Georgia celebrates New Year twice — on January 1 with fireworks and chacha, and on January 7 with the Georgian Orthodox Christmas (Aliloba procession). The country has unique traditions tourists rarely know about: Mekvle (the lucky first guest), Tovlis Papa (Georgian Santa in traditional clothes), and the extraordinary Aliloba procession where thousands walk from Tsminda Sameba Cathedral with candles and crosses through the streets of Tbilisi.
Georgian New Year traditions
Mekvle — the first guest of the New Year
The most important Georgian New Year tradition is Mekvle (მეკვლე) — the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight. This person must be chosen in advance: someone lucky, kind, and successful in life. They bring gifts — sweets, wine, coins, bread. The belief is that whoever enters first sets the character of the entire year to come.
Georgians take this seriously. A family will nominate their Mekvle weeks in advance. If a stranger knocks on the door at midnight, they might be politely asked to wait. If you are invited to celebrate New Year with a Georgian family, there is a reasonable chance you will be asked to serve as their Mekvle — an enormous honour.
Tovlis Papa — Georgian Father Frost
Tovlis Papa (literally "Grandfather Snow") is the Georgian equivalent of Father Christmas. Unlike the Western Santa Claus, Tovlis Papa wears traditional Georgian clothing: a Chokha (the belted wool coat), a sheepskin papakha hat, and carries a Georgian wine horn (kantsi). He arrives not in a sleigh but on horseback. Children in Georgia grow up with this figure — seeing him in a red suit at an airport is considered slightly wrong.
Where to celebrate New Year in Georgia
| Destination | Distance from Tbilisi | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | — | City, fireworks, restaurants | City atmosphere, culture, nightlife |
| Gudauri | 120 km (2 hrs) | Ski resort, parties, snow | Skiing, outdoor celebrating |
| Bakuriani | 170 km (3 hrs) | Family ski resort | Families with children |
| Batumi | 360 km (4.5 hrs) | Coastal, mild, casino | Beach atmosphere, no snow |
Tbilisi on New Year's Eve
Tbilisi does New Year well. The main fireworks display launches from Mtatsminda mountain at midnight — visible from most of the city. Rustaveli Avenue fills with people. The old town neighbourhoods (Abanotubani, Metekhi) have a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Restaurants run special NYE menus at 150–250 GEL per person including wine.
Gudauri — skiing and mountain parties
Gudauri (2,196 m) has reliable snow from December through March. For New Year's Eve, the resort organises outdoor concerts and parties on the slopes. The skiing is good — 80+ km of pistes. But book months in advance: Gudauri accommodates a finite number of guests and sells out completely for the New Year period.
Winter weather in Georgia
| Location | Day temperature | Night temperature | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | +5 to +10°C | 0 to +3°C | Rare, melts quickly |
| Gudauri | -5 to -2°C | -12 to -8°C | Stable, ski conditions |
| Bakuriani | -3 to 0°C | -8 to -5°C | Reliable |
| Batumi | +8 to +12°C | +3 to +6°C | Never |
Accommodation prices for New Year in Georgia
| Accommodation type | Regular December price | December 31 price |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi hotel 3* | 70–100 GEL/night | 160–220 GEL/night |
| Tbilisi hotel 4* | 150–200 GEL/night | 300–450 GEL/night |
| Gudauri hotel | 150–250 GEL/night | 350–600 GEL/night |
| Gudauri guesthouse | 80–120 GEL/night | 200–350 GEL/night |
What to do January 1–7
January 1: Tbilisi is quiet and peaceful — one of the few days when the city belongs to those who chose to stay. The Abanotubani sulfur baths are open and therapeutic after a late night. Good day for a slow walk through the old town without any tourist pressure.
January 2–3: The city wakes up fully. This is an excellent time for day trips: Kazbegi (spectacular in winter snow, dress very warmly), Mtskheta (ancient capital, 30 minutes away), Borjomi (mineral water springs work in any weather, thermal pools are especially good in cold weather).
January 7: Georgian Orthodox Christmas and the Aliloba procession — see below.
Where to eat on New Year's Eve
Five formats for NYE dinner in Georgia:
- Georgian cuisine restaurant in old Tbilisi — traditional menu, toasts, live music. Book 3–4 weeks in advance. Expect 150–200 GEL per person.
- Restaurant with a view — tables on Mtatsminda with fireworks panorama. Most expensive option (200–350 GEL per person) but the view is extraordinary.
- Modern Georgian restaurant in Vera district — Vera is Tbilisi's most interesting neighbourhood for contemporary food. Less crowded than old town, higher quality kitchen.
- Guesthouse dinner — if you know a Georgian family or host, this is the most authentic option. Expect a supra (Georgian feast) lasting 4–5 hours with 15+ dishes.
- Cook your own supra — rent an apartment with a kitchen, shop at Deserter's Market (open on December 31 until 14:00), cook together.
Aliloba — Georgian Christmas on January 7
Aliloba is the Georgian Orthodox Christmas procession — one of the most powerful public events in Georgia. Thousands of Georgians walk through the streets of Tbilisi from Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, carrying Georgian Orthodox crosses, candles, and church flags (jvari, sveti). The procession takes 2–3 hours and passes through the city centre.
Entry is free. No ticket is needed. Stand along the route or walk with the procession. The atmosphere is entirely different from a typical tourist attraction — it is a living religious and cultural event. Dress warmly (January nights are cold) and bring a phone for photos but be respectful about when you use it.
We came to Georgia specifically for New Year and stayed through Orthodox Christmas. The Aliloba procession on January 7 was something I will never forget — thousands of people walking in silence through the dark streets with candles, the sound of church chanting, the smell of incense. I had not planned for it, Timur mentioned it the day before and we joined on a whim. Nothing I have experienced as a tourist comes close to that evening for sheer authenticity and emotion. Book a guide, stay for Orthodox Christmas.