukrainian souvenirs, unique artistic products, national clothing, items of folk life. As part of the Pampukha Festival, people will be able to take part in various fun contests and round dances, learn new carols, and eat Christmas goodies. Interesting excursions «Christmas carols» are waiting for guests of the city, familiarizing them with architectural sights and ancient Christmas traditions of the city. The staff of the Historical Museum invites tourists to visit an exhibition of the best Catholic creches from the Polish city of Krakow, which feature scenic figures of the Holy Family, kings-wolves and animals. One of these creches (chopka) will be installed in the square near the Town Hall. During these days all museums, theaters, exhibition halls and art gallery of the city will be open all the time. Numerous bars and cafes will offer their visitors a cup of delicious Lviv coffee or a glass of fragrant tea.
All New Year and Christmas festivities combined with the hospitality and cordiality of Lviv citizens will leave unforgettable impressions of winter vacation in Lviv.