The Residence of St. Nicholas Opens in Starunia for the First Time

This year, the Residence of St. Nicholas will open in Starunia, Ivano-Frankivsk Region, for the first time. Children will be able to visit from November 30 to December 6, 2026, daily from 12:00 to 17:00. The official opening ceremony will take place on November 29 during a pilgrimage. Only organised groups are accepted, and advance booking is required.

The residence will be located in the house museum of Blessed Simeon Lukach in Starunia. It is neither a shopping centre nor a Christmas market, but a quiet rural homestead connected with the history of a priest from the Carpathian region. It has been prepared by the Blessed Simeon Lukach Pilgrimage Centre.

For families, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to St. Nicholas not «on a stage», but in a cosy home setting, with stories, warmth and no crowds.

What will children do?

• Listen to a story about St. Nicholas;
• Meet St. Nicholas in person;
• Take photographs;
• Receive gifts.

How to visit

The residence accepts organised groups only, including school classes, activity groups, parish groups and family groups. Advance booking is required by phone at 068 32 80 229.

Starunia is located in Ivano-Frankivsk Region. The most convenient way to get there is by car or chartered bus from Ivano-Frankivsk. Visitors travelling from Kyiv can take a train to Ivano-Frankivsk and continue by car.

• Address: 37 Lesi Ukrainky Street, Starunia village (house museum of Blessed Simeon Lukach).
• Dates: Official opening ceremony on November 29; the residence welcomes children from November 30 to December 6, 2026.
• Opening hours: Daily, 12:00–17:00.
• Booking: 068 32 80 229, organised groups only.

What else to see nearby

• Starunia Mud Volcanoes — a natural attraction near the village, where gas and mud emerge from underground. In winter, visitors should take care when walking along the trails.
• Manyava Skete — one of the best-known monasteries in the Carpathian region. [To be confirmed: distance from Starunia.]
• Ivano-Frankivsk — a Christmas-themed town operates here in December. A visit can be combined with a trip to Starunia in a single day.

Tip: If your group is from Lviv, registration is also open for the Residence of St. Nicholas for school groups at the Metropolitan Gardens near St. George's Cathedral. The programme lasts 2 hours and costs UAH 1,000. Booking: +380 67 609 0207.

FAQ

When is the Residence of St. Nicholas in Starunia open?

From November 30 to December 6, 2026, daily from 12:00 to 17:00. The official opening ceremony takes place on November 29.

Can visitors come without booking in advance?

No. The residence accepts organised groups only, and advance booking is required by calling 068 32 80 229.

Where is the residence located?

At the house museum of Blessed Simeon Lukach: 37 Lesi Ukrainky Street, Starunia village, Ivano-Frankivsk Region.

Who is the organiser?

The Blessed Simeon Lukach Pilgrimage Centre.