December in Tbilisi starts quietly. The plane trees on the avenues lose their last leaves, the hills go brown and gold, and by half past five the city is dark and lit up. Then the festive lights go up across the city, the markets open, and Tbilisi gets ready to celebrate Christmas twice.
If you are coming this month, here is what the weather is really like, what to pack, and what happens week by week, from the first Christmas lights to the Old New Year in January.
Averages for Tbilisi, 1991–2020. Sunset time for December 2026.
What the weather is really like
Tbilisi winters are cold but mostly dry. December days average about 8°C, and nights hover just above freezing. Rain or snow falls on only four or five days in the month, so most days are clear, crisp and good for walking.
The cold you notice is in the evening. The sun sets around 5:30 pm all month, and you get about nine and a quarter hours of daylight. Plan your viewpoints and long walks for the late morning and early afternoon, and keep the evening for markets, dinners and warm rooms.
Snow is possible, but it is a treat rather than a rule: on average it falls on about four days in December and six in January. If you want proper snow, the mountains are close. Gudauri, Georgia’s best-known ski resort, is about two hours north by car, and its season usually starts in December.
What to pack
Think city break with cold evenings. Indoors, Tbilisi is well heated, so layers work better than one heavy jumper.
- A warm coat for evenings and viewpoints
- Layers you can take off in cafés and museums
- Shoes with grip for steep, cobbled Old Town streets
- Hat and gloves for the markets after dark
- A swimsuit for the sulphur baths or a hotel pool
- One smart outfit for New Year’s Eve
- A plug adapter: Georgia uses 220 V and European two-pin sockets
- Space in your bag for churchkhela, gozinaki and a bottle of qvevri wine
December week by week
Tbilisi announces its festive programme each year in early December. These are the usual milestones, with what happened last season and what is on at our hotel.
- Early DecemberFestive lights go up in squares and parks across the city. The full list comes with the city’s programme in early December.
- Mid-DecemberThe city’s New Year village opens. Last season it opened on 12 December on First Republic Square, with the main tree, an ice rink, a Christmas market, concerts and an open-air cinema.
- 12 and 19 DecemberGingerbread decorating for children at Pullman Tbilisi, from 2 to 4 pm.
- From 18 DecemberOur Christmas market opens outside the hotel: mulled wine, hot chocolate, waffles and roasted chestnuts under the towers.
- 25 DecemberA normal working day in Georgia. For the many visitors who celebrate today, there is Christmas brunch at Dumas on the 36th floor, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm.
- 31 DecemberAt midnight, fireworks go up all over the city, from streets, courtyards and rooftops. Read where to watch them.
- 1 and 2 JanuaryPublic holidays. Many shops and restaurants close or open late, so plan meals ahead.
- 7 JanuaryGeorgian Orthodox Christmas. The Alilo procession usually sets off around 2 pm and makes its way to Sameba Cathedral, with carols, banners and carts collecting gifts for people in need.
- 13 to 14 JanuaryThe Old New Year: one more festive table, and one more round of fireworks at midnight.
Tbilisi does Christmas twice. Come for 25 December, stay for 7 January, and you will see both.
Three things to know before you go
25 December is a working day
Georgia follows the Orthodox calendar, so Christmas Day is 7 January. On 25 December offices and shops are open as usual, but hotels and many restaurants run their own Christmas programmes for visitors.
Book New Year’s Eve early
For many Georgian families, New Year’s Eve starts at home around the supra table and moves out after midnight. Restaurants with a view fill up first, so reserve your dinner a few weeks ahead.
Plan your way home on 31 December
Taxis are hard to find around midnight and on 1 January, and fares go up. Stay within walking distance of where you celebrate, or stay where you dine.
Where to warm up
When the afternoon turns cold, do what locals do. Book a private room in the domed sulphur baths of Abanotubani. Find a cellar wine bar in the Old Town and ask for qvevri wine. Or ride the funicular up Mtatsminda just before sunset and watch the city light up. More ideas are in our City Guide: Tbilisi in winter.
If you are staying with us, the heated 25 m indoor pool is open from 7 am to 11 pm and free for hotel guests.
Questions
Does it snow in Tbilisi in December?
Sometimes, but not often. On average snow falls on about four days in December and six in January, and the city is mostly cold and dry. For real snow, the ski resort of Gudauri is about two hours north by car.
Is December a good time to visit Tbilisi?
Yes, if you like a city in festive mode. The streets are lit, there are Christmas markets, and you can see two Christmases: 25 December and the Georgian Orthodox Christmas on 7 January. Hotels and restaurants are busiest around New Year’s Eve, so book that night early.
What should I wear in Tbilisi in December?
A warm coat, layers you can take off indoors, a hat and gloves for the evening, and shoes with a good grip for the steep, cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Is 25 December a holiday in Georgia?
No. 25 December is a normal working day. Georgia celebrates Christmas on 7 January, and 1, 2 and 7 January are public holidays.
Spend December above the city
Our Christmas market, brunch on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on the 36th floor and a warm room to come back to. See the whole season in one place.