Embarking on a New Year's adventure in Georgia is an invitation to a celebration unlike any other. Picture the streets of Tbilisi adorned with fairy lights, an infectious energy filling the air. As the clock strikes midnight, join the locals in Freedom Square, where laughter and joy blend seamlessly. Cafés overflow with warmth, and the cityscape becomes a canvas of celebration. It's not just the turning of a calendar page; it's a vibrant, shared experience that welcomes you with open arms into the heart of the Caucasus. If you're dreaming of a spirited New Year in Georgia 2026, this is where the festivities truly come to life.
Top 8 Cities to Welcome New Year 2026 in Georgia
Away from the city bustle, Georgia's ancient towns and snow-kissed mountains offer a peaceful escape into the fresh year. New Year in Georgia is not just a party event, in fact, it's more than that. From the bustling streets of Tbilisi to the tranquil villages in the Caucasus Mountains, people celebrate the arrival of New Year with centuries-old traditions and scrumptious food, all in a Georgian style. In the UNESCO-listed town of Mtskheta, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral transforms into a fairytale setting as the first snowflakes gently fall. In this blog, we have mentioned the top cities in Georgia to welcome 2026 in a vibrant way. Also, if you are planning to visit Georgia other than this special occasion, consider travelling to this astonishing country between the months of May, June and September due to the best weather conditions.
Here are the top 8 cities to celebrate New Year in Georgia:
- Tbilisi
- Mtskheta
- Bakuriani
- Kutaisi
- Sighnaghi
- Batumi
- Gudauri
- Uplistsikhe
1. Tbilisi - Freedom Square: Vibrant Urban Celebration
Freedom Square pulsates with energy on New Year in Tbilisi 2026. Illuminated by a dazzling array of lights, the square transforms into a lively spectacle where laughter and joy intertwine. St. George's statue oversees the jubilant crowd, and the cascading fountains become part of the spirited New Year celebration in Tbilisi. As the clock strikes midnight, Tbilisi's Freedom Square isn't just a location; it's a vibrant canvas of best nightlife in Georgia with contagious enthusiasm. Join the revelry for a spirited start to the next chapter in the heart of the Caucasus, where the city welcomes the New Year 2026 with open arms.
Location: Dzveli Tbilisi, Kalaki Tbilisi
Popular Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Tbilisi
- Tbilisi Marriott Hotel
- ibis Styles Tbilisi Center
- Hotel Ambassadori
- The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi
Popular Restaurants:
- See360 Restaurant
- Weller
- Organique Josper
- Cafe Daphna Tbilisi
- Shavi Lomi
Major Attractions:
- Narikala Fortress
- Chronicles of Georgia
- Bridge of Peace
- Tbilisi Old Town Wall Ruins
- Mtatsminda Park
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve 2026 Tbilisi: Concerts
- Scheduled to host a concert on January 1st with ensembles like "Shvidkatsa and Datuna Sirbiladze," focusing on unforgettable Georgian melodies.
- Tsiskvili's Theatre: Known for offering extravagant, themed shows. For 2026, the venue has promoted a "Broadway Night" production featuring stellar troupes of actors, singers, and dancers performing excerpts from legendary musicals.
- Bassiani/Khidi/Mtkvarze: These globally recognized clubs typically announce special New Year's Eve lineups featuring local and international techno/house DJs, offering a late-night, intense concert experience.
New Year Events in Tbilisi
- Big Christmas Tree is ceremoniously lit in the middle of December
- Children's performances and costume shows, night, bands perform and electronic music concerts in Tbilisi’s Christmas Village.
- The Village decoration includes Santa's house, concert stages, a Christmas market, food spaces, a photo booth and a children's area for “magic shows”, as well as entertainment performances, fairytale characters, sweets festival that makes it one of the best places to celebrate New Year 2025 in Georgia with family.
- Georgian Santa Claus, Tovlis Babua, "comes down" from Svaneti to Mtatsminda Park with gifts for kids on New Year’s Day.
- Concert performance in Tbilisi. Nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants.
Also Read: Places to visit in Tbilisi: Home to Picturesque Hamlets and Scintillating Mountain Peaks
2. Mtskheta - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Square: Fairytale Landscape
The UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral becomes a fairytale setting for New Year celebrations in Georgia. Dressed in sparkling lights and adorned with the gentle descent of the first snowflakes, the cathedral seems to be one of the best places to visit in Georgia. Ancient stone walls witness a celebration that transcends time, where locals and visitors come together to ring in the New Year amidst the echoes of history. Mtskheta's Svetitskhoveli Cathedral offers not just a celebration but an immersive experience, weaving together the magic of tradition and the allure of a winter wonderland.
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
Popular Hotels:
- Gino Wellness Mtskheta
- Golden Fleece Hotel
- Hotel Queen
- Paragraph Freedom Square
- Tatin
Popular Restaurants:
- Restaurant Check-In Garden
- Tsiskvili in Mtskheta
- Marani Hall
- Armazis Kheoba
- Street Garden Mtskheta
Major Attractions:
- Jvari Monastery
- Pompeus Bridge
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Samtavro's Convent
- Bebristsikhe
3. Bakuriani - Snow-Kissed Wonderland: Cozy Mountain Retreat
Situated in the Caucasus mountains, Bakuriani invites you for a New Year in Georgia 2026 . Blanketed in pristine snow, this charming retreat beckons with pine-covered slopes and cozy retreats. Gather around a crackling bonfire for a cozy evening with family and friends. Bakuriani isn't just a destination; it's an escape into the quiet beauty of winter, where the New Year begins amidst the snug embrace of mountain charm.
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
Popular Hotels:
- Hotel Bakuriani Inn
- Bristol Hotel and Spa Bakuriani
- Hotel Three Penguins
- Snow King Hotel
- Boutique Hotel Shale
Popular Restaurants:
- Mimino
- Restaurant "Georgian Flavor"
- Restaurant USHBA
- Taverna Mari Bakuriani
- MARHABA restaurant
Major Attractions:
- Cultural Heritage Monument Firuza
- Kakhisi Lake
- Central Park
- Borjomi Central Park
- Gogia Fortress
4. Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral Viewpoint: Panoramic Cityscape
Explore Bagrati Cathedral on New Year's Eve in Georgia for a grand celebration. This iconic location offers major countdown 2026 with a view, ascend to the Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi. The city unfolds below like a vibrant tapestry of lights, and the atmosphere is filled with anticipation of the countdown. It's a panoramic setting where every corner offers a glimpse of the festive fervour. Kutaisi's Bagrati Cathedral isn't just an elevated spot; it's a front-row seat to a grand New Year's Eve spectacle, adding a touch of grandeur to the countdown as the city welcomes the dawn of a new beginning.
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
New Year Events in Kutaisi: Fireworks shows, dazzling light shows, and live performances
Popular Hotels:
- Kutaisi Inn
- Grand Opera Hotel
- Park Hotel Kutaisi
- Newport Hotel Kutaisi
- Euro Hotel Kutaisi
Popular Restaurants:
- SESAME
- Museum Bar-Restaurant
- Fleur
- Lilestan
- Palaty
Major Attractions:
- Bagrati Cathedral
- Colchis Fountain
- David Agmashenebeli Square
- Kutaisi State Historical Museum
- Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour
Also Read: Things to do in Kutaisi, Where Tradition Seeps into Modernity
5. Sighnaghi - Wine Country Celebration: Picturesque Vineyard Vibes
In the "City of Love," Sighnaghi, a unique New Year's celebration unfolds amidst the vineyards of Kakheti. This picturesque town, with its cobblestone streets and charming architecture, sets the stage for a cozy and romantic welcome to the New Year in Georgia 2026. Enjoy the aroma of renowned Georgian wines at one of the best restaurants in Georgia. Sighnaghi isn't just a destination; it's a celebration in wine country, where tradition, romance, and the New Year converge in a picturesque setting.
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
Popular Hotels:
- Kabadoni
- Hotel History
- Pirosmani 60
- Guesthouse Favourite
- Zandarashvili Guest House
Popular Restaurants:
- Restaurant Kanudosi
- Terrace Panorama
- Kusika Restaurant & Hotel
- Shio' s Restaurant
- Restaurant Nikala
Major Attractions:
- Sighnaghi Wall
- Sighnaghi Fountain
- Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral
- Alazani Valley Viewpoint
- Cradle of Wine Marani
6. Batumi - Black Sea Extravaganza: Coastal Lights and Breeze
Celebrate Batumi New Year's Eve 2026, where the city lights twinkle in harmony with reflections on the water. The coastal breeze adds a touch of magic to the lively atmosphere and makes it a dynamic destination for welcoming the Batumi New Year 2026. Fireworks burst over the Black Sea, creating a spectacular backdrop to the festivities. Batumi isn't just a coastal city; it's a vibrant showcase of lights, sea and celebration, where New Year's Eve is a dynamic experience and one of the best things to do in Georgia. This time, explore New Year 2026 in Batumi with your favourite people for an incredible experience.
Location: European Square, & Batumi Boulevard
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
Popular Hotels:
- Intourist Palace Hotel & SPA
- Le Méridien Batumi
- Boulevard Hotel Batumi
- Hotel Monarch
- Hotel London 1889
Popular Restaurants:
- Deliria
- Porta Blue Restaurant
- Umami at Clouds
- BERN Batumi Restaurant
- Seven Wan Thai Restaurant
Major Attractions:
- Argo Cable Car
- Ali & Nino Statue
- Batumi Boulevard
- Batumi Botanical Garden
- Batumi Dolphinarium
New Year’s Eve Events in Batumi:
- Europe Square is usually transformed into a festive New Year's Village, running from late December into early January, offering markets, local food stalls and daily free concerts from local bands.
- Batumi hosts a magnificent fireworks display timed to midnight, best viewed from the seaside Boulevard, with the display reflecting over the Black Sea.
- Major hotels like Hilton, Wyndham offer exclusive, lavish Gala Dinners and Supras featuring live music and Georgian folklore performances.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Batumi: The Pearl of the Black Sea
7. Gudauri - Mountain Heights Revelry: Alpine Thrills and Chills
Gudauri, perched in the Greater Caucasus, promises a unique New Year's celebration in Georgia 2026 at high altitudes. When you are in Georgia, travel to Gudauri that offers exciting activities to do as amazing things to do in Tbilisi, the capital of the country. Witness the beautiful mountain adventure and spirited revelry in Gudauri. Imagine a celebration of New Year where the thrill of skiing or snowboarding is complemented by the warmth of a New Year's toast in the alpine heights. Gudauri isn't just a mountain destination; it's an invitation to celebrate amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Greater Caucasus.
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
Popular Hotels:
- Quadrum Ski & Yoga Resort
- Snow House
- Hotel Zemo Aragvi
- Parnas
- Hotel Alpina Gudauri
Popular Restaurants:
- Restaurant Skio
- Restaurant Mgzavrebi
- Restaurant dariali
- Lunch bokx indian restaurant
- BomBora Gudauri
Major Attractions:
- Gudauri View Point
- Around Georgia
- White Rabbit Snow Park
- Viewpoint
- Panorama Gudauri
Suggested Read: Beaches In Georgia: From the Prettiest Sunsets to Therapeutic Sand
8. Uplistsikhe - Ancient City in Georgia
Transport yourself to the ancient town of Uplistsikhe for Georgia’s New Year celebrations steeped in history. Amongst the archaeological wonders of this unique site, each moment becomes a journey through time. On a New Year's Day 2026, with snow dusting the carved rock, you can walk the very paths used by pagan sunworshippers, Silk Road traders and early Christian royalty. Uplistsikhe isn't just a destination; it's a step into the past, where the New Year begins with a historical charm that adds a touch of magic to the present, creating an unforgettable start to the next chapter amidst ancient marvels. If your goal is to begin the new year with awe, perspective, and quiet exploration, the Fortress of the Lord should be your first port of call.
New Year's Eve: Thursday, 31 December 2025
Popular Hotels:
- Guest House Nitsa
- Dzvel Ubanshi
- Royal House
- Chateau Mephis Kalaki
- Old Town
Popular Restaurants:
- Chateau Uplistsikhe
- Kaklebi
- Cafe Cave Town
- Uplistsikhe Cafe
- Erisoni
Major Attractions:
- Gori Fortress
- Uplistsikhe Museum-Reserve
- Stalin Museum
- The Church of Prince
- Rkon Monastery Bell Tower
Suggested Read: Restaurants in Tbilisi: Feel the Joy of Mouthwatering Food
Special New Year Events for 2026 in Georgia: From Fireworks to Festivities, It's Georgia's Time to Shine
Celebrate the New Year in Georgia 2026 with special events that capture the essence of joy and tradition. From citywide concerts to candlelit processions, coastal fireworks, historic bell ringing, and torchlit descents in the mountains, each event adds a unique flavor to the festive atmosphere, inviting locals and visitors to ring in the New Year with unforgettable experiences.
1. Mtskheta Candlelit Procession
Witness the beautiful candlelit procession in Mtskheta, where locals and visitors walk to the Jvari Monastery carrying candles, symbolizing the transition into the New Year.
2. Batumi Seafront Fireworks
Batumi's Seafront hosts a dazzling firework display that reflects over the Black Sea, creating a mesmerizing spectacle to mark the beginning of the New Year.
3. Kutaisi Bagrati Cathedral Bell Ringing
Experience the historic tradition of bell ringing at the Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi, signaling the arrival of the New Year with a resonance of joy.
4. Gudauri Torchlight Descent
Join the Torchlight Descent in Gudauri during celebration of New Year 2026 in Georgia. Watch the skiers and snowboarders descend the mountain slopes with torches, painting the night with a cascade of light.
5. Tbilisi New Year's Concert
Attend the grand New Year's concert in Tbilisi, where live performances and music echo through the city streets, creating a festive ambiance.
As the clock strikes midnight and echoes of laughter fill the air, celebrating New Year in Georgia 2026 isn't just a moment; it's a melody of traditions, festivities, and unforgettable moments. From the enchanting streets of Tbilisi to the historic charm of Mtskheta and the coastal allure of Batumi, Georgia welcomes you to embrace the New Year with unique experiences. In this spirited land, each celebration becomes a timeless memory, inviting travelers to be part of Georgia's warm embrace and start the year with the promise of new adventures and cherished memories. Discover the magic, feel the joy, and let the spirit of Georgia accompany you into the New Year and beyond with one of our best Georgia tour packages.
New Year in Georgia 2026 - FAQ's
Georgia's New Year celebrations blend ancient traditions with modern festivities, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Celebrating new year in Georgia is always an experience of a lifetime.
As a primary ritual, Georgians often take part in candlelit processions. Georgia's New Year's Eve celebrations also include fireworks, bell ringing and special toasts. So, if you're in Georgia for New Year 2026, make the most of it.
Visit the following cities for the lively New Year celebrations 2026 in Georgia:
- Tbilisi
- Mtskheta
- Batumi
- Kutaisi
- Gudauri
Here, you can a variety of fun activities to make your celebrations special and memorable, including:
- Watching fireworks displays at iconic locations
- Spending a memorable evening near Narikala Fortress
- Live music performances with loads of food and drinks
- Strolling through Peace Bridge
Although the candlelit procession in Mtskheta is a communal event but it is open to locals Georgians and visitors alike. If you like, take part in the celebration with the locals to know more about the culture.
There are many different traditions connected with the New Year celebrations around the world. Similarly, the bell ringing symbolizes the transition into the New Year and is a historic tradition celebrated with joy.
Classic Georgian delicacies, such as khachapuri and Khinkali are frequently served on the tables during New Year in Georgia.
Georgia entices guests of all ages with its numerous sights and activities. There are also numerous family-friendly events on New Year's Eve, such as citywide concerts, fireworks displays and family-friendly picnics.
