Tbilisi: Christmas Market & Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Tbilisi during the holiday season offers a special kind of magic — twinkling lights, bustling markets, and the warm glow of Georgian hospitality. This 3-hour guided walking tour promises a festive journey through the city’s most charming spots, combining holiday cheer with authentic local culture. With visits to the Christmas markets, Georgian cuisine, and lesser-known corners of the city, it’s an excellent way to soak up Tbilisi’s unique holiday spirit.

Two standout features we particularly appreciate are the opportunity to sample traditional Georgian sweets and wines and the chance to explore some of the city’s hidden gems beyond the usual tourist haunts. That said, a possible consideration is the tour’s walking-intensive nature — it covers about 3.5 km — so comfortable shoes and warm clothing are essential.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who enjoy lively markets, authentic cultural experiences, and a taste of local hospitality. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, this tour offers a practical, engaging, and festive way to experience Tbilisi during its most enchanting time of year.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy Tbilisi’s holiday lights, markets, and decorations in a lively, friendly setting.
• Authentic Culture: Experience Georgian traditions with special seasonal twists like local sweets and wine.
• Hidden Gems: Discover lesser-known corners of the city beyond the typical tourist routes.
• Local Hospitality: A professional guide helps bring the city’s history and traditions to life.
• Culinary Delights: Sample traditional sweets, snacks, and Georgian wines at key stops.
• Ideal for Walkers: The tour involves about 3.5 km of walking through historic and festive areas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

This guided walking tour begins at the entrance of the Burberry store in Freedom Square, the hub of Tbilisi’s festive activity. From here, the tour threads through some of the city’s most iconic and decorated locations, blending history, culture, and holiday cheer in a seamless experience.

Walking through Freedom Square, you’ll immediately sense the holiday spirit. The square’s centerpiece, the St George’s Pillar, is dressed for the season, and the square itself is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments that set the tone for what’s to come. Your guide offers insights into the square’s significance and the festive customs, making the experience both visually and intellectually engaging.

Next, you’ll visit Orbeliani Plaza, the main Christmas market of Tbilisi. Here, the atmosphere is lively — stalls with handcrafted souvenirs, glowing kiosks selling hot Georgian wine, and aromatic street foods create a true winter wonderland. The market is also home to the President’s Palace, which shines with colorful illumination, making it a perfect backdrop for photos and holiday memories.

Sampling Georgian Traditions in the Markets

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to taste local sweets and festive treats. You’ll find traditional desserts, such as churchkhela (grape and nut candy) and baklava, along with savory snacks that reflect Georgia’s rich culinary traditions. The food stalls are lively, and sampling small bites offers a taste of Georgia’s warm hospitality.

Live music performances often punctuate the market atmosphere, adding to the holiday mood. Travelers have noted how these spontaneous performances bring the historic district to life, making the walk feel less like a tour and more like a celebration.

Georgian Food Mall: A Gourmet Paradise

From the markets, you’ll head to Bazari Orbeliani, Georgia’s largest food mall, a colorful space that once was a Soviet bazaar. Here, the vibrancy continues with rows of wine shops, spice vendors, and traditional food stalls.

Gourmets will love the selection of Georgian wines, which you can browse and sample — a real treat for wine lovers. The spice vendors offer freshly mixed seasonings, perfect for bringing a taste of Georgia home. The bustling environment offers a glimpse into everyday Georgian life, far from touristy spots, and the food sampling is a highlight. Think sweets, savory snacks, and everything in between, all served in a lively, cheerful setting.

Rustaveli Avenue: The Heart of Festive Tbilisi

The tour then moves along Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main boulevard. During the holidays, this street transforms into a sparkling corridor of lights and decorations. The highlight here is the large New Year’s tree near the parliament building — a must-photo spot that embodies the season’s joy.

Walking along Rustaveli, you’ll see the city’s main cultural institutions and government buildings illuminated in spectacular fashion. The avenue buzzes with families, groups of friends, and even Georgia’s very own Santa Claus, who hands out smiles and festive cheer. It’s a lively, cheerful environment perfect for soaking in the holiday atmosphere.

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Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Corners

One of the special aspects of this tour is the opportunity to visit lesser-known spots that are just as charming as the well-trodden streets. As night falls, the tour takes you to quiet, picturesque corners of the city with fewer crowds but equally stunning views and festive sights. This approach makes the experience more authentic and relaxed, ideal for those who want to see a different side of Tbilisi.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

Duration and Group Size
This 3-hour tour covers about 3.5 km of walking, including stops and photo sessions. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a steady pace and want to see a good mix of sights without feeling rushed. The group size is small or private, which means more personalized attention and flexibility.

Start and End Points
You’ll meet at the entrance of the Burberry shop in Freedom Square, a central location easy to find. The tour finishes back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward.

Cost and Value
While the tour fee isn’t specified here, it includes a professional guide, walking, and sample tastings of sweets. You’ll get authentic insights into Georgian traditions, free help with photos, and access to some of the city’s most festive spots, providing good value for those eager to combine culture, cuisine, and holiday cheer in one outing.

Weather and Packing Tips
Expect winter weather — often cold, with a chance of rain or snow. Dress warmly in layers, wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and bring a camera and cash for incidental purchases. The terrain isn’t wheelchair friendly, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue.

Accessibility and Restrictions
This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, large luggage, or strollers. It’s also not recommended for those over 80 or with certain health conditions, given the walking distance and terrain.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

Travelers who’ve taken this tour have praised its festive atmosphere and the delicious food sampling. One reviewer raved, “Noel pazar çok güzeldi güzel gezdik,” highlighting the beauty of the markets and the overall enjoyable experience. The guide’s local knowledge and hospitality are often noted as making the tour stand out.

The opportunity to taste Georgian wines and sweets, combined with the chance to see the city’s illuminated landmarks, offers a well-rounded holiday experience. The off-the-beaten-path stops particularly appeal to those wanting a more intimate, authentic feel of Tbilisi’s holiday traditions.

The Sum Up

This Tbilisi Christmas Market & Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour offers a festive, culture wrapped in a manageable, walkable package. It’s perfect for travelers eager to enjoy Georgia’s warm hospitality, sample traditional foods and wines, and explore the city’s lesser-known corners during this cheerful season.

If you love markets filled with handcrafted goods, enjoy tasting local delicacies, and want a taste of genuine Georgian holiday spirit, this tour is a fantastic choice. It balances sightseeing and cultural insights with the relaxed pace of a walking adventure, making it suitable for most active travelers.

For those who appreciate authentic experiences, gorgeous holiday views, and festive cheer, this tour provides a charming window into Tbilisi’s Christmas celebrations — a memorable way to add extra sparkle to your Georgian visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, as long as children enjoy walking and the cold weather. The walking distance is manageable, and the festive stops will keep kids entertained with sights, sounds, and treats.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layers, comfortable shoes, and bring a jacket. The weather can be cold, and the tour involves some outdoor walking.

Will I get a chance to try Georgian wine?
Yes, part of the tour includes browsing and sampling wines at Bazari Orbeliani, Georgia’s largest food mall, which is a highlight for wine enthusiasts.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?
The guide speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian. Non-English speakers might want to check if the guide’s language suits their needs.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour offers samples of Georgian sweets and snacks, but specific dietary accommodations aren’t mentioned. It’s best to inform the provider if you have special needs beforehand.

Is this tour available on specific dates?
Yes, the experience runs during the Christmas and New Year period, but check availability to confirm start times.

What if I am late or want to cancel?
Arrive on time — the maximum waiting time is 10 minutes. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This holiday season, experience the best of Tbilisi’s festive charm with this thoughtfully curated tour — a delightful way to celebrate and discover Georgia’s warm traditions and stunning sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: