As the third year of war looms, many feel a lack of festive spirit this Christmas. Yet, hope arrives with the season! Discover modern renditions of traditional carols that will ignite you...

As we enter the third year of full-scale war, many Ukrainians are struggling to feel the festive spirit ahead of the Christmas holidays. Nevertheless, Christmas still arrives to bring us hope.

ZAXID.NET presents a collection of both traditional and contemporary Ukrainian carols in modern arrangements to cater to every musical taste, allowing everyone to open their hearts to the magic of Christmas. If the festive spirit is lacking, it must be created – just to spite the enemies.

Already a Classic

Twenty-five years ago, Ukrainian musicians Taras Chubai, Yulia Lord, and the bands "Nychlava" and "Skryabin" launched the Christmas project "Our Christmas." It featured four traditional carols as well as the song "Mykola the Bearded."

At the end of 2019, poet and publisher Ivan Malkovich produced "Christmas Symphonies" by composer Ivan Nebesny. This project presents interpretations of traditional carols and shchedrivkas, merging Ukrainian musical traditions with elements of European classical music.

Favorite Carolers

An integral part of the Christmas carol scene in recent years has been the ancient Ukrainian carols performed by musician Hordiy Starukh. Here’s one of them, recorded with the "Megalіya" choir.

For nearly 20 years, the band "Burden" has been caroling for Ukrainians. Their unique and atmospheric rendition of ancient classics is captivating.

Eight years ago, Kristyna Soloviy covered the carol "God Was Born on Sleds," based on the poem by Bohdan-Ihor Antonych, which Ukrainians are accustomed to hearing from bard and kobzar Vasyl Zhdankin. Both the lyrics and the voice touch the heart.

Carols by the band Kurbasy have become an essential part of the Christmas celebrations in Lviv and beyond. They are as irresistible as doughnuts, making it impossible to "just listen."

You can also enjoy carols performed by the folk band Torban – their music will certainly make you move and sing along.

Carols in a New Light

It may seem impossible to reinterpret carols in a new way every year. However, Ukrainians are both musical and creative, so our musicians continually discover fresh sounds for traditional pieces, immersing even those who have yet to embrace the Christmas spirit.

Last year, the album "Christmas Vibe" was released, featuring carols performed by artists such as Tonya Matviyenko, Alyona Alyona, MamaRika, and many other contemporary performers. Iryna Bilyk and Pavlo Zibrov also contributed to the recording.

The band "Pyrіh i Batih" presented their album "Kolyadnytsky" in 2024. It includes 12 carols sung in a distinctive poetic style. Notably, the album's premiere on a grand stage – at the Maria Zankovetska Theater – will take place on January 20, 2025.

Founded by former Perkalaba member Yarema Stetsyk, the Ivano-Frankivsk band "Pension" boasts an unusual format – no permanent members, anyone who wishes can sing – and offers unconventional carols. In their 2024 album "Ivano-Frankivsk. Kolyada," you can hear both carols and folk as well as original songs. It may be surprising, but it's undeniably invigorating.

ZAXID.NET wishes its readers happy upcoming holidays and invites you to share your favorite carols in the comments. Wishing you a joyful carol!

*main photo – Dzvinky Zahaiska