Christmas in Eastern Europe

Christmas in Eastern Europe is an important holiday that is celebrated according to the religious calendar observed in each country. Some countries celebrate Christmas on December 25 (see Eastern Europe in December for information about travel during this time of year). The Orthodox countries observe Christmas on January 7. The following will provide you with more information about Christmas in Eastern Europe and in the countries of this region.

General information and photos about Christmas in Eastern Europe:

• Eastern Europe Christmas Photos
• Information about Eastern Europe Christmas Markets
• Dates and Locations for Christmas Fairs in East Europe--Dates
• Christmas Customs in Eastern Europe

Christmas in Latvia

Latvia's Christmas traditions are still closely tied to pagan winter solstice celebrations, and Christmas is celebrated on December 25.

• Latvia Christmas Traditions
• Riga Christmas Market

Christmas in Lithuania

Lithuanian Christmas traditions are influenced by Lithuania's Roman Catholic heritage. Lithuania celebrates Christmas on December 25.

• Lithuania Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Estonia

Estonians celebrate Christmas on December 25, but the religious significance of this holiday may not be as pronounced in Estonia as it is in neighboring countries.

• Estonia Christmas Traditions
• Tallinn Christmas Market

Christmas in Poland

Christmas in Poland is celebrated on December 25th. However, a Christmas Eve feast is traditional on December 24th.

• Poland Christmas Traditions
• Poland Christmas Markets
• Christmas in Krakow
• Pictures of Christmas in Poland
• Polish Christmas Eve Recipes (Barbara Rolek, EastEuropeanFood.about.com)
• Poland's Feast of the Three Kings (Barbara Rolek, EastEuropeanFood.about.com)

Christmas in Czech Republic

Christmas in Czech Republic is celebrated December 25. The Christmas carp is an important Christmas tradition in this country.

• Czech Christmas Traditions
• Czech Republic Christmas Markets
• Photos of Christmas in Prague

Christmas in Slovakia

Slovakia's Christmas traditions vary according to region, but share some similarities with Czech Christmas traditions.

• Slovakia Christmas Traditions
• Bratislava Christmas Market
• Slovak Christmas Eve Supper (Barbara Rolek, EastEuropeanFood.about.com)

Christmas in Hungary

Christmas in Hungary is celebrated over a 3-day period, from Christmas Eve (December 24) to December 26.

• Hungary Christmas Traditions
• Budapest Christmas Market

Christmas in Romania

Romanian Christmas is closely tied with pagan traditions and involve a Christmas pig slaughter and the singing of Christmas carols.

• Romania Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Russia

Christmas is most widely celebrated on January 7 in Russia. Ded Moroz brings presents to children to celebrate the New Year.

• Christmas Traditions in Russia
• Photos of Christmas in Moscow

Christmas in Ukraine

Ukraine celebrates Christmas on January 7. Christmas Eve, or "Holy Evening" is the most important day associated with the Christmas celebrations in Ukraine.

• Ukraine Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Croatia

• Croatia Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Serbia

• Bulgaria Christmas Traditions
• Sofia Christmas Market

Christmas in Serbia

The Orthodox tradition has most people in Serbia celebrating Christmas on January 7.

• Serbian Christmas Traditions (Barbara Rolek, EastEuropeanFood.about.com)