Christmas lights, warm snacks, and a short walk. This New Year in Tbilisi experience strings together Liberty Square views, the Orbeliani Christmas bazaar, and festive street lighting along Rustaveli Avenue, all in a relaxed, guided route. I like how it balances big-picture landmarks with food and craft shopping, and you’ll also get snacks along the way. One possible consideration: it’s still a winter walk, so plan for cold air and occasional rain or snow.

I especially appreciate the human touch from the guide. In one recent run during December, guide Oksana kept everyone safe when protests were happening and stayed with the group until they could get a cab back. The group stays small (max 10), and the tour runs in English, which makes the whole thing feel easy to follow without rushing.

You’ll cover about 3.5 km over roughly 3 hours with short stops, and the guide does not use voice amplifiers—so you’ll want to stay close if you’re near the back. The meeting point is at BurberryFreedom Square, and the tour ends near Rustaveli on Merab Kostava St.

Key things to know before you go

• Liberty Square start: St George’s Column and New Year decorations set the mood right away
• Orbeliani Square bazaar: mulled wine, handmade gifts, local snacks, and a chance of live music
• Bazari Orbeliani food mall: Georgian flavors in a repurposed Soviet-era market setting
• Rustaveli Avenue at night: holiday lighting, Georgia’s Santa Claus Tovlis Papa, and the main New Year tree
• Small group pacing: up to 10 people, with about 2.2 miles of walking total
• No voice amplifiers: helpful if you’re okay keeping close for clear explanations

Liberty Square: where the New Year look begins

Your walk kicks off at Liberty Square, right in the center of Tbilisi. This is the kind of place where you instantly know you’re in holiday season: the area around St George’s Column is lit up with decorations, and the square has that mix of locals taking photos and visitors trying to get the angle just right.

You’re there for about 15 minutes, which is perfect for a first reset. You don’t get stuck in a long intro speech. You get to look, take photos, and start orienting yourself for the rest of the route.

What I like here is the way the tour uses a landmark first. Even if you only have a short stay in Tbilisi, you’ll feel your bearings fast. And because it’s right at the start, you’re not spending the coldest part of the day searching for where to be.

One practical note: you’ll likely be outside at the start. Winter in Tbilisi can mean chilly fingers and toes, so wear layers you can adjust as the pace picks up.

Orbeliani Square: the Christmas market atmosphere you actually want

Orbeliani Square is the heart of the area’s Christmas bazaar. This stop lasts about 50 minutes, and it’s set up for browsing without pressure. You’ll see cosy kiosks selling things like hot mulled wine, handmade gifts, and local snacks—simple pleasures that feel very much like how people celebrate right now, not just how we imagine they might.

There’s also a sense of grandeur nearby. The President’s Palace area is decorated for the season, which creates a nice contrast: festive stalls in front, impressive buildings behind. Add in the 19th-century architectural character of the Orbeliani district, and you get a European-leaning look that’s different from the newer modern streets.

And yes, you might catch live music. That matters more than it sounds. When there’s even one small performer adding sound to the square, it turns an ordinary market walk into a full-on holiday scene.

The best part for most people is the time you get here. With nearly an hour, you can slow down for a snack and browse without worrying you’ll miss the next stop. If you’re the type who likes to take your time with seasonal food and gift shops, this is your main moment.

Bazari Orbeliani: Soviet-era bones, Georgian food soul

Next you head to Bazari Orbeliani. This is where the tour turns from Christmas shopping to eating and people-watching. The stop runs about 45 minutes, and the setting is part of the charm: it used to be a Soviet-era bazaar and has been transformed into Tbilisi’s largest food mall.

This kind of stop is great because it helps you understand Georgian food without needing a formal restaurant reservation. You’ll find a mix of quick bites, local delicacies, and Georgian wine, along with lemonade-type drinks that keep things refreshing after cold outdoor walking. There are also craft shops mixed in, including handmade items, spices, and other local goodies.

If you want to shop for ingredients to bring home flavor, this is the kind of place that works. You can sample, compare, and pick what you like rather than guessing from a menu you can’t pronounce. And because you’ll have other stops later, you don’t need to eat like it’s your only meal of the day. Think of it as a chance to try a few Georgian favorites and then keep your energy for the final stretch.

The tradeoff is simple: food malls are lively, and it can get crowded around popular counters. If you prefer quiet, you may feel a little boxed in. But for most people, the buzz is the point.

Rustaveli Avenue: lights, Tovlis Papa, and the big tree

Rustaveli Avenue is Tbilisi’s main street, and during the festive season it turns into a lighting show. This stop is about 35 minutes, and the tour uses it for what street-lighting is best for: photos, atmosphere, and that pre-New Year feeling you can’t easily recreate later.

The entire avenue is illuminated with sparkling decorations on historic facades, so even if you’re not a photo person, you’ll likely find yourself looking up. Near the parliament building area, you’ll see the main New Year tree. That’s the centerpiece moment of this section.

Also, Georgia’s Santa Claus is there—locally called Tovlis Papa. Meeting the local version of a familiar character is more fun than you might expect. It gives the holiday scene a local identity instead of feeling like generic decorations.

One more reason this stop works well in a group: the guide can point you toward the spots where the lighting looks best and where the crowd flow makes sense. With no amplifiers, it’s also easier to get the details if you position yourself where you can hear over ambient street sound.

Why Oksana’s guide style changes the whole tour

The best walking tours aren’t just routes—they’re people. This one has a reputation for strong, patient guiding, and Oksana stands out in the stories connected to the experience.

What matters most is not fancy wording; it’s behavior. In the example shared from a December date when protests were happening, Oksana focused on keeping everyone safe and stayed with the group until they got back to their hotel by cab. That tells you the tour isn’t run on autopilot.

That same practical, calm approach usually shows up in the basics:

• You get clear guidance on where to stand and what to notice.
• The pacing stays manageable for winter walking.
• You’re not left guessing how long you have at each stop.

Since the tour is limited to 10 travelers, you should feel like more than a number. Smaller groups also help when you’re navigating busy streets with holiday crowds.

If you’re someone who values safety and calm explanations over constant rush, this is a big part of the value.

Price check: is $39 good value in Tbilisi?

At $39 per person for about 3 hours, the pricing makes sense if you look at what’s actually included. You get an English-speaking guide, a route with multiple major holiday stops, and snacks during the walk. On top of that, each of the listed stops has free admission for your time in the area, so you’re not paying extra entry fees just to look around.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which is a small thing, but it matters when you’re moving in winter and don’t want to deal with paper documents.

What you should budget for separately is mostly personal spending: extra food, drinks, and souvenirs. The tour itself gives you a base experience with snacks, then lets you choose how much to add.

Group discounts are mentioned too, so if you’re traveling with friends or family, it can make the cost even easier to justify. And with a maximum group size of 10, you’re generally paying for guidance rather than just being dropped off at locations.

In plain terms: if you want a structured holiday walk without the work of planning every stop, $39 feels fair—especially for a first-time visit.

Timing, weather, and walking comfort in winter

This tour is built around short stops and steady walking. The total route is about 3.5 km (roughly 2.2 miles), and you’ll be outside for most of the experience. Winter here can mean cold temperatures, and there’s a chance of rain or snow.

Bring what you’d bring for a normal winter walk:

• Warm layers and a hat you trust
• Comfortable shoes with grip
• A small bottle of water (it’s suggested)
• Some cash for incidental expenses

There’s also a logistics detail you should respect: the maximum waiting time before the tour starts is 10 minutes. If you’re late, you may need to book a new slot. That’s not a small detail in cold weather—plan to arrive early, especially if you’re figuring out the meeting point.

Finally, the guide does not use voice amplifiers. If you’re near the back, you might miss bits of explanation. The simple fix is to stay close so you can hear without straining.

Where the tour really fits (and where it doesn’t)

This experience is best for you if:

• You want an easy introduction to New Year sights across multiple areas
• You like festive markets and want time to browse
• You enjoy Georgian food and want a guided path to it
• You’re comfortable walking in winter conditions

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate walking 2+ miles in cold weather
• Need quiet, low-crowd settings
• Want a fully indoor experience only (this one is mostly outdoors)

If protests or street disruption happen during your visit, this type of guided, small-group approach can be reassuring. The example connected to Oksana suggests the guide pays attention and responds in real time.

Meeting points and route flow: BurberryFreedom Square to Rustaveli

You start at BurberryFreedom Square on Shalva Dadiani Street in Mtawminda (0105), Georgia. The tour ends near Rustaveli on Merab Kostava Street in Tbilisi.

The flow matters. You begin with a central landmark, then move into the Christmas market district, transition to a food-focused stop, and finish on Tbilisi’s main holiday street for the lights and tree. That order keeps the energy building rather than feeling back-and-forth.

Also, the tour is near public transportation. So if you want to extend your night after the finish, it’s usually practical to get around.

Should you book New Year in Tbilisi, Christmas Market, and food stops?

Yes—if your goal is a guided holiday sampler that shows you the key sights plus real Georgian food culture without heavy planning. The best reason to book is the combination of:

• Clear structure across four meaningful stops
• A small group size that keeps it manageable
• Strong guide behavior, including Oksana’s calm, safety-first style
• A fair price with snacks included

Skip or consider something else if your winter tolerance for outdoor walking is low, or if you want long, detailed time inside museums and churches rather than market-and-street holiday scenes.

If you only have a short window in Tbilisi during Christmas season, this tour is the kind of plan that gives you a full-feeling evening fast—without turning your trip into a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the New Year in Tbilisi Christmas market walking tour?

It runs for about 3 hours (approximately).

How far do you walk during the tour?

The walking route is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles), with stops along the way.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Admission tickets for the listed stops are free.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks are included. Personal expenses are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at BurberryFreedom Square on Shalva Dadiani Street. It ends near Rustaveli on Merab Kostava St.

How many people are in each group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What should I expect for weather and clothing?

Expect cold winter weather, with a chance of rain or snow. Bring warm layers.

Does the guide use voice amplifiers?

No, the guide does not use voice amplifiers, so staying close helps you hear better.