Zvizda: The Ukrainian Christmas Star — Workshops and Contest in Japan
23/10/26, 12:00
Christmas in Ukraine is difficult to imagine without the Zvizda (Звізда), a large, colorful star mounted on a pole, often decorated with ribbons and illuminated from within.
The Zvizda symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which, according to Christian tradition, guided people to the newborn Jesus Christ.
On Christmas Eve and throughout the Christmas season, groups of carolers carry the star from house to house, singing traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols known as koliadky and offering wishes of happiness, health and prosperity for the coming year. The star bearer, or zvizdar, leads the procession with the brightly decorated star.
This year, we invite you to create your own Ukrainian Christmas star in Tokyo and bring it to a festive procession in Kodaira in December!
Zvizda Workshops — Make Your Own Ukrainian Christmas Star
Dates:
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 18:00–20:00
Venue: Ukrainian Community and Mental Health Support Center Himawari (ウクライナ心のケア交流センターひまわり)
SANWA Aoyama Building 8F, 2-9-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Participation fee: ¥4,000, including all materials, a hot drink and a donation to support a Ukrainian library.
Capacity: 10 participants per workshop. Beginners are welcome.
Workshop registration: https://www.ukrainehouse.jp/event-details/create-your-own-straw-star-two-sessions/form
Japan's First Christmas Star Bearers' Procession and Contest
On December 5, the Winter Festival at Kodaira City Central Park will host Japan's first Ukrainian Christmas Star Bearers' Procession.
Everyone is invited to join with their own handmade Zvizda!
We are also announcing the “Best Star Bearers of Japan” contest. Winners will receive prizes from Ukraine House Japan, Stand With Ukraine Japan and other festival partners.
How to participate
Form a team of up to four people. Individual participants are also welcome.
Create your own Christmas Zvizda. The colors, size and design are entirely up to you. You can also make your star at one of our November workshops.
Bring your star to the Winter Festival on December 5.
Join the Star Bearers' Procession, tentatively scheduled for 17:00–18:00. The exact time will be announced later.
Following the procession, the audience will vote for their favorite stars. Winners will be announced after the votes have been counted.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Venue: Kodaira City Central Park (小平市立中央公園)
Contest registration: https://www.ukrainehouse.jp/event-details/christmas-star-bearers-procession-2026/form
Make your Ukrainian Christmas star with us in November, and let it shine at the festival in December!
Join us in bringing this beautiful Ukrainian Christmas tradition to Japan.
