Things to Do in Tbilisi in December

December Weather in Tbilisi

8°C (46°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

New Year's Eve celebrations transform the city - Rustaveli Avenue hosts massive street parties with live music until 3am, and locals gather at Freedom Square for fireworks at midnight with mulled wine vendors throughout Old Town
Winter spa season peaks with sulfur baths at their most therapeutic - Abanotubani's natural hot springs feel incredible in 1°C (34°F) weather, with private bath sessions costing 15-25 GEL ($5-9) and staying open until midnight
Georgian winter feast season brings churchkhela vendors to every corner and restaurants serve their richest khachapuri varieties - lobio (bean stew) and mtsvadi (grilled meat) are prepared specifically for cold weather
Accommodation prices drop 40-60% from summer peaks - boutique hotels in Old Town average 80-120 GEL ($28-42) per night compared to 200+ GEL in July, with many offering complimentary wine tastings

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 9 hours 15 minutes - sun rises at 8:15am and sets by 5:30pm, limiting sightseeing time and making evening activities start much earlier than other seasons
Cable car to Narikala Fortress closes frequently due to wind and ice conditions - operates only 60% of December days, forcing visitors to make the steep 500m (0.3 mile) uphill walk in cold weather
Many rooftop bars and outdoor terraces shut down completely - popular summer venues like Fabrika's rooftop and riverside cafés along Mtkvari close their outdoor sections until March

Best Activities in December

Old Town Winter Walking Tours

December's cold weather makes Tbilisi's covered passages and underground wine cellars perfect for exploration. The sulfur district's steam creates dramatic winter atmosphere, and fewer crowds mean better photos at Narikala and Sioni Cathedral. Morning tours (10am-1pm) capture the best light during short winter days.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed guides offering indoor components. Tours typically cost 30-50 GEL ($10-18) per person and include wine cellar visits. Look for guides who provide hot tea breaks and indoor cultural sites. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Sulfur Bath Experiences

Winter transforms Abanotubani into Tbilisi's most essential experience. The 37°C (98°F) natural springs provide perfect contrast to December's chill. Private bath houses offer 2-4 hour sessions with traditional scrubbing services. Best visited 2-5pm when afternoon light filters through historic domed buildings.

Booking Tip: Reserve private baths 24-48 hours ahead, especially weekends. Prices range 40-80 GEL ($14-28) for 2-hour private sessions including scrub service. Choose baths with English-speaking attendants for first-time visitors. Current availability shown in booking section below.

Georgian Wine Cellar Tours

December wine harvesting season ends, making this ideal for tasting aged wines in traditional qvevri clay vessels. Cellar temperatures stay constant 12-14°C (54-57°F) providing warm refuge. Local wineries in Kakheti region offer winter-specific tastings with preserved foods and churchkhela sweets.

Booking Tip: Book full-day Kakheti region tours 7-10 days ahead, typically 120-180 GEL ($42-63) including transport and 4-5 winery visits. Look for tours including traditional Georgian feast (supra) and heated transportation. Winter roads require 4WD vehicles - confirm with operators.

Cooking Classes with Winter Specialties

Georgian winter cuisine reaches peak season in December with khinkali (soup dumplings), lobio (spiced beans), and mtsvadi preparation. Indoor cooking experiences provide warm cultural immersion during cold days. Classes include visits to Dezerter Bazaar for seasonal ingredients like preserved vegetables and winter spices.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-5 days ahead for classes including market visits and 3-4 dish preparation. Sessions typically last 4-5 hours costing 80-120 GEL ($28-42) per person with meals included. Choose classes offering wine pairings with each dish. Current cooking experiences available in booking section below.

Mountain Day Trips to Kazbegi

December snow transforms Kazbegi into winter wonderland with Gergeti Trinity Church dramatically framed against snow-capped Mount Kazbek at 5,047m (16,558 ft). Clear winter air provides stunning Caucasus mountain views impossible during summer haze. 4WD vehicles required for final 6km (3.7 mile) ascent.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead for winter mountain tours including proper vehicles and warm clothing rental. Full-day trips cost 150-220 GEL ($52-77) per person with lunch in mountain guesthouse. Verify tour includes chains/winter tires and operates in snow conditions. See mountain tour options in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

December's limited daylight makes museums and galleries essential. National Museum's treasury collection, Georgian National Opera performances, and traditional polyphonic singing concerts provide warm cultural immersion. Evening performances start early (6-7pm) accommodating shorter days.

Booking Tip: Book opera and concert tickets 1-2 weeks ahead through official venues. Museum entries cost 15-25 GEL ($5-9) with English audioguides available. Look for combined tickets covering multiple cultural sites. Winter evening performances offer traditional Georgian entertainment perfect for cold nights.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Tbilisoba Winter Festival

Annual celebration of Tbilisi featuring traditional Georgian music, dance, and winter food specialties throughout Old Town. Local artisans sell handmade crafts, and restaurants offer special winter menus with mulled wine and seasonal sweets.

December 31

New Year's Eve Street Celebrations

Rustaveli Avenue transforms into massive outdoor party with live music stages, food vendors, and midnight fireworks at Freedom Square. Locals dress warmly and celebrate with traditional songs and modern performances until 3am.

Late December

Orthodox Christmas Preparations

December builds toward January 7 Orthodox Christmas with special church services, traditional sweet preparations, and decorative displays throughout religious sites. Markets sell special holiday foods and handmade ornaments.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with good tread - cobblestones in Old Town become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Layers including thermal underwear and wool sweater - temperature swings from 1°C (34°F) at night to 8°C (46°F) midday with 70% humidity making it feel colder

Waterproof jacket with hood - December brings 10 rainy days with sudden showers lasting 30-45 minutes, often without warning

Warm hat and insulated gloves - wind chill factor along Mtkvari River makes exposed areas feel 3-4°C (5-7°F) colder than actual temperature

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, and you'll need GPS navigation on narrow Old Town streets

Quality moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating creates dry skin conditions, especially during long indoor activities

Small backpack for day trips - you'll carry extra layers, water, and snacks during 4-6 hour mountain excursions to Kazbegi or Kakheti

Comfortable indoor shoes - many restaurants, sulfur baths, and cultural sites require shoe removal, and floors can be cold stone

Insider Knowledge

Georgians celebrate New Year more enthusiastically than Christmas - December 31 is the major gift-giving holiday with family feasts, making January 1-2 the quietest days for sightseeing with most attractions still open

Morning sulfur baths (9-11am) cost 30% less than evening sessions and offer the most therapeutic experience when your body adjusts from cold air to hot water - locals avoid crowded afternoon hours

December is grape chacha (Georgian brandy) distilling season - small family operations in Old Town offer tastings of fresh chacha that won't be available to tourists other months, typically 5-10 GEL per tasting

The cable car to Narikala operates sporadically in December due to wind - locals check weather at 7am and visit early on calm days, or take the walking path which offers better winter photography opportunities anyway

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming restaurants close early in winter - many Georgian establishments serve until midnight even in December, but kitchens for traditional dishes like khachapuri stay busy until 11pm

Overpacking summer clothes expecting mild weather - December regularly drops below freezing at night, and inadequate clothing ruins outdoor activities like evening Old Town walks

Planning too many outdoor activities after 4pm - sunset at 5:30pm combined with rapid temperature drops makes evening sightseeing uncomfortable without proper preparation