Calendar of Public Holidays
in Georgia - 2026

In Georgia, New Year's Day is widely considered the most important holiday of the year, blending ancient folklore with a deep-seated love for hospitality. The celebration centers around the Supra (a traditional feast), where families gather to enjoy signature seasonal dishes like Satsivi (turkey in walnut sauce) and Gozinaki (honey-glazed nuts). A unique cultural highlight is the Chichilaki, a traditional Georgian "Christmas tree" shaved from dried hazelnut branches to resemble the beard of St. Basil. Unlike many Western cultures where Christmas takes center stage for gift-giving, in Georgia, the "Snow Grandfather" (Tovlis Babua) arrives on New Year’s Eve to bring treats to children, and the entire country erupts in a massive, nationwide display of private and public fireworks at midnight.

The festivities are governed by two unique traditions: Mekvleoba and Bedoba. The first person to cross a home's threshold after midnight is the Mekvle, a designated "first-footer" believed to bring either luck or misfortune based on their personal "energy"; they typically enter scattering sweets and blessings for prosperity. This is followed on January 2nd by Bedoba, or the "Day of Destiny." Georgians believe that the way you spend this day determines the character of your entire year, so the goal is to remain joyful, avoid conflict, and surround yourself with loved ones. Because the country also observes the "Old New Year" on January 14th according to the Julian calendar, the holiday spirit effectively stretches for two full weeks of continuous celebration.