Top Pre-Christmas Events in Georgia: A Must-See Guide for Tourists

Georgia becomes one of the coziest and most festive destinations in December, offering tourists a warm and sparkling atmosphere long before the official Christmas celebration in January. Tbilisi lights up with decorations, music, holiday flavors, markets, and street performances that make every walk feel magical. One of the biggest highlights is the Orbeliani Christmas Market, where glowing lights, handmade crafts, mulled wine, Georgian sweets, and live shows create a perfect holiday mood. Rustaveli Avenue, Liberty Square, and other central streets host concerts, small fairs, and family-friendly activities that bring locals and travelers together. Ice rinks, festive food corners, and special winter menus in restaurants add even more charm to the season. Outside the capital, Batumi offers seaside holiday events with lights and markets, while Kutaisi becomes peaceful and cozy with its own December fairs and children’s programs. Georgia’s ski resorts—Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Mestia—also open their winter season in early December, offering skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, and cheerful mountain festivals. Cultural lovers can enjoy special holiday concerts, ballet shows, and theater programs across the country, making pre-Christmas Georgia a well-rounded and heartwarming travel experience.

December in Georgia is also a perfect time for food lovers, as the entire country celebrates the season with rich flavors, warm drinks, and traditional dishes. Many restaurants, wineries, and cafés host tasting evenings featuring Saperavi wine, hot punch, festive pastries, and seasonal specialties like “gozinaki.” Cooking classes in Tbilisi and other regions allow visitors to learn how to make khinkali, khachapuri, and other Georgian favorites while discovering the stories behind local culinary traditions. Kakheti’s wineries organize intimate winter tours with fireside tastings, giving travelers a cozy countryside experience. For those who want to explore nature, destinations like Mtskheta, Borjomi, Kazbegi, and Sighnaghi offer holiday lights, scenic views, and small city fairs perfect for winter photography. Families will also find plenty to enjoy: puppet shows, workshops, gingerbread classes, toy fairs, and Santa visits appear in markets and cultural centers across Georgia. Shopping malls host charity fairs, small concerts, and festive sales, adding even more excitement for visitors. Overall, Georgia’s pre-Christmas season combines glowing markets, delicious food, winter adventures, and warm hospitality, creating an unforgettable December experience for every traveler. Whether exploring vibrant streets, relaxing in nature, enjoying mountain activities, or savoring traditional dishes, tourists can feel the true spirit of Georgian winter with “Georgian Holidays.