January brings a renewed sense of momentum – a chance to look ahead with clarity, purpose, and resolve. As we step into a new year, we’re excited to continue sharing Ukrainian culture in all its depth, creativity, and defiance. From film and literature to music, exhibitions, and conversations that challenge and inspire, this year’s recommendations invite you to engage with Ukraine not just as it endures, but as it creates, imagines, and leads.
5 Jan|NYC & Online
Ukrainian Language & Culture Online Courses
Join the UIA learning community this winter. Immerse yourself in the Ukrainian language and culture through engaging online courses. Guided by expert instructors, the interactive curriculum and small class sizes provide personalized attention at every stage of your learning journey. Continue building your skills and connect with Ukrainian culture in a meaningful way. The winter semester begins on January 5, 2026, offering three levels — Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — each with multiple sublevels designed to support steady progress.
8 Jan| 6:30-9:00 PM | NYC
Ukrainian Institute of America Winter Social
The Young Members Committee of the Ukrainian Institute of America invites guests 35 and under — members and non-members alike — for a Winter Social! Join this lively group for a bustling evening of food, drinks, and conversation. Enjoy wintery views of Central Park from the UIA’s beautiful home while connecting with fellow young members and friends in a relaxed social setting.
9 Jan| 7:00 PM | Chicago, IL
“My Tribute to the Creator” Exhibit
In this exhibit by Eleonora Bilinska, each painting carries not only an artistic title but also a dedication to a specific person, community, or meaningful theme in human existence. It is an artistic message to the viewer – warm, bright, and at the same time deeply philosophical – evoking feelings of joy, hope, love, and faith. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the painting “You Know, and the Stars Also Sing”, which the artist dedicated to Ukrainians of Chicago – offering a symbol of light and unity within the Ukrainian diaspora.
10 Jan| 2:00 PM | NYC
Between the Bowery and the East River: Germans, Jews, and Ukrainians
The Ukrainian Museum seeks to bring communities together by highlighting the shared multi-cultural history of the neighborhood. Join for a seminar presentation by author, artist, and professor of political science, Alexander J. Motyl, who will discuss how waves of German, Jewish, and Ukrainian immigrants interacted with New York City’s geography, economy, politics, and culture to shape the Lower East Side and its gentrified progeny, the East Village. Prof. Motyl’s visual presentation will be followed by a Q&A and light refreshments.
10 Jan| 6:00 PM | Chicago, IL
Peace for Ukraine Fundraising Concert
Come hear two outstanding musicians — Julia on violin and Myroslav on piano — as they come together in a beautifully expressive duo. The interplay between violin and piano creates a rich, intimate sound that brings both warmth and depth to the performance. All proceeds from this concert will support the orphanage in Zinkiv, helping provide care and essential resources for Ukrainian children with disabilities.
18 Jan| 2:00 PM | Chicago, IL
Caroling Together
Caroling Together event invites the community to gather in the Ukrainian Village and share in the joyful tradition of caroling. Rooted in centuries of Ukrainian culture, caroling is a way of bringing people together through song, celebration, and shared spirit. Join neighbors and friends of all ages as we fill the streets with music and mark the season together.
30-31 Jan| Cambridge, MA
2026 TCUP Conference
The 2026 Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program Conference welcomes registrations for in-person and online attendance. Titled “Solidarity Within and Beyond Ukraine”, the conference will explore the shifting dynamics of global solidarity with Ukraine (and the forces that undermine this solidarity) as well as the evolving forms of political engagement that are giving renewed meaning to the idea of Solidarity within Ukraine itself. The keynote speaker is Maksym Butkevych, human rights activist, journalist, and winner of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize (2025). Razom’s Ukraine on Campus offers stipends for in-person attendance.
31 Jan Deadline| Alberta, CA
Virtual DUSS Scholars Program
The University of Alberta’s Disrupted Ukrainian Scholars and Students Initiative is launching the fourth stream of its virtual residency program and welcomes applications from eligible Ukrainian scholars. The program is meant to support up to five Ukrainian scholars currently based in Ukraine or in Canada. The DUSS Initiative will provide successful applicants with $2,000 CDN honoraria to support their work and assist them in establishing scholarly connections with the UAlberta community. Where possible, successful applicants will be paired up with UAlberta mentors working in the same or adjacent fields of research for the purpose of collaboration during their virtual residency. Application Deadline is January 31, 2026.
