1. Why do Georgians celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January?
Georgia is one of the few countries that celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January instead of the 25th of December, because it follows the Julian calendar, let's dive deeper and find out why. The difference between the Julian (old) calendar and Gregorian (new) calendar is 13 days, the Julian calendar miscalculated the length of a solar year by about 11 minutes, which accumulated into 10 days by the year 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII fixed the issue and came out with new, Gregorian calendar which was not followed by the orthodox counties, including Georgia.
Therefore, 25th of December a normal working day in Georgia.
2. Christmas Traditions in Georgia – Alilo
One of the most magical Christmas traditions is Alilo a massive festive parade where thousands of people, dressed as angels and shepherds, march through the streets singing ancient polyphonic carols. Participants carry Georgian flags and baskets to collect food, sweets, and donations, which are later distributed to orphans and those in need. Families also display a Chichilaki, a traditional "tree" made of shaved hazelnut branches. The holiday concludes with a midnight liturgy, after which families return home to break their fast with a feast of Satsivi and Guruli Gvezeli.
3. Christmas Sufra with all of its beauty
The Georgian Christmas table is a long-awaited celebration of the end of the 40 day religious fast. The star of the table is Satsivi, a rich, aromatic cold walnut sauce served with turkey or chicken that takes hours of careful preparation. Alongside it, in western Georgia, you’ll find Guruli Gvezeli, a special pastry stuffed with cheese and smashed boiled eggs, traditional to the Guria region. For dessert, families share Gozinaki, a crunchy honey and walnut dessert and Churchkhela, nuts dipped in thickened grape juice. All of this delicious food is shared with family members, along with the traditional Georgian wine and toasts.
4. The candle in the window
On Christmas Eve, January 6th, in the evening, Georgians place a lit candle in their windows. This beautiful tradition is meant to "guide the light of Christ" into the home and serves as a public invitation for the Savior to enter their hearts and families. If you walk through a neighborhood like Sololaki in Tbilisi, you will see hundreds of lit candles in the old wooden windows, which is incredibly atmospheric.
Christmas in Georgia is more than just a date on a calendar; it is a blend of ancient faith, polyphonic songs, and a table that never seems to end. Whether it’s the glow of a window candle or the shared taste of Gozinaki, the season reminds us that the best traditions are the ones that bring us together. If you ever find yourself in the Caucasus in January, pull up a chair there is always a place for you at the Georgian Supra.