Tbilisi: Christmas Market & Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Tbilisi during the Christmas and New Year season offers a special experience thanks to this 3-hour guided walking tour organized by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours. Starting at Freedom Square, the tour takes you through the city’s most lively holiday spots, including the Orbeliani Plaza Christmas Market and Bazari Orbeliani, Georgia’s largest food mall. This tour combines festive sights, local treats, and hidden corners of Tbilisi, giving travelers a well-rounded glimpse into Georgia’s holiday traditions.

What sets this experience apart is the expert guidance provided in English, Russian, or Ukrainian, ensuring clarity and cultural insights throughout. The tour’s focus on authentic Georgian traditions, vibrant markets bathed in holiday lights, and opportunities to sample local sweets and delicacies make it particularly appealing during the festive season. One noteworthy aspect is that the tour is designed for small groups or private experiences, making it flexible and personal.

While the tour offers many highlights, it’s important to note that weather conditions during winter can be quite cold, and the walking route covers about 3.5 km (around 2.2 miles). The route is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, and participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and cash for purchases. No hotel pickup is included, so travelers need to meet at the designated starting point.

Key Points

• Three-hour guided walking tour exploring Tbilisi’s Christmas markets and hidden city gems during the festive season.
• Starts at Freedom Square, a central location decorated for New Year celebrations.
• Walks through Orbeliani Plaza, home to Georgia’s main Christmas market with festive kiosks, crafts, and local treats.
• Visits Bazari Orbeliani, Georgia’s largest food mall, for sampling local cuisine and browsing handicrafts and spices.
• Features live music performances and the chance to see illuminated landmarks like the President’s Palace and parliament building.
• Tour finishes back at the starting point, with opportunities for photos and shopping.
• Includes samples of Georgian sweets and assistance with taking memorable photos.
• Weather can be cold, so dress warmly; walking distance is about 3.5 km.
• Tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or large luggage.
• Available in English, Russian, Ukrainian, with private or small-group options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tbilisi’s Festive Heart: Freedom Square and the Christmas Market

The tour kicks off at Freedom Square, a central hub decorated for New Year celebrations. Here, the iconic St George’s Pillar and the President’s Palace are beautifully illuminated, setting a festive mood. This area is lively with decorations, lights, and occasional live music, giving you a taste of Tbilisi’s holiday spirit.

From this starting point, the guide leads you through the vibrant Orbeliani Plaza, where the main Christmas market is bustling with kiosks offering hot Georgian wine, handmade crafts, and festive treats. Brightly lit stalls create a cheerful atmosphere, perfect for browsing for gifts or simply soaking up the holiday ambiance.

This part of the tour highlights the traditional Georgian holiday decorations and the warmth of local hospitality, making it a favorite spot for holiday photos and festive enjoyment. The lively music performances add to the cheerful vibe, making it a highlight of the experience.

Exploring Bazari Orbeliani: Georgia’s Largest Food Mall

Next, the tour visits Bazari Orbeliani, Georgia’s biggest food market, which has transformed from a Soviet bazaar into a lively space filled with local flavors and warmth. Here, visitors find an impressive selection of Georgian wines, fresh spices, and traditional snacks.

Sampling local sweets and savory delights offers a delicious insight into Georgian culinary traditions. The market’s vibrant atmosphere reflects the hospitality and friendliness that Georgia is known for, making it an ideal spot for shopping for unique gifts or enjoying a quick snack. This stop balances culinary exploration with culture, making it a highlight for food lovers.

Rustaveli Avenue’s Holiday Transformation

After the market, the tour proceeds along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, during its holiday transformation. During this season, the street is illuminated with sparkling lights, and the large New Year’s tree near the parliament building becomes a focal point for photos.

The avenue is lively with families, solo travelers, and groups enjoying the festive decorations and street performances. Spotting Georgia’s Santa Claus, who brings smiles to passersby, adds to the cheerful atmosphere. The illuminated avenue offers breathtaking views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Hidden Corners of Tbilisi

As the evening falls, the guide takes you off the usual tourist trail to uncover lesser-known but equally enchanting parts of Tbilisi. These hidden corners reveal a quieter, more intimate side of the city, especially magical during the winter months. This part of the tour is perfect for those who have already explored the Old Town and want to see more of Tbilisi’s secret spots decorated and lit for the holidays.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from the entrance of the Burberry shop at Freedom Square. The meeting is prompt, and participants are encouraged to arrive on time to avoid missing any part of the experience. The tour ends back at the starting location, making it convenient for further exploration or dinner plans.

Options for private or small group experiences are available, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, as the route involves walking over about 3.5 km and includes uneven terrain.

The Experience Guide and Language Availability

A professional guide leads the tour, explaining the sights and sharing interesting stories about Georgian traditions. The guide speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian, accommodating diverse travelers. While the guide does not use voice amplifiers, clear communication ensures everyone can follow along easily.

Weather Considerations and Practical Tips

Given the winter season, travelers should come prepared with warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and cash for shopping or tips. Since the weather can involve rain or snow, dressing in weather-appropriate layers is recommended. The tour is not suited for people with low fitness levels or those needing wheelchair access, due to the walking involved.

Value and Booking Information

The cost of the tour offers good value considering the guided insights, samples of Georgian sweets, and the access to festive markets and scenic spots. The tour is available for reservation with a flexible “reserve now, pay later” policy, and full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Celebrating Tbilisi During the Holidays: Final Thoughts

This holiday walking tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into Tbilisi’s festive charm, combining popular markets, local culinary delights, and hidden city corners. It’s ideal for those looking to experience Georgia’s Christmas traditions with a friendly guide in a relaxed, small-group setting.

Participants who enjoy markets, street scenes, and local food will find this tour particularly rewarding. The beautifully decorated streets and cheerful atmosphere make it a great choice for families, solo travelers, or small groups. The only real limitation is the winter weather, so dressing warmly is essential.

This tour balances cultural insights, festive sights, and tasty samples, offering an authentic taste of Tbilisi during its most magical season. It’s a perfect addition to any holiday trip to Georgia, especially for those wanting to see the city’s warmth and festivity in a manageable, curated experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the entrance of the Burberry shop at Freedom Square and ends back at the same location.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is conducted in English, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those requiring wheelchairs due to the walking distance and terrain.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, cash, and weather-appropriate attire.

Are snacks or drinks included?
Yes, samples of Georgian sweets are included, but additional snacks and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an option for private tours?
Yes, private or small group options are available for a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby