Perhaps the most important holiday in Georgia, Christmas is a deeply important observance, as the republic is known for its ties to Christian tradition. Celebrated on the 7th January rather than December 25 due to the Georgian Orthodox Church’s old Julian calendar, on Christmas Day, many people choose to dress in special clothes and costumes, often with a vaguely St. George theme of flags and swords, and march through the streets. The unusual Georgian Christmas tree is made of dried wood shaved into long curly strips. Special church services are held throughout the country as well as various festivals for weeks before Christmas. 

Recognized on January 14, The Old New Year or the Orthodox New Year is an informal holiday following the Julian calendar. The Georgian Orthodox church still uses the older Julian calendar, and serves as the final day for the weeks-long celebrations that accompany Christmas and New Year holidays.