Celebrate Christmas this year in Tbilisi Georgia’s charming capital. It offers late Christmas markets, traditional food stalls, live music, and dazzling light displays. Don’t miss Georgia’s hidden gem, Gudauri ski resort, known for its magnificent winter scenery, affordability, and exciting activities, perfect for both beginners and pros.
In Georgia, Christmas falls on January 7th due to the use of the old ‘Julian’ calendar by the Georgian Orthodox Church. Christmas Day features the lively ‘Alilo’ parade, while December 31st sees vibrant celebrations in Tbilisi.
As you wander through Tbilisi’s historic old town, you’ll be captivated by its diverse architecture, spanning different civilizations and dating back to the 12th century BC. This rich historical backdrop sets the stage for the enchanting Christmas markets, a great starting point is the Fabrika market.
Here, you’ll find an array of beautiful gifts and crafts handmade by local artisans. Enjoy browsing these stalls with a cup of hot mulled wine and some gozinaki, which is a traditional Christmas candy in Georgia, while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Right beside this market is the Tbilisi Christmas tree in front of the parliament building, where you can witness stunning light displays, musical performances, Christmas carols, and even meet Santa and George for a photo.
For more Christmas spirit, head over to Orbeliani Square, where a Christmas village has been set up, complete with an ice rink, mini parades, and all-day and all-night music. They even have great food stalls where you can grab a bite to eat and sit at picnic benches to enjoy the festive cheer. A short walk away is Dedaena Park, where you’ll find even more festive stalls. You might even come across traditional chuchilaki Christmas trees made from shaved hazel or walnut trees. Be sure to try one of Georgia’s wines like Mtsvane, Kisi, or Saperavi to warm up. After all, Georgians are known as the inventors of wine, having the earliest evidence of wine making.
Later in the evening, we recommend taking a walk from Freedom Square to Rustaveli Avenue, where you’ll encounter an amazing light display along the way. Each year, they have a different theme, and the light structures they create are simply stunning. If you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s with the locals, head to the Gala Concert at First Republic Square, where live music will ring in the New Year.
Gudauri may not be one of the most well-known skiing resorts in Europe, but it shouldn’t be overlooked . Nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains beside Mount Elbrus and Kazbek, it boasts an incredible advantage due tothe prices usually being extremely low compared to other skiing resorts. One of the best things about the low visitor numbers is that even a few days after it snows, there’s still a blanket of fresh snow waiting to be skied on. Gudauri also offers more than just skiing and snowboarding; you can enjoy activities like snowmobiling and paragliding as well.
After a wonderful day of skiing, make sure to try some of the authentic Georgian food at the pubs and restaurants on-site, such as khinkali (big dumplings) and khachapuri (a bread-style dish with various fillings). Don’t forget to indulge in a traditional churchkhela for dessert—a walnut coated in grape must, shaped like a candle. And to unwind after your active day, consider soaking in the hot springs.
Georgia is a remarkable country with a diverse landscape, welcoming people, and a fantastic holiday atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating amidst the illuminated streets of Tbilisi or hitting the slopes in the winter wonderland of Gudauri, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful and unique experience, where you can explore and savor the rich culture and cuisine along your journey.