New Year in Tbilisi: Christmas Market and Hidden Gems Tour

Experience the Magic of Tbilisi During the Holidays

If you’re seeking a compact yet immersive way to celebrate New Year’s and Christmas in Tbilisi, the “New Year in Tbilisi: Christmas Market and Hidden Gems Tour” fits the bill perfectly. For just $39 per person and lasting around 3 hours, this guided walk takes you through some of the city’s most lively and picturesque spots, all decorated and alive with holiday cheer. Led by knowledgeable local guides who know the ins and outs of this charming city, you’ll explore Liberty Square, the festive Orbeliani Square, the bustling Bazari food market, and the dazzling Rustaveli Avenue.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines festive sights with authentic local flavor. You’ll get to see Georgia’s largest food market, sample traditional sweets, and enjoy the ambiance of decorated streets and historic squares. It’s a great way to get a deeper sense of Tbilisi’s character without spending a fortune or getting lost in a crowd. The tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy walking, want to see the city’s holiday decorations up close, and appreciate a flexible, small-group setting.

One thing to keep in mind is that the three-hour walk involves about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) of strolling, so comfortable shoes are a must, especially in winter. Also, since the tour doesn’t include entry fees — and most stops are free to enjoy — you’ll want to budget for snacks, souvenirs, or meals if you wish to indulge more. The tour’s maximum size of 10 travelers helps maintain an intimate atmosphere, which many travelers find more engaging than large group excursions.

This experience is best suited for those who love festive atmospheres, exploring city landmarks, and tasting local cuisine. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in seeing a side of Tbilisi that blends history, culture, and holiday magic all into a manageable walk.

Key Points

• Convenient 3-hour walk through Tbilisi’s most festive spots during New Year and Christmas season
• Authentic local experience, including a visit to Georgia’s largest food market, Bazari
• Small group size (max 10) for a more personal and engaging tour
• Free stops at Liberty Square, Orbeliani Square, and Rustaveli Avenue, with optional snacks and shopping
• Great for those who enjoy walking, photo opportunities, and experiencing local traditions
• Cost-effective, offering a rich holiday experience for just $39 per person

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting at Liberty Square: The Heart of Tbilisi’s Festivities

The tour kicks off at Liberty Square, a prominent landmark in the city’s center. It’s here that the iconic St George’s Column is decked out with holiday lights, making it a picture-perfect setting. As we stand in this bustling square, it’s easy to feel the city’s vibrancy and historical significance.

Our guide, Oksana, was praised in reviews for her cheerfulness and patience, especially when navigating through the lively environment. She helps set the scene with interesting tidbits about the square, giving us a sense of the city’s past and present. The square is ideal for quick photos and soaking in the festive atmosphere before we head into more detailed explorations.

Exploring Orbeliani Square: The Heart of Christmas Cheer

Next, we stroll to Orbeliani Square, the main hub of the city’s Christmas market. The kiosks here are charming, offering hot mulled wine, handmade gifts, local snacks, and seasonal treats. The President’s Palace nearby is beautifully decorated, adding to the festive grandeur of the scene.

The architecture here creates a lovely European feel, with 19th-century buildings contributing to the historic charm. During our visit, we might even catch live music performances, which adds joyful tunes to the chilly air — a detail that makes this part of the tour feel especially lively and authentic.

Bazari: Tbilisi’s Foodie Haven

No trip to Tbilisi is complete without sampling the local flavors, and at Bazari, you’ll find Georgia’s largest food market, a spot that once served as a Soviet-era bazaar and is now a lively culinary paradise. We loved the way this market blends tradition and modern tastes, with delicious fast foods, local delicacies, and wines on offer.

The vendors are friendly, and the market’s cluttered stalls are full of handmade crafts, spices, and specialty foods that embody Georgian culture. It’s the perfect place to try traditional dishes, buy ingredients, or simply soak up the lively market atmosphere. According to one review, “this market is a must for any foodie exploring Tbilisi,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Rustaveli Avenue: A Christmas Light Wonderland

As evening approaches, the tour takes us along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, which becomes a spectacle of Christmas lights and decorations. The facades of historic buildings glow with sparkling lights, creating a magical backdrop for photos.

At the avenue’s end, you’ll see the main New Year’s tree, a central symbol of celebration. This is also where you’ll meet Tovlis Papa, Georgia’s version of Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. The avenue’s lively atmosphere, combined with the stunning lights, makes it a perfect spot to end our walk, with plenty of opportunities to capture festive memories.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $39, this tour packs a surprising amount of sights, local flavor, and festive cheer into a compact three hours. Since most major stops are free, the main costs are your own snacks or souvenirs, making it a budget-friendly way to experience a richer side of Tbilisi during the holidays.

The small group size means you get more personalized attention and the chance to ask questions, which we found really helpful. Plus, the flexible walking pace allows you to truly enjoy each spot without feeling rushed. The guide’s local knowledge and cheerful attitude, as praised by previous travelers, add to the experience’s warmth and authenticity.

What Makes It Stand Out

We loved the way the tour combines historic landmarks with local markets and festive decorations. Instead of just sightseeing, you get a taste of Georgian holiday traditions, like sampling treats at Bazari or enjoying holiday music at Orbeliani Square. It’s a well-rounded way to spend a few hours if you want to see the city’s holiday spirit up close.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is mostly outdoors and involves walking, the winter weather can be quite cold, so dressing warmly is essential. Also, since the tour doesn’t include entry fees, plan for any extra expenses to enjoy local snacks or buy souvenirs. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy walking tours, local markets, and a festive atmosphere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, friendly introduction to Tbilisi’s Christmas celebrations. It suits history buffs with a taste for local culture, food lovers eager to explore markets, and anyone who enjoys picturesque cityscapes illuminated for the holidays. If you’re after a small-group experience with a knowledgeable guide and want to avoid overly commercialized tours, this one’s a solid pick.

Travelers who want to deepen their holiday experience by exploring Georgian traditions and tasting local snacks will find it especially rewarding. It’s also perfect for those staying in Tbilisi for a short time but wanting to get a meaningful snapshot of the city’s festive spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families. However, keep in mind the walking distance and winter weather; young children should be dressed warmly.

Do I need to prepare anything before the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a small water bottle, and cash for incidental expenses or souvenirs. Dressing warmly is advised because it’s outdoors and in winter.

Are there any hidden costs during the tour?
Most stops are free, but you might want to buy snacks, drinks, or souvenirs along the way, which are not included in the price.

How big is the group?
The tour typically accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personal.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
It’s recommended to book about 33 days in advance on average, but last-minute availability depends on demand.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is outdoors, bad weather (rain or snow) could affect the experience. Dress appropriately and check the weather forecast before heading out.

Wrapping It Up

In all, the “New Year in Tbilisi: Christmas Market and Hidden Gems Tour” offers a practical, enjoyable way to celebrate the holidays in Georgia’s capital. It’s a budget-friendly, engaging, and authentic experience that combines historic sights, festive markets, and delicious local flavors. With knowledgeable guides, small groups, and a route that balances sightseeing and culture, it provides a memorable snapshot of Tbilisi’s holiday spirit.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded, accessible introduction to Tbilisi’s Christmas magic, especially those who appreciate local markets, historic architecture, and festive decorations. If you’re after a personalized, immersive experience that highlights the city’s unique traditions, this walk hits the mark. Just be sure to bundle up, bring some cash, and prepare for a delightful holiday stroll through one of Georgia’s most charming cities.

All in all, this tour is a fantastic way to see Tbilisi’s holiday sparkle without stretching your budget or your time. It’s a lively, friendly, and flavorful introduction to Georgian Christmas and New Year celebrations, perfect for curious travelers eager to experience local culture firsthand.