Christmas & New Year in Tbilisi 2026–2027: Markets, Snow, Tours & Things to Do

Christmas and New Year transform Tbilisi into one of the most atmospheric cities in the Caucasus.

Festive lights appear across the capital, restaurants fill with families and travelers, Georgian food becomes even more comforting in the colder weather, and the snow-covered Caucasus Mountains are only a day trip away.

If you're considering visiting Georgia between late December 2026 and January 2027, Tbilisi is an excellent base.

You can spend one day exploring the historic Old Town, another surrounded by snow in Gudauri or Kazbegi, and another tasting Georgian wine in Kakheti.

Here is everything you need to know before planning your Christmas and New Year holiday in Tbilisi.

Is Tbilisi Worth Visiting at Christmas and New Year?

Absolutely.

Tbilisi during the festive season combines several completely different experiences in one trip.

You have the atmosphere of a European-style capital filled with decorations and lights, centuries-old Georgian churches, traditional restaurants, sulfur baths and cafés — while the Greater Caucasus Mountains are within easy reach.

Winter also gives travelers a chance to experience a quieter and more atmospheric side of Georgia.

Instead of the heat of summer, expect cozy restaurants, steaming khinkali, freshly baked khachapuri, Georgian wine and mountain landscapes covered in snow.

For couples, families and groups of friends, Christmas and New Year can be one of the most memorable times to visit Georgia.

When Does Georgia Celebrate Christmas?

Georgia follows the Orthodox Christmas calendar.

While New Year's Eve is celebrated on December 31 just as it is in many countries around the world, Georgian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7.

This creates a long festive season.

Many Georgians also celebrate Old New Year on January 14, meaning the holiday atmosphere can continue well into January.

For visitors, this is one of the interesting things about spending the festive period in Georgia — Christmas does not end immediately after December 25.

New Year's Eve in Tbilisi

New Year's Eve is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Georgia.

Families traditionally gather around large tables filled with Georgian dishes, wine, sweets and festive food before welcoming the New Year at midnight.

Across central Tbilisi, you can normally expect illuminated streets, decorations, entertainment areas and a lively atmosphere.

Previous years have featured festive villages, markets and entertainment around central parts of the city.

The exact locations, concert schedule and official 2026–2027 program can change each year, so travelers should check the latest event information closer to December.

Even without attending an organised event, walking through central Tbilisi during the festive period is an experience in itself.

Best Places to See Festive Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi

Start with the historical heart of the city.

Walk through the narrow streets around Abanotubani, Meidan Square, Shardeni and the old wooden balconies.

Winter evenings are especially atmospheric when the streets are illuminated.

Bridge of Peace and Rike Park

The modern Bridge of Peace provides one of Tbilisi's most recognizable views.

From here you can continue toward Rike Park and take the cable car toward Narikala when operating.

Narikala Fortress

From the hill above the Old Town, you can enjoy panoramic views across Tbilisi.

It is particularly beautiful around sunset when the city's lights begin to appear.

Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue

Central Tbilisi becomes one of the main areas for festive walks, restaurants, cafés and seasonal decorations.

Abanotubani Sulfur Baths

A hot sulfur bath is particularly enjoyable during winter.

After spending several hours walking through cold streets, relaxing in the historic bath district is one of the most uniquely Tbilisi experiences you can have.

Where Can You See Snow Near Tbilisi?

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Tbilisi in winter is that you don't necessarily need to stay in the mountains to enjoy snow.

You can keep your hotel in Tbilisi and take day trips into the Caucasus.

Gudauri

Gudauri is approximately 120 kilometres from Tbilisi and is Georgia's best-known ski resort.

During winter, the resort becomes a centre for skiing, snowboarding and mountain activities.

But you do not have to ski.

Many visitors travel to Gudauri simply to experience the snow, admire the Caucasus landscapes, take photographs and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

The journey is also part of the experience.

A day trip from Tbilisi can include stops at Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress and panoramic viewpoints along the Georgian Military Highway.

Internal link: Add your Gudauri/Winter Tour here.

Kazbegi in Winter

For even more dramatic mountain scenery, continue north toward Stepantsminda, commonly known as Kazbegi.

The route from Tbilisi passes through Ananuri, Gudauri and the Georgian Military Highway before reaching the high Caucasus.

The highlight is Gergeti Trinity Church overlooking Stepantsminda.

In winter, the combination of the historic church, snowy mountains and Mount Kazbek creates one of Georgia's most iconic landscapes.

Mountain weather can change quickly, however, so winter trips should always remain flexible.

Road restrictions, snowfall and visibility may occasionally affect the itinerary.

Internal link: Add your Kazbegi Day Tour from Tbilisi here.

Visit Kakheti During Your Winter Holiday

Georgia's wine region is not only a summer destination.

Kakheti offers a completely different atmosphere during winter.

A day trip can include traditional Georgian bread, local wine, historic monasteries, Sighnaghi and views across the Alazani Valley.

Wine cellars also provide an ideal escape from colder weather.

Spend part of the day learning about Georgia's ancient wine traditions before enjoying local food and wine inside a traditional cellar.

Internal link: Add your Kakheti Wine Tour here.

Best 3-Day Christmas & New Year Itinerary

If you only have three days in Georgia, we recommend keeping Tbilisi as your base.

Day 1 – Tbilisi

Explore Old Tbilisi, Metekhi, Europe Square, the Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Narikala, Abanotubani and central Tbilisi.

Spend the evening enjoying the festive lights and Georgian cuisine.

Day 2 – Kazbegi & Gudauri

Travel north along the Georgian Military Highway.

Visit Ananuri, stop around Gudauri and continue toward Stepantsminda and Gergeti Trinity Church when weather and road conditions permit.

Day 3 – Kakheti

Enjoy a more relaxed final day among Georgian wineries, villages, Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery.

Return to Tbilisi in the evening.

Best 5-Day Winter Georgia Itinerary

With five days, you can experience much more.

Day 1: Arrival and Tbilisi city tour

Day 2: Kazbegi, Gudauri, Ananuri and Gergeti

Day 3: Kakheti wine region, Bodbe and Sighnaghi

Day 4: Mtskheta, Jvari and historical sites around central Georgia

Day 5: Free time in Tbilisi, sulfur baths, shopping and airport transfer

Travelers who want more snow can replace one of the sightseeing days with a full Gudauri snow or ski day.

What Should You Wear in Tbilisi in Winter?

Winter conditions vary significantly between Tbilisi and the mountains.

For Tbilisi, bring:

• A warm jacket

• Comfortable waterproof shoes

• Sweaters or layers

• Scarf

• Gloves for colder evenings

• Umbrella or light rain protection

For Gudauri and Kazbegi, add:

• Proper winter boots

• Thermal layers

• Warm hat

• Waterproof outerwear

• Gloves

• Sunglasses

The mountains can be significantly colder than Tbilisi, so dress accordingly even when travelling only for one day.

Private or Group Tours During New Year?

Both are good options depending on your travel style.

A group tour is ideal for travelers looking for an affordable way to visit Georgia's major attractions while meeting other visitors.

A private tour gives you your own vehicle and greater flexibility with stops, timing and hotel pickup.

Private travel can be particularly useful during winter because road and weather conditions occasionally require changes to the itinerary.

Airport Transfers During Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year are busy travel periods.

Arranging your airport transfer before arrival makes the beginning of your trip much easier — especially for late-night flights, families and groups carrying luggage.

Vitis Travel provides private transfers and transportation from Tbilisi International Airport as well as private transportation throughout Georgia.

Celebrate Winter in Georgia with Vitis Travel

Georgia during Christmas and New Year offers much more than one city or one celebration.

You can wake up in Tbilisi, spend the afternoon surrounded by snow in the Caucasus, enjoy Georgian wine the next day and finish your trip relaxing in a traditional sulfur bath.

Whether you prefer a shared day tour, private vehicle, airport transfer or a complete multi-day itinerary, Vitis Travel can help you organise your winter journey around Georgia.

Explore our tours from Tbilisi or contact us to create a private Christmas and New Year itinerary for your dates.

Georgia is waiting — and winter may be one of the most beautiful times to discover it.