New Year in Tbilisi: Christmas Market and Hidden Gems Tour

Tbilisi’s New Year charm is best enjoyed on foot, moving from the decorated St George’s Column at Liberty Square to the city’s Christmas bazaar, food hall, and brightly lit Rustaveli Avenue. The route mixes holiday atmosphere with everyday Georgian life, so you get more than a quick look at seasonal decorations.

I like the compact route and the small group size, capped at 10 people. I also like the stop at Bazari Orbeliani, where Georgian food, wine, lemonades, spices, and crafts give you something more substantial than a string of pretty lights. Guide Oksana earned special praise for her patience, local knowledge, and care during a difficult visit affected by protests.

The main drawback is the weather. You’ll walk about 3.5 kilometres in winter, with possible rain or snow, and the guide does not use a voice amplifier. Come dressed for cold conditions and stay close enough to hear.

Key points to know before you book

• A 3.5-kilometre walking route: The tour takes about three hours, with stops at four central Tbilisi sights.
• A real Christmas bazaar: Orbeliani Square has mulled wine, handmade gifts, local snacks, decorations, and possible live music.
• Food is part of the experience: Snacks are included, while extra food, drinks, shopping, and personal purchases cost more.
• A small English-speaking group: The maximum is 10 people, which makes it easier to hear the guide and ask questions.
• A useful end point: The walk finishes near Rustaveli Avenue, rather than returning you to Liberty Square.
• Winter clothing matters: Rain, snow, and low temperatures are possible, so warm shoes and a waterproof layer are practical choices.

Starting beneath St George’s Column at Liberty Square

The tour begins at Liberty Square, one of Tbilisi’s main central landmarks. Look for the meeting point at BurberryFreedom Square on Shalva Dadiani Street, in the Mtawminda area.

The square’s centerpiece is the tall St George’s Column, decorated for the New Year period. This gives you an easy first photo and a clear sense of the city’s seasonal mood before the walk moves into smaller streets and market areas.

I like this opening because it is simple and central. Liberty Square is a useful place to get your bearings in Tbilisi, and the 15-minute stop gives the guide time to explain the setting without turning the first part into a long lecture.

You should arrive early. The maximum waiting time is 10 minutes, and if you miss the start, you need to make a new booking. That rule is strict enough to matter, especially if you are relying on traffic or trying to find the meeting point at the last minute.

Orbeliani Square and Tbilisi’s seasonal bazaar

The longest stop is Orbeliani Square, where Tbilisi’s main Christmas market is set up during the festive season. Plan on about 50 minutes here.

This is the most obviously seasonal part of the walk. Small kiosks sell hot mulled wine, handmade presents, and local snacks. The area around the square also has 19th-century buildings with a European look, while the nearby President’s Palace adds a formal backdrop to the decorations.

You might hear live music during the visit. Since performances are not guaranteed, treat them as a possible bonus rather than a fixed part of the tour.

The square works well for a first taste of Tbilisi’s holiday style. You can take photos, browse gifts, and ask the guide about local customs while staying in a compact area. The included snacks add value here, though you should not assume that every food or drink at the stalls is covered by the tour price.

Bring some cash. Personal expenses are not included, so you will need to pay separately for extra snacks, mulled wine, gifts, or anything else that catches your eye.

Bazari Orbeliani: the food stop with more local flavor

After the Christmas market, the route continues to Bazari Orbeliani. Allow about 45 minutes for this stop.

Bazari began as a Soviet-era bazaar and now operates as a large food hall. That change gives the stop a useful contrast with the outdoor market. Orbeliani Square shows you the holiday side of Tbilisi, while Bazari gives you a closer look at how food and shopping fit into modern city life.

Inside, you’ll find Georgian fast food, local delicacies, wines, lemonades, spices, handmade crafts, and specialty ingredients. The tour is not only about looking. You can use this time to sample Georgian flavors, pick up a food gift, or ask the guide what certain ingredients are used for.

I consider Bazari one of the strongest parts of the experience because it gives the walk a practical purpose. Seasonal lights can be lovely, but food helps you understand a place faster. The stop also offers a warmer indoor setting if the weather turns wet or sharply cold.

The details of the included snacks are not specified, so keep your expectations flexible. If you want a full meal, a particular Georgian dish, or a bottle of wine, budget for that separately.

Rustaveli Avenue under Christmas lights

The final stop takes you along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main street. The walk here lasts about 35 minutes and finishes at Rustaveli, 2 Merab Kostava Street.

During the New Year period, the avenue is lined with lights, and the fronts of its historic buildings are lit with seasonal decorations. Near the Parliament building, you’ll see the city’s main New Year tree. You may also encounter Tovlis Papa, Georgia’s Santa Claus, who adds a local touch to the holiday scene.

This is the most polished photo stop of the tour. The broad avenue, decorated buildings, large tree, and central location make it a strong final chapter. You finish with a clear sense of Tbilisi’s public celebration rather than ending in a quiet side street.

The end point is worth noting when planning your evening. You do not return to Liberty Square, so check your route afterward. Rustaveli is near public transportation, and the tour information specifically notes that public transport is available near the experience.

What the small group changes

A group limit of 10 is helpful on a walking tour. You can stay closer to the guide, hear explanations more easily, and ask questions without competing with a large crowd.

The guide does not use a voice amplifier. That is not usually a problem in a group of this size, but market areas can be noisy, and the square or avenue may be busy during the holiday period. I would walk near the guide, especially if you want to catch details about Georgian traditions and the buildings along the way.

The tour is offered in English. The guide’s role is important because the route itself is easy to follow, but the meaning of the market, the architecture, and the food is what turns a walk into a useful introduction to Tbilisi.

Oksana received especially warm praise for being patient, cheerful, and well informed. More importantly, she stayed with one group until they caught a taxi when protests were taking place in the city. That does not mean every tour will face the same circumstances, but it suggests the kind of practical care you should value in a city walk.

Winter conditions and walking comfort

The route covers about 3.5 kilometres, or 2.2 miles, with stops along the way. The distance is manageable for most people, but winter weather can make it feel longer.

Rain and snow are possible. Wear shoes with a good grip, a warm coat, and a waterproof outer layer. Gloves and a hat are sensible if you plan to spend time browsing stalls rather than simply moving between stops.

Carry a small bottle of water. You can buy drinks and food along the route, but having water with you keeps the walk more comfortable.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, which makes the central start and finish convenient. Still, this is a walking experience, not a vehicle tour, and you should be comfortable being outside for several hours.

Is $39 a fair price?

At $39 per person, this is a reasonable price for a three-hour guided walk with a small group, included snacks, and four central stops. You are paying for the guide’s time and local context, not for admission to major attractions. All listed stops have free admission.

The value improves if you want help connecting the places. Liberty Square, Orbeliani Square, Bazari, and Rustaveli Avenue are all central, but visiting them alone would give you a different experience. You might see the lights and market stalls without understanding how the areas fit together or what to try at the food hall.

The price is less attractive if you only want to photograph decorations and browse independently. You could walk much of this route on your own, and your personal purchases are extra. The tour makes more sense if you want an English-speaking guide, included snacks, and a fixed route during a busy holiday period.

Group discounts may be available. If you are traveling with several people, check the booking price for your party before deciding.

Who will enjoy this Tbilisi walk?

I would recommend this tour to a first-time visitor who wants a gentle introduction to central Tbilisi during the New Year season. It combines landmarks, food, shopping, architecture, and seasonal displays without taking up a full day.

It also suits anyone who prefers a small group over a large coach outing. A maximum of 10 people keeps the format personal, and the three-hour length leaves room for dinner or another evening plan.

Food-focused visitors should pay special attention to Bazari. The market’s Georgian dishes, wines, lemonades, spices, crafts, and local products give you a chance to make choices based on your own interests.

Families may appreciate the short stops, Santa figure, lights, and snacks, but cold weather and a 3.5-kilometre route still require planning. Anyone who dislikes walking in rain or snow should choose a warmer, more flexible option.

For a more private pace, a private tour is available. That is the better choice if you want extra flexibility, more time at the market, or closer control over the route.

Booking details that matter

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and mobile tickets are supported. The tour is offered in English.

The start point is BurberryFreedom Square, Shalva Dadiani Street, Mtawminda 0105, Georgia. The walk ends at Rustaveli, 2 Merab Kostava Street, Tbilisi.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can participate, but remember that the tour runs outdoors and includes several kilometres on foot. Arrive before the start time, since the guide waits no more than 10 minutes.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a guided winter walk with food, lights, and local streets, rather than a formal museum visit. The combination of Orbeliani Square and Bazari makes the route more useful than a simple Christmas-light outing, and the small group keeps it manageable.

I would especially choose it early in your Tbilisi stay. The central route can help you get oriented, while the food hall may point you toward dishes, drinks, and markets you can revisit later.

Skip it if you want a private schedule, dislike cold-weather walking, or plan to spend most of your time shopping independently. For everyone else, $39 is a fair price for a compact, seasonal introduction to Tbilisi, with the added reassurance of a guide such as Oksana who has shown strong care for people in her group.

FAQ

How long does the New Year in Tbilisi tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How far do you walk?

The route covers about 3.5 kilometres, or 2.2 miles, with stops along the way.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at BurberryFreedom Square on Shalva Dadiani Street, Mtawminda 0105, Georgia.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour ends at Rustaveli, 2 Merab Kostava Street, Tbilisi.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Are snacks included?

Yes, snacks are included. Personal expenses, including extra purchases, are not included.

What happens if I arrive late?

The maximum waiting time before the tour starts is 10 minutes. If you arrive later, you need to make a new booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.