Winter in Tbilisi has a special charm that makes the city feel warm even on the coldest December days, and it’s one of the most magical times for visitors who want to experience local culture in a cozy, welcoming way. As soon as the month begins, Tbilisi dresses up in festive lights—glowing trees, illuminated streets, and bright Christmas decorations fill Rustaveli Avenue, Liberty Square, and the Old Town, giving the entire city a soft golden sparkle that creates perfect photo opportunities around every corner. December is when you can spend slow mornings wandering through cute boutique streets, warming up in hidden cafes that offer hot chocolate, aromatic Georgian coffee, and traditional winter sweets like gozinaki and churchkhela. These cafes become even more inviting during winter, with comfortable interiors, gentle music, warm lighting, and pastry smells that make you want to stay longer. This is also the season when the famous sulfur bathhouses in Abanotubani feel especially relaxing—a natural warm escape from the cold air outside. Spending an hour or two in the historic brick bathhouses, surrounded by steam and tranquility, is a must-try Tbilisi experience that leaves travelers feeling refreshed and ready for more discoveries. Outside, charming cobblestone streets lead to beautifully decorated courtyards, local craft markets, Christmas fairs, and cheerful pop-up stands where you can taste mulled wine, try artisanal souvenirs, and enjoy the atmosphere of Georgian winter traditions.
December in Tbilisi is also a wonderful time to explore the city’s rich food and wine scene, which becomes even cozier thanks to the cold weather and festive mood. Many restaurants offer special winter menus featuring warm dishes like khinkali, chakapuli, lobio, and traditional cheese plates that pair perfectly with Georgian wine. Wine bars across Tbilisi—especially those in Sololaki, Mtatsminda, and Vera—become lively gathering spots where locals and visitors enjoy tastings of amber wines, rare qvevri varieties, and seasonal cocktails in beautifully decorated settings. These places are ideal for spending an evening chatting with friends, meeting new people, or simply relaxing after a day of exploring. December also brings themed events, concerts, exhibitions, and winter markets where local designers, artists, and small family businesses showcase handmade crafts and authentic Georgian products. For visitors who love photography, Tbilisi in December offers endless inspiration—foggy mornings at Narikala Fortress, glowing lights around Rike Park, reflections on rainy streets, and decorated balconies in the Old Town. And if you want a bit of nature, Mtatsminda Park and Lisi Lake provide calm winter scenery just a short trip from the city center. Overall, December in Tbilisi is warm, festive, colorful, and welcoming—a perfect combination for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed winter holiday with culture, food, and unforgettable memories. Whether you love discovering new neighborhoods, unwinding in bathhouses, sipping wine in atmospheric bars, or simply strolling under sparkling Christmas lights, Tbilisi in December has something special waiting for you.



