Alilo Christmas Procession
Singing Christmas processions that walk through Georgian towns collecting food and gifts for people in need.
Rustaveli AvenuePhoto: George Kvizhinadze, CC BY-SA 2.0On Christmas morning, columns of people in traditional dress, clergy, children dressed as angels and choirs singing old carols set off through the streets. The Tbilisi procession is the largest and usually follows Rustaveli Avenue towards Sameba Cathedral. Carts and vans travel with the walkers and collect sweets, clothes, food and money, which go to orphanages, care homes and families who struggle in winter.
The name comes from the refrain of the carols the walkers sing. Smaller Alilo groups also tour villages, stopping at each house to sing a blessing in exchange for a treat. It is free, friendly and easy for visitors to join: buy something small to drop in a cart and walk along for a stretch.
- Watch from Rustaveli Avenue in the late morning; the walk ends at Sameba.
- If you want to join in, carry a little something for the carts, like fruit or a bag of sweets.
- Wrap up warm: January mornings in Tbilisi are often near freezing.
Where to see it
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
More in January and after
The feast of Christ's baptism, when churches bless water and many believers take home bottles of holy water.
1–2 Jan 2027New Year (Akhali Tseli) and BedobaGeorgia's biggest family celebration: fireworks at midnight, a heavy festive table and two days off work.
14 Jan 2027Old New Year (Dzveli Akhali Tseli)A second, quieter New Year that follows the old Julian calendar, with more fireworks on the night of the 13th.