A Delicious December in Georgia
Last December, I celebrated Christmas in Georgia, and it quickly turned into one of my most heartwarming food adventures. I had read that Georgians celebrate Christmas a bit differently — not on December 25, but on January 7, following the Orthodox calendar. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew one thing: I was ready to taste everything!
The chilly air of Tbilisi was filled with the smell of baked bread and roasted meats. The streets were glowing with lights, and small stalls sold warm snacks that made every corner feel magical.
A Feast Worth Waiting For
Georgian Christmas isn’t about expensive gifts or fancy dinners — it’s about sharing food and joy. On Christmas Eve, many families finish a 40-day fast, and that means the Christmas table the next day is an explosion of flavors.
My Georgian host family invited me to join their “Supra” — a traditional feast. When I saw the table, I almost forgot to breathe. It was covered with dishes like:
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Khachapuri – gooey, cheesy bread that melts in your mouth.
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Satsivi – chicken cooked in a rich walnut sauce, a true Christmas classic.
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Pkhali – colorful vegetable spreads made with herbs and crushed walnuts.
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Churchkhela – sweet grape-and-nut candies that looked like hanging decorations.
Every dish had a story — and my hosts made sure I tried everything.
Wine, Warmth, and Wonderful Conversations
Of course, no Georgian meal is complete without wine. Georgia is often called the birthplace of wine, and during Christmas, every toast feels like poetry. My host’s uncle poured homemade red wine from a clay jar called a qvevri, and every sip warmed me from the inside.
Between toasts, we laughed, sang, and shared stories — even though my Georgian was limited, the kindness in their eyes spoke a universal language.
Sweet Endings and Street Magic
After dinner, I walked through the Rustaveli Avenue Christmas Market. Stalls were filled with handmade ornaments, candles, and pastries like gozinaki — a crunchy mix of honey and nuts that symbolizes happiness and prosperity.
Street musicians played Christmas carols, and the air smelled like cinnamon and mulled wine. I remember standing there, holding a warm cup, thinking how Christmas in Georgia wasn’t just about food — it was about connection.
What I Learned from a Georgian Christmas
Celebrating Christmas in Georgia taught me that food is more than a meal — it’s a memory. Each dish I tasted carried centuries of tradition and love.
As a food lover, I didn’t just fill my plate — I filled my heart.
If you ever get a chance to visit Georgia during the holidays, go hungry. You’ll leave full — not just with food, but with warmth, stories, and a little bit of Georgian soul.
Quick Travel Tip:
If you plan to visit Georgia for Christmas, aim for early January. The biggest celebrations happen around January 6–7, and you’ll experience the most authentic Georgian feasts and festive markets.
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