Tbilisi Christmas Market Guide: When It Opens, Where, and How to Get There

Short answer: Tbilisi's Christmas and New Year market usually opens in the second week of December and runs until January 7, Georgia's Orthodox Christmas; in the 2025-26 season it was set up between December 12 and January 7. The market's center is around Rustaveli, the city's main avenue. Since Turkish citizens can enter without a visa using the new chip ID card, 3–4 day late-December and New Year tours that combine Batumi with Tbilisi are the most practical option. Please confirm the rule for entering with an ID card with the Georgian consulate before you travel.

When December arrives, the Christmas markets of Europe are the first places that come to mind, but visas, flight times and budget calculations turn many people away. For this reason Tbilisi has become a favorite of travelers from Turkey in recent years: illuminated streets, wooden stalls, the smell of mulled wine and a short flight from Istanbul. In this guide we explain when and where the market is set up, what you will find there, and which dates make sense for a visit.

When is the Tbilisi Christmas Market set up?

The "New Year Village" and the illuminations organized by the Tbilisi Municipality usually open in the middle of December. In the 2025-26 season the lights of the main tree were lit on the evening of Friday, December 12, 2025, and the village stayed open until January 7, 2026; the main tree and the ice skating rink remained until January 14 (DFWatch). In the 2023 season the village was open from December 16 to January 7 (Georgia Today).

The official dates for the 2026-27 season have not yet been announced; judging from past years, the second week of December is the most likely opening period. We will update this article when the exact dates are known.

Where is the market set up?

Rather than a single market square, Tbilisi has a New Year area spread across the city center. The focal point each year is Rustaveli Avenue and its surroundings:

• First Republic Square (in front of Parliament): In the 2025-26 season the main tree, the New Year village and the ice rink were here.
• Orbeliani Square and Dedaena Park: Areas where stalls and events were set up in previous seasons; in 2025 they were also among the celebration points (Georgia Today).
• Rustaveli Avenue: Illuminations along the boulevard; the most beautiful route for an evening walk.

The location changes from season to season, so check an up-to-date map before you go.

What is at the market?

The stalls sell Georgian handicrafts, souvenirs and local foods. The area usually includes an ice skating rink, a Santa Claus house, open-air concerts and a small city train for children (DFWatch).

Things you should try:

• Mulled wine: The spiced version made with Georgia's Saperavi grape is the symbol of the market.
• Gozinaki: A traditional New Year sweet made with walnuts and honey.
• Churchkhela: A walnut confection dipped in grape must; also a practical gift.
• Handmade products: Ceramics, woolen socks and scarves, and minakari (Georgian enamel) jewelry.

Although cards are accepted at the stalls, carry some Georgian lari (GEL) for small purchases.

Why is Christmas in Tbilisi on January 7?

Because the Georgian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 rather than December 25; January 6 is Christmas Eve (Wander-Lush). On January 7 the traditional Alilo procession takes place in the city: crowds in traditional dress walk through the streets singing hymns.

So while New Year's excitement in Tbilisi peaks on December 31, the city keeps its festive atmosphere through the first week of January.

Which date should you go?

• 2nd–3rd week of December: For those who dislike crowds. The market is open and the city is calmer.
• Late December (December 24–27): For those who want to spend New Year at home but still enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Holitera's Christmas market tours run on these dates.
• December 31–January 3: For those who want to spend New Year abroad. Fireworks in Batumi plus the Tbilisi market.
• January 6–7: For those who want to see the local Christmas tradition. The Alilo procession.

How do you get to Tbilisi from Turkey?

Entry with ID: Turkish citizens can enter Georgia with the new chip ID card instead of a passport; the old-type population registration card is not accepted. Please confirm the current rule with the Georgian consulate before your trip.

By plane: There are direct flights from Istanbul to Tbilisi, and you can also fly to Batumi, combining both cities in a single trip. The road journey between Batumi and Tbilisi takes about half a day.

By tour: Instead of arranging your own ticket, hotel and intercity transport, you can choose Holitera's ready-made programs. This season there are three options that combine the Tbilisi Christmas market with Batumi: the Istanbul-departing flight Batumi–Tbilisi tour (December 25–27), the "3 Christmas Markets in One Tour" (December 24–27) that connects Ayder, Batumi and Tbilisi, and the Rize-departing tour (December 31–January 3), which welcomes the New Year with Batumi fireworks. Program details and included services are on the tour pages.

Practical tips

• Weather: Tbilisi is cold in December–January; evenings can drop below zero. Bring a coat, hat, gloves and shoes with non-slip soles.
• Timing: The market looks its best when the lights are on in the evening; visit the old town during the day and Rustaveli in the evening.
• Money: The local currency is the lari (GEL). Exchange offices are common in the center.
• Crowds: On New Year's Eve and at weekends the squares get very crowded; agree on a meeting point in advance.
• Gifts: Churchkhela and gozinaki are easy to pack; if you buy wine, pay attention to the customs limit on the return trip.

Our Tbilisi Christmas market tours

• Istanbul-Departing Flight Batumi and Tbilisi Christmas Markets Tour – December 25–27
• 3 Christmas Markets in One Tour: Flight to Ayder, Batumi and Tbilisi – December 24–27
• Rize-Departing Georgia New Year Tour with ID (Batumi fireworks + Tbilisi) – December 31–January 3
• Batumi & Tbilisi Winter Getaway – Keşke Film Olsam & New Year with Zeyli – December 31–January 3

All programs: New Year Tours · Georgia Tours

Frequently asked questions

When does the Tbilisi Christmas Market open in 2026?

The official date has not yet been announced. Last season the market opened on December 12 and ran until January 7; this year the second week of December is expected.

Can I travel to Tbilisi with an ID card?

Turkish citizens can enter Georgia with the new chip ID card; the old population registration card is not valid. Please confirm the current rule with the consulate before you travel.

What are the market's opening hours?

Hours may vary by season; because of the lights, the most beautiful time at the market is the evening.

Why is Christmas in Tbilisi celebrated on January 7?

Because the Georgian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, Christmas falls on January 7. On that day the city holds the traditional Alilo procession.

Can Batumi and Tbilisi be visited on the same tour?

Yes. Holitera's late-December and New Year tours combine Batumi and Tbilisi in a single 3–4 day program; some programs also include Ayder.

What is the weather like in Tbilisi in December?

Cold; evenings can drop below freezing. A warm coat, hat, gloves and non-slip shoes are recommended.

To see Tbilisi's Christmas lights, you do not need to plan the ticket, hotel and intercity transport one by one. To ask about dates and availability, message us on our WhatsApp line (0543 203 12 96), and follow @holitera on Instagram for photos from past tours and current announcements.