Georgian Orthodox Christmas falls on Thursday 7 January 2027, under the Julian calendar. The Alilo procession takes place that day, and the night liturgy is held on the night of 6 to 7 January. No 2027 start time has been published: in 2026, the procession set off at 2 pm from Republic Square.
Checked on against the official sources cited (georgia.travel, National Library of Georgia, diplomatie.gouv.fr).
In Georgia, Christmas is not celebrated on 25 December. The Georgian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, and the feast falls on 7 January. In 2027, it will be a Thursday. The Alilo procession takes place on Christmas Day; its 2027 route has not been published.
1. Georgian Christmas: Thursday 7 January 2027
7 January, under the Julian calendar
Georgian Christmas falls on Thursday 7 January 2027. The date comes from the Julian calendar, which the Georgian Orthodox Church uses to set Christmas. The National Library of Georgia lists 7 January as Christmas and 19 January as Epiphany, in its list of public holidays. The civil New Year falls on 1 and 2 January, so the celebrations unfold in two stages.
Highlights
- Christmas on 7 January, under the Julian calendar (NPLG, georgia.travel).
- Night liturgy on the night of 6 to 7 January (Eat This Tours, Advantour).
- Alilo procession on Christmas Day (georgia.travel).
- A 13-day gap with the Gregorian calendar, until 2100 (calculation).
To explore the city with a guide, the tour below is a general overview of Tbilisi’s main highlights; its title mentions the old city and Sameba.
The Julian calendar creates a gap with the Gregorian calendar used in the UK, the US and most of the world: 13 days until 2100, 14 days after that. Christmas is therefore not a shifted 25 December but a feast in its own right, with its own liturgy. The 2025-2026 Christmas market ran on Republic Square from 12 December to 7 January (search results, to be confirmed on site). The 2026-2027 programme was not published when this was written.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 6 January 2027 | Eve: night liturgy in churches, from the night of 6 to 7 |
| Thursday 7 January 2027 | Georgian Christmas; Alilo, the Christmas Day procession |
| Tuesday 19 January 2027 | Epiphany, listed in the public holidays calendar |
Source: National Library of Georgia, public holidays; night liturgy per Eat This Tours and Advantour; Alilo per georgia.travel. Checked on 25 October 2026.
2. The Alilo: the Christmas Day procession
A sung procession that collects donations
The Alilo is a religious procession held on Christmas Day. Groups of worshippers sing hymns, carry lamps and candles, and collect donations for people in need. The official georgia.travel portal links the tradition to late antiquity, between the 5th and 6th centuries, and derives its name from « Alleluia ».
Highlights
- Hymns, lamps and candles (georgia.travel, Advantour).
- Food handed out before the start and donations collected (GeorgiaToday, Caucasian Knot).
- A collective walk, starting from Republic Square (2026 edition).
The procession has not been continuous. According to georgia.travel, it was interrupted during the Soviet period, for roughly 70 years. Several secondary sources place its revival in the early 2000s; that date does not appear on the official portal, so we only keep « the early 2000s ». According to GeorgiaToday and Caucasian Knot, it resumed in 2023, after interruptions in 2021 and 2022, and it took place in 2026.
In 2026, the procession set off at 2 pm from Republic Square, followed Rustaveli Avenue and Baratashvili Rise, then joined the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Caucasian Knot, 7 January 2026; GeorgiaToday, 8 January 2026). The Chairman of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, and the First Lady, Tamar Bagrationi, attended, according to GeorgiaToday. Donation collection points are debated in the press; the sources do not agree on this point, and we do not settle it.
The table below separates what is known about the 2026 edition from what has not been published for 2027. Do not book a start time based on 2026.
| Element | 2026 edition | 2027 edition |
|---|---|---|
| Day | Christmas Day (7 January) | Thursday 7 January, by Julian calendar calculation |
| Start time | 2 pm (Caucasian Knot); « about 1 pm » according to Eat This Tours | Not published |
| Starting point | Republic Square | Not published |
| Route | Rustaveli Avenue, Baratashvili Rise, Holy Trinity Cathedral | Not published |
| Donations | Food distributed, donations collected | Not published |
Source: Caucasian Knot, 7 January 2026; GeorgiaToday, 8 January 2026; Eat This Tours, checked on 25 October 2026.
3. The night liturgy and Sameba Cathedral
Sameba, the night of 6 to 7 January
The night liturgy is held in Tbilisi’s churches on the night of 6 to 7 January. According to Eat This Tours and Advantour, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Sameba, is the most crowded church for this service. It is a service held indoors, not a procession. No source gives a 2027 time for this liturgy.
Highlights
- Sameba sits on Elia Hill, above the centre.
- Scarves are often provided at the entrance (madloba.info).
In churches, women must have their heads covered, and their shoulders and knees covered. This rule is reported by madloba.info, which cites the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA). For men, the guidance is modest dress; the source we read does not specify trouser length.
Sameba is listed as open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, with free entry, by georgianholidays.com, an unofficial tour operator. No official source confirms these hours for 2027, and the night service hours are not those of the daytime visit. Check on site.
| Criterion | Value found | Source status |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting hours | 9 am to 7 pm, every day | Unofficial operator (georgianholidays.com), check on site |
| Entry | Free | Unofficial operator, check on site |
| Women’s dress | Head, shoulders and knees covered | Cited from the GNTA by madloba.info |
| Scarves | Often available at the entrance | madloba.info, check on site |
| Night liturgy | Night of 6 to 7 January | Confirmed by Eat This Tours and Advantour |
Source: Georgian Holidays, Holy Trinity Cathedral; Madloba, what to wear in Georgia, checked 25 October 2026.
4. Getting there, from the airport to the centre and getting around
Direct flights from Paris-CDG to Tbilisi are announced by Air France, Georgian Airways and Air Dilijans (search results, timetables not verified). No 2027 timetable had been found on the verification date, and we do not give prices: compare when you book.
From Tbilisi International Airport, fares differ between sources. InYourPocket lists bus 37 at 0.50 GEL, payable in coins, and a taxi at 20 to 25 GEL. Sakhva, checked in May 2026, gives 1 GEL for the bus, 30 to 40 GEL for a taxi and 25 to 35 GEL with Bolt. Plan on 20 to 40 GEL for a taxi, and confirm the price in the app before getting in.
| Option | InYourPocket (date not visible) | Sakhva (May 2026) | What to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 37 | 0.50 GEL, in coins | 1 GEL | Carry coins; 30 to 40 min according to InYourPocket, 40 to 60 min according to Sakhva (to Freedom Square) |
| Taxi | 20 to 25 GEL | 30 to 40 GEL | Range to plan: 20 to 40 GEL |
| Bolt | Not stated | 25 to 35 GEL | Ride-hailing app, preferable to a street taxi |
| Train | 0.50 GEL; 2 trains a day (8:40 am and 6:05 pm), 35 minutes to the central station | Not stated | Very few departures: do not plan it as your only option |
Source: InYourPocket, Tbilisi International Airport (date not visible); Sakhva Travel, Tbilisi prices 2026, checked 25 October 2026.
In the city, the metro costs 1 GEL per ride according to Sakhva (May 2026). The rechargeable card requires a deposit of 2 to 5 GEL, depending on the source. The bus, the metro and taxis booked through an app cover most needs.
If you travel alone, the Canadian government recommends using reputable taxi apps and sitting in the back of the vehicle. It reports cases of harassment and sexual assault targeting women travelling alone (voyage.gc.ca, updated 27 August 2026).
5. January weather in Tbilisi
The averages below come from a reconstruction based on 1980 to 2016 data: they are trends, not forecasts for 7 January 2027.
| Indicator | Value | What it means for your stay |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | About 8 °C | Cool day, comfortable on foot |
| Average daily low | About -1 °C | Cold night for the liturgy: layers and gloves |
| Lowest daily minimum | About -2 °C, around 24 January | Outside the 5 to 10 January window, but useful for comparison |
| Days with snow | About 2% of days (0.6 day out of 31) | Snow stays rare in the city |
| Total rainfall for the month | About 8 mm | A light umbrella is enough |
Source: WeatherSpark, winter in Tbilisi, 1980-2016 data, checked 25 October 2026.
For footwear, choose a grippy sole: black ice is possible when temperatures hover around zero.
6. Budget for a stay from 5 to 10 January
The prices below are those recorded by Sakhva in May 2026. They are benchmarks, not guaranteed prices for January 2027. Convert at the day’s rate: the EUR-GEL rate was about 3.00 to 3.04 in spring-summer 2026 (search result), to be confirmed with the National Bank of Georgia.
| Item | Range recorded | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Metro ride | 1 GEL | Card deposit: 2 to 5 GEL depending on the source |
| Street taxi, centre | 10 to 20 GEL | Short ride in the centre |
| Bolt, centre | 4 to 8 GEL | Ride-hailing app |
| Dormitory bed | 25 to 40 GEL, per bed | Cheapest option recorded |
| Private guesthouse | 60 to 100 GEL, per room | Cheapest private room recorded; pricing basis to be confirmed |
| 3-star hotel | 120 to 200 GEL | Historic centre |
| 4-5 star hotel | 300 to 700 GEL | Top end |
| Mtskheta monasteries tour | From 120 GEL per person | Commercial rate, compare |
| Local SIM card | 5 to 10 GEL | Physical SIM, not an eSIM |
Source: Sakhva Travel, Tbilisi prices 2026, recorded May 2026 and checked 25 October 2026.
The dormitory bed (25 to 40 GEL) is the cheapest option recorded, and the private guesthouse (60 to 100 GEL) the cheapest private room. If this rate is per night (to be confirmed, Sakhva basis), a guesthouse room for five nights comes to 300 to 500 GEL. None of our sources gives an accommodation price for January 2027.
Benchmarks for a stay: metro at 1 GEL a ride, airport taxi between 20 and 40 GEL, dormitory from 25 GEL, Mtskheta excursion from 120 GEL per person. The flight is not priced here.
7. Protests, insurance, entry: what to check
Protests have taken place almost daily in Tbilisi since 28 November 2024. Taking part in a road blockade is punishable by a fine of 5,000 GEL, or up to 14 days of administrative detention; in case of a repeat criminal offence, the sentence can go up to one year (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, diplomatie.gouv.fr, updated 10 September 2026). Avoid gatherings.
Canada advises « a high degree of caution » in Tbilisi, because of protests and clashes. It advises against Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the 5 km zone around the dividing lines, except the E60 road (voyage.gc.ca, 27 August 2026). The UK advises against South Ossetia, Abkhazia and areas near the dividing lines (FCDO, 15 September 2026; partial extract read).
At the border, photographs may be analysed by facial recognition, and entry may be refused (diplomatie.gouv.fr).
Health and accident insurance has been compulsory to enter Georgia since 1 January 2026. The minimum is 30,000 GEL, and the policy must be written in English or Georgian (diplomatie.gouv.fr, 10 September 2026). Check this specific point in any travel insurance offer.
We do not give a visa-free stay length: the sources consulted contradict each other. The FCDO flags an ongoing review of visa rules (15 September 2026). Check evisa.gov.ge and the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking, then again the week of departure.
8. A typical stay from 5 to 10 January
A six-day window lets you attend the night liturgy and the Alilo without rushing. The plan below is a suggestion, to adapt to the timetable published on site.
Tuesday 5 January. Arrival, settling in and a first walk around the centre. Locate Republic Square so you do not have to look for it on the 7th.
Wednesday 6 January, the eve. In the late afternoon, step into a church for the night liturgy. Sameba is the most crowded according to Eat This Tours and Advantour: arrive early, with a scarf on your shoulders.
Thursday 7 January, Christmas Day. Some shops may close (Eat This Tours): do your shopping the day before. The official portal describes the Alilo as a morning tradition, while the 2026 press has the procession setting off at 2 pm from Republic Square. The 2027 time is not published: check on site.
Friday 8 January. Half a day in Mtskheta, the former capital, about 25 km from Tbilisi. According to Sakhva, the trip takes about 45 minutes by marshrutka from Didube, for 1 to 2 GEL; this fare and frequency should be reconfirmed on site.
Saturday 9 January. Free day, for a museum visit or the old town.
Sunday 10 January. Departure. The airport train only runs twice a day, at 8:40 am and 6:05 pm according to InYourPocket: if you leave early, take the bus or a taxi.
9. By traveller type, and mistakes to avoid
First visit. Focus on the night liturgy and the procession, two distinct moments. Keep a spare day for the old town and Mtskheta.
For a couple. The private guesthouse is the cheapest private room recorded (60 to 100 GEL, see section 6).
On a tight budget. Bus 37, the 1 GEL metro and a dormitory bed (25 to 40 GEL) cover the essentials. Excursions from 120 GEL per person are the costliest spend.
For a family. Our sources do not document children taking part in the procession: we give no advice on this point.
For reduced mobility. None of our sources describes the accessibility of Sameba, Republic Square or the route. Check with the parishes or the tourist office.
Mistakes to avoid
- Booking a procession ticket based on the 2026 start time: the 2027 time is not published.
- Confusing the eve (night liturgy) with Christmas Day (Alilo).
- Turning up at churches without a scarf or suitable covering for women.
- Thinking insurance is « recommended »: it is compulsory and must reach 30,000 GEL.
- Carrying only 20 GEL notes for bus 37, which takes coins according to InYourPocket.
What other guides don’t tell you
Three points, taken from official pages, are missing from most of the guides we read or are presented inaccurately in them.
- The Alilo takes place on Christmas Day, not the day before. Source: georgia.travel (consulted 25 October 2026).
- Health and accident insurance is compulsory to enter, 30,000 GEL minimum. Source: diplomatie.gouv.fr (updated 10 September 2026, consulted 25 October 2026).
- Blocking a road during a protest costs 5,000 GEL. Source: diplomatie.gouv.fr (consulted 25 October 2026).
Practical info: phone and connection
An eSIM saves you from hunting for a SIM card at the airport. eSIM prices vary by source: compare the bundle and its validity on the operator’s site before you buy.
Price varies by bundle length, shown at checkoutFrequently asked questions
When is Orthodox Christmas in Georgia in 2027?
Thursday 7 January 2027, under the Julian calendar (National Library of Georgia; see section 1).
What is the Alilo?
A sung procession on Christmas Day that collects donations for people in need (section 2).
Is the Alilo held on Christmas Eve?
No: the Alilo takes place on 7 January, and the night liturgy is held on the night of 6 to 7 January (sections 2 and 3).
Where does the Alilo procession start and end in Tbilisi?
In 2026, it set off from Republic Square and joined Sameba. The 2027 route is not published (section 2).
Do women need to cover their heads to enter Sameba?
Yes, for women: head, shoulders and knees covered, according to the GNTA cited by Madloba (section 3).
What are Sameba’s opening hours?
An unofficial operator lists 9 am to 7 pm, with free entry. No official source confirms this for 2027 (section 3).
Is it cold in Tbilisi in January?
An average daily high of about 8 °C and an average low of about -1 °C, based on 1980-2016 data: these are not forecasts (section 5).
How do I get from the airport to central Tbilisi?
Bus 37, a taxi (20 to 40 GEL depending on the source) or Bolt. The train only runs twice a day (section 4).
Do I need insurance to go to Georgia?
Yes, compulsory since 1 January 2026, with a 30,000 GEL minimum (section 7).
Do protests disrupt the holiday period?
They have been almost daily since November 2024. Blocking a road carries a 5,000 GEL fine (section 7).
Sources
- georgia.travel, The Alilo: official Georgian tourism portal, origin, name and procession day (consulted 25 October 2026).
- National Library of Georgia, public holidays: dates of New Year, Christmas and Epiphany (consulted 25 October 2026).
- French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Georgia: protests, compulsory insurance, facial recognition (updated 10 September 2026).
- Government of Canada, Georgia: caution level in Tbilisi, areas to avoid, women travelling alone (updated 27 August 2026).
- FCDO, Foreign travel advice: Georgia: areas to avoid and review of visa rules (updated 15 September 2026, partial extract read).
- Caucasian Knot, Traditional Alilo Christmas procession: 2 pm start, route and donations in the 2026 edition (7 January 2026).
- GeorgiaToday, Traditional Alilo Christmas procession held in Tbilisi: 2026 route, donations and official attendance (8 January 2026).
- Eat This Tours, Christmas in Tbilisi: night liturgy, Sameba, arrival tips, shop closures.
- Advantour, Christmas in Georgia: night liturgy in churches.
- Madloba, What to wear in Georgia: dress in churches, citing the GNTA.
- Georgian Holidays, Holy Trinity Cathedral: hours and entry (unofficial operator).
- InYourPocket, Tbilisi International Airport: bus 37, taxi, train (date not visible).
- Sakhva Travel, Tbilisi prices 2026: prices recorded in May 2026.
- WeatherSpark, Average Winter Weather in Tbilisi: 1980-2016 climate averages.
- Georgian e-visa portal and Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: entry formalities, to check before departure.
The dates, times and prices cited are dated from when they were consulted (25 October 2026) or recorded (May 2026). They are benchmarks, not guaranteed prices or timetables for January 2027.
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