Christmas in Tbilisi: When Georgia Celebrates on 7 January

Christmas in Tbilisi  , Tbilisi celebrates Christmas twice (December 25 & January 7), with festivities running December 12 through mid-January. Expect stunning light displays, epic New Year’s Eve fireworks, Christmas markets at First Republic Square, temperatures around 2-8°C (36-46°F), and authentic Orthodox traditions including the Alilo procession. Pack warm layers, bring candy to share with strangers, and prepare for the most extended holiday celebration you’ll ever experience.

Why Tbilisi’s Christmas Scene Hits Different

Listen, I’ve done Christmas markets across Europe, but Tbilisi? This city brings something entirely unique to the table. Picture this: you’re sipping mulled Saperavi wine (forget the usual mulled reds—this is Georgia’s signature grape), watching fireworks explode over centuries-old churches, while locals hand you candies and invite you to their family feasts. CNN named Tbilisi one of the most ‘magical at Christmas’ destinations in Europe, alongside places like Bruges and Colmar, and honestly? They weren’t exaggerating.

What makes Tbilisi exceptional is that Christmas celebrations kick off in mid-December and stretch into January, with Orthodox Christmas falling on January 7th following the Julian calendar. You’re not just getting one Christmas—you’re getting an entire month of festivities. It’s like the holiday season decided to stay for an extended vacation.

When Everything Goes Down: Your  Calendar

Here’s your essential timeline for Christmas in Tbilisi 2025:

December 12  – The Christmas lights and main tree at First Republic Square will be ceremonially switched on, officially launching the season.

December 12 – January 14 – The main Tbilisi Christmas market operates at First Republic Square, with wooden huts, food stalls, and festive vibes.

December 21-22 – Fabrika Tbilisi hosts its boutique Christmas market featuring local crafts, artisan foods, and handmade gifts.

December 31  (New Year’s Eve) – The absolute peak of celebrations. New Year’s Eve is bigger than Christmas Day for many Georgians, with families gathering for elaborate supras (traditional feasts), gift exchanges, and mind-blowing citywide fireworks at midnight.

January 2 – Bedoba, or the Day of Luck, when Georgians believe how you spend this day sets the tone for your entire year.

January 7 – Orthodox Christmas Day, featuring the traditional Alilo procession starting from First Republic Square in the early afternoon, where thousands gather to walk through Old Tbilisi in religious garb.

January 14, 2026 – Old New Year, another celebration based on the Julian calendar.

The Weather Situation: Bundle Up, Buttercup

Let’s get real about what you’re walking into. December in Tbilisi averages highs around 45°F (7°C) and lows near 28°F (-2°C), while January gets colder with highs around 39°F (4°C) and lows dropping to 27°F (-2°C). December sees occasional light snow with about 6 rainy days and minimal snowfall, while January brings the highest snowfall of the year, reaching up to 71mm.

Translation? Pack like you’re heading to a chilly European winter:

• Warm jacket (seriously, a good one)
• Layers—think thermal base layers, sweaters, scarves
• Waterproof boots with good grip (those cobblestones get slippery)
• Hat and gloves
• An umbrella for those occasional rain/snow showers

The good news? December has about 51% clear or sunny weather, so you’ll get plenty of beautiful blue-sky winter days perfect for exploring.

The Light Displays That’ll Make Your Instagram Pop

Tbilisi’s 2024/25 theme was ‘City Full of Victories,’ featuring spectacular displays including a million stars hanging over Rustaveli Avenue that looks absolutely stunning both day and night. These displays typically return for multiple years, so expect similar magic in 2025/26.

Don’t miss:

• Rustaveli Avenue – The main drag transforms into a glittering tunnel of lights
• First Republic Square – Home to the main Christmas tree and central festivities
• Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car Station – The historic station building was renovated and looks absolutely beautiful at Christmastime with festive decorations inside

Pro tip: Ride the cable car up Mtatsminda mountain at dusk. You’ll catch both the daytime and nighttime views as the city lights up below you.

Christmas Markets & Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop

Main Christmas Market – First Republic Square

This is your central hub for all things festive. Wooden huts decorated with colorful bright lights feature local entrepreneurs selling handicraft items, souvenirs, Christmas treats, street food, Georgian candies, and mulled wine. The market also hosts theatre shows, music performances, puppet theatre, and open-air movie screenings.

A second Christmas village stages in Dedaena Park, featuring food stalls, a kids’ zone with Santa’s house, and various activities, while Orbeliani Square includes an ice skating rink and a stage for nightly concerts.

Fabrika Market

For a more boutique, hipster vibe, hit up the Fabrika market on December 21-22. This is where you’ll find unique, locally-made gifts and a younger, creative crowd.

What to Eat & Drink

Georgian Christmas food deserves its own section, but here’s what you’ll find at the markets:

Street Food Essentials:

• Khachapuri – Georgia’s famous cheesy bread, available in multiple regional styles including the boat-shaped Acharuli version with egg yolk and butter
• Mtsvadi – Georgian barbecue skewers
• Mulled Saperavi – Georgia’s answer to mulled wine, made with their native red grape
• Gozinaki – Traditional Georgian honey walnut candy, a beloved Christmas sweet
• Churchkhela – Those colorful candle-shaped sweets made from nuts dipped in grape juice

The Candy Tradition You Need to Know About

Here’s something wonderfully quirky: During the festive season, especially on New Year’s Eve, it’s common to exchange small, individually wrapped candies with people you know and even complete strangers. Keep a few candies in your pocket when you head out—you’ll probably get handed one by a taxi driver or neighbor you’ve never met before. It’s a small gesture that captures the warmth of Georgian hospitality perfectly.

Orthodox Christmas: The Alilo Procession

If you’re in Tbilisi on January 7th, witnessing the Alilo is absolutely essential. The ritual of Alilo captures the spirit of Christmas and the values of faith, generosity, and giving, with the biggest procession starting in the early afternoon from First Republic Square. Thousands gather to walk through Old Tbilisi’s streets dressed in religious garb, singing carols. Children dress as angels, and the atmosphere is genuinely moving.

Traditional Georgian Christmas Foods You Have to Try

Georgian cuisine during Christmas is serious business. Here’s your must-eat list:

Main Dishes

Satsivi – A traditional stew made with walnut paste, garlic, spices, and herbs served over turkey, seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. This is THE Christmas dish in Georgia.

Khachapuri (Guruli Style) – Khachapuri with eggs, called “pie from Guria,” is an integral part of Georgian culinary tradition on Christmas day.

Mtsvadi – Skewered meat roasted over an open fire, most commonly pork but also made with lamb or chicken.

Sweet Treats

Gozinaki – Those honey-walnut candies that appear everywhere during the holidays

Churchkhela – Nuts dipped in concentrated grape juice, shaped like candles

The Chichilaki: Georgia’s Unique Christmas Tree

Forget evergreens—Georgia does Christmas trees differently. The traditional Georgian Christmas tree, called chichilaki, is made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches curled to resemble a small coniferous tree, often adorned with fruits and sweets symbolizing hopes for a fruitful year ahead. You can pick one up at the Christmas markets as a unique decoration or gift.

New Year’s Eve: The Main Event

Let me be clear: New Year’s Eve is the biggest celebration in Georgia. Most restaurants, cafés, and bars stay open, though many operate with shorter hours on January 1-2. But on December 31st? The city goes absolutely wild.

Where to Watch the Fireworks

The fireworks display at midnight is legendary. For the best views, head to Betlemi Rise (easy to reach from downtown with incredible views), Narikala Fortress for panoramic views, or take the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park area for another stunning vantage point.

Note: Due to ongoing protests that began in November 2024, First Republic Square will host all major New Year’s Eve celebrations, relocating events away from Rustaveli Avenue and the Parliament building. Check current conditions before your trip.

Things to Do Beyond the Markets

Cultural Experiences

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre – Located in Kala Old Town, this venue presents tales inspired by regional history and Georgian folklore with elaborate puppets and whimsical stage sets, providing English subtitles. Christmas shows sell out fast, so book early.

The Nutcracker & Classical Performances – Winter is peak cultural season when ballerinas perform The Nutcracker and the State Conservatoire hosts music recitals almost daily.

Sulfur Baths – Warm up in Tbilisi’s famous Sulphur Baths after a cold day exploring. Nothing beats soaking in naturally heated mineral water while the winter wind howls outside.

Day Trips

Skiing – Nearby ski resorts like Gudauri or Bakuriani are just a few hours away if you want to hit the slopes.

Wine Country – The Kakheti region is about 1.5 hours away and offers winter wine tours (though many wineries operate shorter hours in winter).

Where to Stay

Old Tbilisi – Stay here to be in the heart of the festive action. The narrow streets, historic architecture, and proximity to markets make it ideal.

Vake – A more residential, upscale neighborhood that’s quieter but still well-connected.

Rustaveli Avenue Area – Central location near the lights and easy metro access.

Book accommodations early—December and early January are peak season, and good places fill up fast.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Budget-Friendly Reality Check: Georgia remains incredibly affordable compared to Western Europe. Expect to pay:

• Christmas market food: $3-8 per item
• Restaurant meals: $10-25 per person
• Wine: $2-4 per glass at markets, $8-15 per bottle at shops
• Accommodations: $30-100+ per night depending on style

Getting Around:

• Metro is clean, cheap (50 tetri = about $0.20), and efficient
• Taxis are affordable but use Bolt or Yandex apps for fair prices
• Most attractions are walkable in Old Town

Language: English is increasingly common in tourist areas and among younger Georgians, but learning a few Georgian phrases (gamarjoba = hello, madloba = thank you) goes a long way.

Important Current Note: Ongoing protests that began in November 2024 have relocated main celebrations to First Republic Square away from the Parliament building. Check travel advisories and local updates before and during your visit.

Should You Visit Tbilisi for Christmas?

Absolutely. December is a magical time to visit Georgia’s capital, with cool, festive weather creating the perfect backdrop for winter markets, Christmas lights, and cultural exploration. The extended holiday season means you’re not pressured to see everything in a few days—you can actually relax and soak in the atmosphere.

The combination of Orthodox traditions, generous Georgian hospitality, incredible food, and that distinctly Caucasian blend of European and Asian influences creates something you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, while everyone else is crowding into Prague or Vienna, you’ll be discovering a Christmas destination that’s still relatively under the radar.

Just pack warm, bring candies to share, prepare your appetite for epic feasts, and get ready for a Christmas experience that’ll make every future holiday season feel a bit boring by comparison.

Gaumarjos! (Cheers!)

Planning your Tbilisi Christmas adventure? Save this guide, book your accommodations now, and prepare for the most memorable holiday season of your life.