May is traditionally one of the most anticipated months in Ukraine, bringing warm weather, nature in bloom, and several holidays that offer a chance to relax, travel, or spend time with family. In 2025, May holidays once again provide an opportunity to recharge. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle’ll explore the holiday calendar, official days off, traditions, and ideas for both active and peaceful rest.
Main National and Official Holidays in May 2025
In May, Ukrainians observe several official holidays that come with designated days off. These holidays have both historical and contemporary significance.
What holidays to expect in May 2025:
- May 1 – Labour Day (official day off)
- May 9 – Victory Day over Nazism in World War II
- May 12 – Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May)
- May 18 – Remembrance Day for Victims of the Crimean Tatar Deportation
- May 19 – Vyshyvanka Day (third Thursday of May)
While not all of these dates come with official days off, they are widely observed in society and often accompanied by cultural and public events.
May 2025 Days Off Calendar
To easily plan trips or outdoor activities, it’s important to have a clear calendar of days off.
| Date | Day of the Week | Event | Day Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | Yes |
| May 2 | Friday | Possible shifted workday | Possible |
| May 3–4 | Saturday–Sunday | Regular weekend | Yes |
| May 9 | Friday | Victory Day | Yes |
| May 10–11 | Saturday–Sunday | Regular weekend | Yes |
| May 12 | Monday | Mother’s Day (unofficial holiday) | No |
Overall, if the government approves a transfer of working days, extended weekends may occur from May 1 to 4 and from May 9 to 11.
Celebration Ideas for May Holidays 2025
May is the perfect time for travel, camping, festivals, or spending time with loved ones. Here are several options for every type of traveler.
For active trips:
- Hiking in the Carpathians
- Cycling tours around Trakhtemyriv or Podillia
- River rafting on the Dniester or Southern Bug
For family rest:
- Picnics in parks or forests
- Trips to ethnoparks or zoos
- Museum tours or cultural festivals
For relaxation:
- Weekend in a spa or thermal resort
- Quiet time by the Dnipro River or a lake
- Reading a book on the balcony with a spring view
Folk and Cultural Traditions in May
May holidays are not only about national events but also about ancient Ukrainian traditions that are still alive in villages and increasingly revived in cities.
Main traditional events:
- Green Week – celebrating the arrival of spring
- Vyshyvanka Day – promoting traditional embroidered clothing
- Spring Farewell – folk festivities with singing and dancing
These events are often accompanied by folk music performances, fairs, traditional food, and exhibitions of handicrafts.
Where to Travel on May Holidays 2025 in Ukraine
Ukraine offers countless locations to enjoy nature, culture, and peace during the holidays.
Top destinations:
- Lviv – for cultural experiences
- Kamianets-Podilskyi – for architectural tours
- Bukovel and Yaremche – for fresh mountain air and walks
- Odesa – for warm sea and lively mood
- Khotyn and Chernivtsi – for historical vacations
When choosing a destination, consider the weather, number of days off, and how crowded the tourist spots may be.
What to Consider When Planning Your Holiday
Before going on a trip, consider a few tips that will help make your holiday enjoyable and safe.
Useful tips:
- Book accommodation and tickets in advance
- Check the weather forecast
- Avoid traffic congestion on peak travel days
- Plan activities according to participants’ ages
- Don’t forget safety on nature trips (first aid kit, water, communication)
Earlier we wrote about where to travel in spring 2025.