How is New Year celebrated in Georgia, and where is the main tree?
The feast, gozinaki, chichilaki and the first guest.
Short answer
New Year is one of Georgia's biggest holidays: on the night of 1 January people gather for a big feast with gozinaki, walnuts in honey, plus satsivi and churchkhela. Alongside or instead of a fir tree, families set up a chichilaki, a small tree of thin hazel shavings, and the first guest of the year, the mekvle, is seen as a bringer of luck. The main trees and festivities are on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square in Tbilisi and Europe Square in Batumi.
Why
- At midnight cities light up with fireworks.
- Many also celebrate Old New Year on 14 January.
- Christmas is on 7 January, with the Alilo procession through the streets.
Details
1 and 2 January are public holidays, and many shops and cafes have shorter hours. Christmas tree markets and fairs open in Tbilisi and Batumi in mid-December.
Tip
Book accommodation and restaurant tables for New Year early; places run out close to the holiday.
What may differ
On 1 and 2 January many shops, cafes and offices keep shorter hours.
People also ask
- How is New Year celebrated in Georgia?
Sources
- Georgian National Tourism AdministrationChecked at:
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
New Year in Georgia: traditionsRelated questions
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When are Mariamoba, Giorgoba and Tbilisoba celebrated?
Mariamoba, the Dormition of the Virgin, falls on 28 August and is a public holiday.
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Which hand do Georgians wear their wedding ring on?
Most Georgians wear their wedding ring on the ring finger of the right hand, following Orthodox tradition.
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Where can you see Georgian dance and hear polyphonic singing in Tbilisi?
Georgian dance is best seen at concerts by national ensembles such as the Sukhishvili ballet, and at restaurants with evening folk shows.
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Is 8 March celebrated in Georgia?
Yes, 8 March, International Women's Day, is an official public holiday in Georgia, when women receive flowers and gifts.