Explore Tbilisi in the Holidays

Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi is gradually becoming one of the most visited destinations for the winter season. This is especially evident during the Christmas period, when the illuminated and fabulously decorated Tbilisi, with a magical festive atmosphere, provides the convivial mood for every visitor of the city. Countless little lights and richly decorated Christmas trees are lining up the sidewalks.

The Christmas markets are held almost in every corner of the capital city, where local entrepreneurs and start-ups sell their handicraft items and souvenirs, Christmas treats, street food, Georgian candies and mulled wine. Set up on First Republic Square, near Rustaveli Avenue, the location hosts visitors of all ages for theatre shows, music performances, puppet theatre, open-air movie-show, gorgeous Christmas tree, Wood huts, decorated with colorful bright lights, etc.…The annual Christmas events usually last throughout December.

• CHRISTMAS LIGHT , MARKETS & PERFORMANCE

If you’re visiting Georgia in the lead-up to the holiday season, there are plenty of festive things to do in Tbilisi in December. You’ll hear fireworks and crackers going off every single night around the city in the lead-up to December 31.

• CHRISTMAS VILLAGE & CHRISTMAS MARKETS

In First Republic Square (in front of Rustaveli Metro) and Orbeliani Square (near Atoneli Street), ‘Christmas Villages’ are set up with stages for nightly live music and dance performances that are also broadcast on TV. Kids’ activities are staged here during the day. One year, there was even an ice rink.

The official Tbilisi Christmas Market organized by Tbilisi City Hall normally takes place at this location, with food, mulled wine and stalls selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. These events and markets normally extend into January and wrap-up just before Epiphany.

• GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS FOODS

Like most countries, Georgia has several special Christmas foods that are traditionally eaten during holiday Supras. Some are available year-round while others are only prepared in December and January.

Satsivi (a cold appetiser made with poultry and walnut sauce) is available year-round at restaurants in Tbilisi and beyond. Satsivi is an essential part of every Christmas meal and is traditionally made with turkey (instead of the regular chicken) during the holidays.

Roasted suckling pork with adjika sauce is another fixture of most homespun Georgian holiday feasts. It’s more difficult to find this dish in restaurants, but those that host special Christmas lunches may include it on the menu.

Gozinaki is one of few traditional Georgian desserts and it only comes out for New Year. The star-shaped sweet is quite simple, consisting of caramelised walnuts or hazelnuts set in honey (sort of like a very sweet peanut brittle). It can be soft or very hard depending on how it’s prepared. You can sometimes find trays of Gozinaki for sale at Carrefour supermarkets.

• Ground Floor, Touma Bldg, Bikfaya