Old 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.
TbilisiPhoto: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0Because the Julian calendar runs 13 days behind, many Georgians toast the year in twice. The night of 13 January brings another round of fireworks, family dinners and leftover festive food. It is a normal working day, so offices and shops stay open, but bars and restaurants are busy in the evening.
In the mountains some villages tie their own winter rites to the old date. For a visitor it is a good excuse to see the Christmas lights still up and the city in a festive mood after the main holidays have ended.
- Shops and museums keep normal hours on 14 January.
- If you missed the 31 December fireworks, the night of the 13th is a smaller repeat.
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
Singing Christmas processions that walk through Georgian towns collecting food and gifts for people in need.
19 Jan 2027Epiphany (Natlisgheba)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.