Best Places to Visit in Georgia for Christmas Cheer

Georgia transforms into a winter wonderland in December, offering expats and digital nomads a chance to embrace the holiday spirit with festive markets, twinkling lights, and cozy traditions. From the snow-dusted streets of the Caucasus to the charming towns of the lowlands, there are plenty of places to soak in the magic of the season. Whether you're craving handmade crafts, warm mulled wine, or lively parades, these destinations promise unforgettable holiday experiences.

Tbilisi’s Old Town

Tbilisi’s Old Town is the heart of the city’s holiday celebrations, where cobblestone streets and historic buildings are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The main attraction is the Tbilisi Christmas Market, held in Freedom Square and nearby areas, where vendors sell handmade ornaments, local crafts, and traditional Georgian sweets like churchkhela and gozinaki. The market also features live music, performances, and a giant Christmas tree that lights up the square. Ice skating rinks pop up around the city, adding to the festive atmosphere, while nearby cafés and wine bars offer warm respites with mulled wine and hearty Georgian dishes.

We Recommend: Don’t miss the chance to try *satsivi*—a rich walnut sauce served with turkey or chicken—at one of the market’s food stalls. It’s a Georgian holiday classic that pairs perfectly with a cup of spiced *chacha* (Georgian brandy) or mulled wine.

Batumi’s Seaside Promenade

Batumi’s seaside promenade takes on a magical glow in December, with palm trees wrapped in fairy lights and festive installations lining the Black Sea coast. The city’s Christmas market, held near Europe Square, offers a mix of local crafts, holiday treats, and international influences, reflecting Batumi’s cosmopolitan vibe. Visitors can enjoy live concerts, street performances, and even a small ice skating rink. The nearby Batumi Botanical Garden, dusted with frost, provides a serene escape with stunning views of the sea and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

We Recommend: Try *kada*—a flaky, buttery Georgian pastry filled with melted cheese or sweet fillings—from one of the market stalls. It’s a beloved winter treat that’s especially delicious when paired with a hot cup of Georgian tea.

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

For those who love a winter adventure, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) offers a breathtaking holiday experience against the backdrop of the towering Caucasus Mountains. While the town itself is small, its festive spirit is big, with locals and visitors gathering for cozy gatherings in guesthouses and cafés. The Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hill above the town, is often dusted with snow, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Many guesthouses host holiday feasts with traditional Georgian dishes, and some even organize sleigh rides or snowshoeing excursions for a true winter wonderland experience.

We Recommend: Warm up with a bowl of *khinkali*—Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat or cheese—at a local guesthouse. Pair it with a shot of *chacha* or a mug of mulled wine for the ultimate winter comfort food.

Sighnaghi’s Wine Country

Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love," is even more enchanting in December, with its charming streets and vineyard-covered hills blanketed in a light dusting of snow. The town’s Christmas market, held in the main square, features local artisans selling handmade crafts, wine, and holiday decorations. Visitors can also explore nearby wineries, many of which offer special tastings and festive events. The annual Sighnaghi Christmas Market often includes live music, traditional dancing, and workshops where you can learn to make Georgian holiday treats like *pelamushi* (a grape pudding).

We Recommend: Sip on a glass of *Kindzmarauli*—a naturally semi-sweet red wine from the Kakheti region—while browsing the market. It’s the perfect way to toast the season in Georgia’s wine country.

Gori’s Stalin Museum & Town Square

Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, might not be the first place that comes to mind for holiday cheer, but the town’s festive decorations and lively market make it a unique stop. The Christmas market in Gori’s central square features local vendors selling handmade toys, wool socks, and traditional Georgian sweets. The town also hosts a small ice skating rink and holiday concerts. While the Stalin Museum itself isn’t holiday-themed, its imposing presence adds a quirky contrast to the festive atmosphere.

We Recommend: Try *guruli*—a regional dish of chicken stewed with walnuts and spices—at one of the market’s food stalls. It’s a hearty, warming dish that’s perfect for a cold December day.

Borjomi’s Central Park

Borjomi, famous for its mineral waters and lush forests, becomes a fairy-tale destination in December. The town’s Central Park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive lights, a small Christmas market, and an ice skating rink. The park’s iconic glass pavilion, where visitors can sample Borjomi’s famous mineral water, is decorated for the holidays, and nearby cafés serve warm drinks and local specialties. The town also hosts holiday concerts and performances, often featuring traditional Georgian polyphonic singing.

We Recommend: Warm up with a cup of *Borjomi tea*—a blend of the town’s mineral water and local herbs—served with a slice of *nazuki* (a sweet, spiced bread). It’s a unique and refreshing way to experience Borjomi’s famous waters.

Kutaisi’s Green Bazaar & Rustaveli Avenue

Kutaisi, Georgia’s legislative capital, buzzes with holiday energy in December. The city’s Christmas market, held near the Green Bazaar, offers a mix of local crafts, fresh produce, and holiday treats. Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare, is lined with festive lights and decorations, and the nearby Colchis Fountain is often illuminated in vibrant colors. Kutaisi also hosts holiday concerts and performances, including traditional Georgian dance shows and choral singing.

We Recommend: Pick up a bag of *tklapi*—dried fruit leather made from plum or apricot—from the Green Bazaar. It’s a popular Georgian snack that’s especially festive during the holidays.

Mtskheta’s Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is steeped in history and holiday tradition. The town’s Christmas celebrations center around the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where special services and concerts are held throughout December. The nearby streets are decorated with lights and garlands, and local vendors sell handmade crafts, icons, and holiday treats. Mtskheta’s festive atmosphere is deeply rooted in Georgian Orthodox traditions, making it a meaningful place to experience the season.

We Recommend: Visit the cathedral’s candlelit evening services, where the hauntingly beautiful sound of Georgian polyphonic singing fills the air. It’s a way to connect with the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Bakuriani’s Ski Resort & Town Center

Bakuriani, Georgia’s premier ski resort, is a winter paradise in December, with snow-covered slopes, cozy lodges, and a lively holiday atmosphere. The town’s Christmas market, held near the main square, features local vendors selling handmade wool socks, wooden toys, and holiday decorations. Visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, ice skating, and après-ski festivities at nearby cafés and bars. The resort also hosts holiday events, including live music and fireworks displays, making it a great destination for both adventure and relaxation.

We Recommend: After a day on the slopes, warm up with a bowl of *lobio*—a hearty bean stew—served with fresh *mchadi* (cornbread) at one of the resort’s cafés. It’s the perfect post-ski meal.

Telavi’s Alazani Valley

Telavi, the heart of Georgia’s wine country, is a charming destination for holiday celebrations. The town’s Christmas market, held in the central square, features local artisans selling wine, crafts, and holiday treats. The nearby Alazani Valley, dotted with vineyards and snow-capped mountains, offers a picturesque backdrop for winter walks and wine tastings. Telavi also hosts holiday concerts and performances, often featuring traditional Georgian music and dance.

We Recommend: Visit one of the local wineries for a holiday tasting of *Rkatsiteli*—a crisp white wine that’s a staple of the Kakheti region. Many wineries offer special holiday packages with food pairings and tours.