Georgia Christmas Markets and New Year Celebrations 2026–27

Going Georgia to celebrate Christmas and New Year, or just planning a trip around festivities. One thing to know is that it does not rush holidays; generally, festivities take place for a whole month, and the markets are well lit up. Imagine warm wine, wooden market huts, and a giant Christmas tree in the middle of Tbilisi. That is the mood in Georgia each winter. The country sits in the Caucasus, and it celebrates the season in its own way. The season lasts about five weeks. It starts with the lights in mid-December and ends on 19 January with Epiphany. In between, you get markets, a loud New Year’s Eve, a candlelit Christmas Eve, and a street procession. If you want to celebrate or just want to explore Christmas Markets. Then, you are at the right place. This guide walks through the Georgia Christmas markets 2026, New Year in Georgia 2027, food, weather, and visa basics for UAE residents.

When Is Christmas in Georgia 2026?

The Georgian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. For that reason, Christmas falls on 7 January. In 2027, that day is a Thursday. So the Christmas in Georgia 2026 season runs from December 2026 into January 2027. Cities light up in mid-December. The festive mood lasts until mid-January.

Georgia Christmas Markets 2026: What to Expect

Planning to experience the festive season in Georgia? Explore our Georgia Tour Packages to find holiday options that suit your travel dates and preferences. The Christmas markets in Georgia fall into two groups. The first is the big city-run village. The second is a set of smaller, independent fairs.

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The Tbilisi New Year Village

This is the main market. Last season, it ran at First Republic Square, close to Rustaveli metro station. The Christmas Village ran there from 12 December to 7 January. The tree and ice rink stayed until 14 January. You can expect wooden stalls with crafts and sweets, food stands, music and kids’ activities. Mulled wine made with Georgian grapes is the star drink. It feels like a European market with a local twist.

Christmas Village at Orbeliani Square

It is considered to be the ultimate Christmas destination, holiday centerpiece for the whole of Tbilisi. Making the historic monument into something that people would love to visit from mid dec to January. The market literally looks like a European city at night.

Fabrika Christmas Fair

Fabrika is a former sewing factory turned creative hub. Its courtyard fills with about 45 independent makers. You can find ceramics, jewellery, prints and ornaments. Last year it ran on the weekend before Western Christmas, so look at around 19–20 December. Treat that as an estimate until the organisers confirm.

Other Fairs Worth Knowing

Biltmore Tbilisi markets: 13 and 27 December, from noon to 7 PM (confirmed for 2026).
IWA Winter Fair: 29 November at Expo Georgia, a charity fair that suits early shoppers.
STALL Agrarian Market: a food-focused market that ran in Dedaena Park last December.

Beyond Tbilisi

Batumi has its own Christmas Village at Europe Square, plus fireworks over the Black Sea. Kutaisi holds smaller celebrations and its own Alilo march. Therefore, you can combine two cities in one trip. If you want to explore more than one destination during your holiday, read our Georgia Itinerary Guide to plan your route and make the most of your time in the country.

Take a Lights Walk

The lights are free, and they look best after dark. Start at Freedom Square. Walk up Rustaveli Avenue towards First Republic Square. Then finish at the Rustaveli–Mtatsminda cable car station, which is usually decorated. Ride up to Mtatsminda Park for a view of the glowing city.

Beyond Christmas markets, Georgia has plenty of cultural attractions, scenic landscapes and outdoor experiences to explore. Discover our guide to Things to Do in Georgia for more ideas to add to your holiday itinerary.

What to Expect at the Christmas Village?

The whole walking area lights up with pretty lights, making everything look 10x more beautiful. The whole square comes alive with extensive light displays illuminating 19th-century building facades, festive decorations, and a beautifully decorated central Christmas tree.

The Market & Shopping: There will be many wooden stalls, decorated with lights, with a lot of handmade items, crafts, clothes, and accessories. You can find an exhibition and sale of handmade items, local crafts, unique souvenirs, and Christmas decorations.
Food & Drink: The open-air food court is highly celebrated. Visitors can sample local Georgian delicacies like mtsvadi (local barbecue), alongside global street food, gourmet hot dogs, holiday sweets, and hot cups of mulled wine made from traditional Georgian Saperavi wine.
Entertainment & Activities: The square features an ice-skating rink, amusement rides, a dedicated children’s space, and Santa’s House, where workshops and fairytale characters entertain families. A main stage hosts nightly live music, theater acts, and holiday concerts.

New Year in Georgia 2027: How the Night Works

New Year in Georgia 2027 is the loudest night of the season. Many families start with a long home feast called a supra. Later, people head out to meet friends. Families planning a festive winter holiday can explore our Georgia Family Tour Package for a trip that brings together sightseeing and memorable experiences.

The Fireworks

Although Tbilisi has no single official show. Instead, residents set off their own fireworks from streets, balconies, and rooftops. The noise peaks at midnight and often continues for hours. If you dislike noise or travel with small children, plan a quieter spot. Good viewpoints include:

Mtatsminda, the city’s highest point
Betlemi Rise above the Old Town
Narikala Hill, though some areas may be closed for works

Gala, Dinners and Parties

The city usually holds a public concert at First Republic Square with a midnight countdown. Hotels, rooftops and clubs. Book early, since many restaurants close early so staff can celebrate.

Getting Home

Public transport usually runs late, until about 3 AM, and is free on 1 January. Taxis are another story. Drivers are scarce, waits are long, and fares go up. Stay within walking distance if you can.

1 and 2 January: Georgian Luck Rituals

On 1 January, locals believe the first guest through the door sets the family’s luck for the year. That guest is called the mekvle. Bring sweets, since candy stands for a sweet year. On 2 January, Georgians celebrate Bedoba, the “day of fate.” Whatever you do and feel that day is said to shape your year. Locals relax, eat well, and avoid arguments.

Orthodox Christmas: The Quieter Side

There is another side of Georgia that is beyond parties, fireworks, and Christmas markets. The local people follow these local customs on Christmas. Want to experience more of the country’s Christmas traditions and celebrations? Read our guide on Celebrating Christmas in Georgia for more festive travel inspiration.

Christmas Eve: Candles in the Windows

On 6 January, many Georgians place lit candles near their windows. Walk through a residential street at dusk, and you may see them. The night service at Sameba Cathedral often runs until the early morning.

The Alilo Procession

Alilo is the highlight on 7 January. Thousands of people walk and sing carols. Children lead many groups. Oxen sometimes pull wooden carts. Marchers collect food and clothes for people in need. In Tbilisi, the march usually starts around 2 PM at First Republic Square. It then moves along Rustaveli Avenue to Sameba Cathedral. It is free to watch. Because it is a religious event, stay respectful and keep your voice down.

Chichilaki and Tovlis Babua

Chichilaki is a Georgian Christmas tree. It is made from shaved hazelnut wood and decorated with sweets and dried fruit. You can buy small ones at Dezerter Bazaar. Georgia also has its own Santa, called Tovlis Babua, or “Snow Grandpa.” He visits on New Year’s Eve and wears a felt hat and coat from Svaneti.

What to Eat During the Holidays

Georgia’s festive table is rich. There are so many local foods that you can try. The pre-Christmas fast ends on 7 January. As a result, that day’s meals are especially hearty. Start with:

Satsivi: poultry in a cold walnut sauce, often made with turkey in winter
Gozinaki: walnuts or hazelnuts set in honey, a New Year classic
Gurian khachapuri: cheese bread with a boiled egg inside
Churchkhela: nuts dipped in thick grape juice
Roast suckling pig: common in family feasts

Note: You can try this Ethno Tsiskvili; it is quite famous for its food and ambience.

Weather: Will It Snow? And What to Pack?

Not in Tbilisi, usually. December and January are cold and dry. Daytime temperatures often sit around 6–10°C. Snow in the city tends to arrive in February or March. If you want snow, you can head to Gudauri or Bakuriani. All four main resorts are scheduled to open on 20 December 2026. Mountain areas are snowier. Pack these items:

A warm coat, hat, and gloves
Waterproof shoes with good grip
Thermal layers for mountain trips
A power bank, since cold weather drains phone batteries

New Year in Georgia 2027: How to Celebrate

New Year in Georgia 2027 is a big event. 1 January and 2 January are both public holidays. Many people celebrate for days. Here are three popular ways to spend it:

In Tbilisi. Watch the city lights, enjoy the markets, and book a New Year dinner at a restaurant. Book early, because tables fill up.
At a ski resort. Gudauri is a well-known winter sports spot. The season usually starts in mid-December.
With a local supra. A supra is a traditional Georgian feast full of toasts and food. Some tours offer one in a local home.

Georgia Visa for UAE Residents

UAE Citizens can enter visa-free and stay for up to one year without a visa. While residents holding a UAE resident visa can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for a short-stay visit. The allowance only allows individuals to stay for up to 90 calendar days in any 180 days. However, residents holding a passport from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. have stricter rules; they require a multiple-entry residence visa that is valid for at least one year. UAE residents planning a festive holiday in Georgia can explore our Georgia Visa from UAE service for assistance with their visa application.

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Planning Tips for Christmas Markets in Georgia

Before finalising your travel plans, check the Georgia Visa-Free Stay Duration guide to understand the permitted length of stay for eligible travellers.

Book early. Hotels near First Republic Square sell out for New Year.
Visit on weekdays. Markets are calmer than on weekends.
Carry some cash. Many stalls take cards, but small vendors may not.
Check closures. Roads and shops may close on 1, 2 and 7 January.
Plan one mountain day. Gudauri works well as a day trip from Tbilisi.
Stay central. Freedom Square, Sololaki and Rustaveli are walkable for the lights and markets.
Pack for cold evenings. Bring a warm coat, hat and shoes with grip.

Note: Need help planning your Christmas or New Year holiday in Georgia? Contact us and our Team for assistance with your travel arrangements and package enquiries.

Conclusion

Georgia in winter is more than a market trip. You get glowing lights, a wild New Year’s Eve, candlelit streets, and a joyful Christmas procession. The visa rules are simple; plan your trip with Travel Saga Tourism and make your trip smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is Christmas in Georgia 2026?

Georgia celebrates Christmas on 7 January, following the Julian calendar. For the 2026 season, that day falls on Thursday, 7 January 2027. The festive period runs from mid-December to mid-January.

Q. Where are the Christmas markets in Georgia?

The main market is in Tbilisi at First Republic Square. In earlier years, there was also a Christmas Village at Orbeliani Square and a small market at Fabrika. Venues can change, so confirm the 2026–27 locations before you travel.

Q. What is the Alilo procession in Georgia?

Alilo is a Christmas procession held on 7 January. People walk through Tbilisi singing carols and collecting donations for charity. It ends at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Q. Is New Year in Georgia 2027 a good time to visit?

Yes, if you like festive crowds and winter scenes. Tbilisi has lights and markets. Gudauri offers skiing. Book hotels and dinner tables early.

Q. Do UAE residents need a visa for Georgia?

It depends on your nationality and residence permit. UAE citizens enter visa-free. Many residents can too, while others need an e-visa. For more information, please refer to the FAQs section.