Since I live in Tbilisi, I receive a lot of questions about when the Christmas Markets are in Tbilisi. The Christmas markets in Tbilisi are set up later and stay open later than in Europe. This is because Georgia has different traditions. In this article, I will explain both Georgian Christmas traditions and the dates and locations of the Christmas markets. Here is my guide to Tbilisi Christmas Markets.

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Georgian Christmas Traditions

Georgia is an Orthodox Christian society and therefore uses the old Julian calendar for religious days. In other words, Christmas is not celebrated on December 25th in Georgia and the markets are not set up early. Now let me explain the meaning of each date in Georgian Christmas traditions. Except for the religious ones, these are not related to being Orthodox, but are beliefs and rituals specific to Georgian society.

January 1st: This is Mekvleoba day for Georgians. Mekvleoba is a Georgian tradition about the importance of the first person to enter the house on New Year’s Day. Mekvle means the first guest of the day in Georgian. It is believed that Mekvleoba will bring joy and luck to the house he or she enters for the coming year.

January 2nd: This is Bedoba day for Georgians. They believe that this day is a day of luck and destiny that will affect the whole year, so they think that the whole year will pass as January 2 passes and they try to spend the whole day well.

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January 7th: Orthodox Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ according to the Julian calendar. There are religious ceremonies in churches and the Alilo parade takes place in the city. Alilo is one of the Georgian traditions, they walk from First Republic Square to Sameba Cathedral singing Christmas carols. Alilo participants symbolize the angels and Zoroastrians who first learned about the birth of Jesus.

January 14: New Year’s Day, which the Orthodox celebrate according to the Julian calendar.

January 19: The day of Epiphany for Georgians. According to the Julian calendar, they celebrate the day of Christ’s baptism. They symbolically burn trees called chichilaki to say goodbye to the troubles and worries of the previous year.

Tovlis Babua: He is the Georgian Santa Claus. He is a mythical figure rooted in Slavic mythology.

Chichilaki: The traditional Georgian Christmas tree made by shaving dried hazelnut or walnut branches.

January 1, 2, 7 and 19 are public holidays in the country, so keep in mind that official institutions such as banks etc. are closed. Public transportation and restaurants are open, so life does not stop. Now that you have learned Georgian Christmas traditions, you are ready to visit the markets. 😉

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Tbilisi Christmas Markets and Dates

I must say that the Tbilisi Christmas Markets are not as spectacular as the ones in Europe, so don’t have big expectations. Last year in Tbilisi, a Christmas Village was set up in Orbeliani Square and spread out along April 9th Park and Atoneli Street. It opened on December 16 and stayed open until January 7. Last year there was also an ice rink.

Christmas decorations cover the city in December. The grand Christmas tree opening is held, accompanied by celebrations. This year’s date has just been announced by the mayor. The events begin with the opening of the Christmas tree on the evening of December 13, and the Christmas markets will open as of December 14. The markets will remain open until January 7. A Christmas Village will be set up in Orbeliani Square, spreading along April 9 Park and Atoneli Street. An ice rink will be set up in the House of Justice parking lot.

A special Christmas market is also set up in the courtyard of Fabrika Hostel towards the end of December, this year planned for December 21-22. The stalls will be open from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Fabrika Hostel cancelled the Christmas market due to the protests in Tbilisi.

On December 31st there is a big Christmas concert at First Republic Square every year and this year too.

Batumi Christmas Market was held in Europe Square between December 25th and January 7th last year.

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I hope you enjoy your time at the Tbilisi Christmas markets. If you have any additional questions, you can write them in the comments. If you are planning to visit Tbilisi, don’t forget to read my other articles.

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