Plan my trip
Home›Festivals›Orthodox Christmas (Shoba)
Public holidayReligiousNationwideJanuary

Orthodox Christmas (Shoba)

Georgians celebrate the birth of Christ on 7 January, after a night liturgy and the Alilo street processions.

WhenFixed: 7 January (Julian calendar), public holiday
20267 Jan 2026
20277 Jan 2027 · confirmed
WhereAll over Georgia
Public holidayYes: offices and some shops close
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

The Georgian Orthodox Church follows the old Julian calendar, so Christmas falls on 7 January. Many people keep the Nativity fast until then. The main service runs through the night of 6 to 7 January, and the largest one is led by the Patriarch at Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi. Families light a candle in the window on Christmas Eve, and the day itself is spent at church and around the table.

The 7th is a public holiday, and the Alilo processions fill city streets the same morning. Visitors are welcome at the services as long as they dress modestly and keep to the side.

Tips from your host
  • Church dress code: a scarf over the hair and a long skirt for women, long trousers for men.
  • The night service at Sameba is very crowded; arrive early or watch the procession outside.
  • Combine Christmas with Epiphany on 19 January if you want to see two major church feasts on one winter trip.

Where to see it

Churches & MonasteriesHoly Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

Georgia's main cathedral, consecrated in 2004 on Elia Hill in Avlabari, with a gilded dome visible from across the city.

Svetitskhoveli CathedralPhoto: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0
Churches & Monasteries · UNESCOSvetitskhoveli Cathedral

Georgia's most important cathedral, built 1010–1029 over the traditional burial place of Christ's robe, with the tombs of Georgian kings.

Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.

Tours around Orthodox Christmas (Shoba)

Sioni CathedralSioni CathedralPhoto: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0
7 days
Classic & Culture

Orthodox Georgia Pilgrimage

A week following the story of Georgian Christianity from St Nino's arrival in Mtskheta to the cave hermitages of David Gareja and the royal monastery of Gelati, with time to join a Sunday liturgy and guidance on how to dress and behave in working churches.

Easy · CL-07Bfrom $1,360 pp
Abanotubani Sulphur BathsAbanotubani Sulphur BathsPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
3 days
Classic & CultureFood & Gastronomy

Tbilisi City Break

A long weekend in the Georgian capital with a local guide: the Old Town and Narikala, a private sulphur bath, Sololaki's painted hallways, Fabrika, the funicular to Mtatsminda, a supper of Georgian wine and food, and a morning in ancient Mtskheta.

Easy · CL-03Bfrom $600 pp

More in January and after

Full calendar →
7 Jan 2027Alilo Christmas Procession

Singing Christmas processions that walk through Georgian towns collecting food and gifts for people in need.

Public holiday2027 date confirmedFolkNationwide
19 Jan 2027Epiphany (Natlisgheba)

The feast of Christ's baptism, when churches bless water and many believers take home bottles of holy water.

Public holiday2027 date confirmedReligiousNationwide
1–2 Jan 2027New Year (Akhali Tseli) and Bedoba

Georgia's biggest family celebration: fireworks at midnight, a heavy festive table and two days off work.

Public holiday2027 date confirmedHolidayNationwide