Public Holidays in Georgia 2027: Dates, Closures and What They Mean for Travellers

By Nino Gelashvili, Travel News Editor · 16/10/2026

Last checked by the GTour desk on 16 October 2026. Rules, prices and schedules in Georgia change; this page is reviewed and the date updated when they do.

Georgia observes a mix of Orthodox Christian feast days, national commemorations and family holidays throughout the year. For visitors planning a trip, knowing these dates matters: government offices and banks close, many museums adjust hours, and some days bring large public gatherings or quiet, family-focused streets. This guide lists the official public holidays for 2027 and explains what to expect.

Public holidays in Georgia 2027

• 1–2 January – New Year (Akhali Tseli)
• 7 January – Orthodox Christmas
• 19 January – Epiphany (Natlisgeba)
• 3 March – Mother’s Day
• 8 March – International Women’s Day
• 9 April – National Unity Day
• 30 April – Orthodox Good Friday
• 1 May – Holy Saturday
• 2 May – Orthodox Easter Sunday
• 3 May – Easter Monday
• 9 May – Victory Day
• 12 May – St Andrew the First-Called Day
• 26 May – Independence Day
• 28 August – Mariamoba (Dormition of the Mother of God)
• 14 October – Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba
• 23 November – Giorgoba (St George’s Day)

This list follows the public holidays set out in Georgia’s Labour Code. Dates tied to the Orthodox calendar, particularly Easter, shift each year, so it is worth confirming the exact dates closer to your travel dates through an official Georgian government or tourism source.

What closes and what stays open

Public holidays in Georgia affect official institutions far more than everyday commercial life.

• Government offices and banks close on all the dates listed above. If you need to handle paperwork, currency exchange at a bank branch, or visit an embassy or consulate, plan around these closures.
• Shops, supermarkets and restaurants generally stay open, including in Tbilisi, Batumi and other tourist centres. Small family-run shops in villages may close or keep shorter hours, especially on 1–2 January and Easter.
• Museums and galleries vary by institution. Some close entirely on major holidays such as New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday; others remain open with normal or reduced hours. Check individual museum listings before visiting on a holiday date.
• Public transport (metro, buses, intercity marshrutkas) usually continues to run, though frequency may be reduced on 1 January and Easter Sunday morning.

New Year and Orthodox Christmas

New Year is the most important holiday of the year for Georgian families, comparable in scale to Christmas in many Western countries. Households prepare a supra, the traditional Georgian feast table, and celebrations often run late into the night of 31 December. Streets and squares, particularly in Tbilisi, are decorated and busy with fireworks around midnight. Orthodox Christmas on 7 January and Epiphany on 19 January are religious observances marked by church services rather than public festivities, though family gatherings continue.

Easter week

In 2027, Orthodox Easter falls on 2 May, with Good Friday on 30 April, Holy Saturday on 1 May and Easter Monday on 3 May. This creates an extended holiday period of several days. Many Georgians travel to their home regions or family villages for Easter, so intercity transport can be busier than usual and some urban businesses may operate on reduced hours. Churches hold midnight services on Holy Saturday into Easter Sunday, and families gather afterward for a festive meal. Visitors interested in Orthodox traditions may find this period rewarding, though it is advisable to book transport and accommodation in advance.

Independence Day, 26 May

Independence Day marks the anniversary of Georgia’s 1918 declaration of independence and is one of the most visible public holidays for visitors. Tbilisi hosts a military parade and public events along Rustaveli Avenue, drawing large crowds. Expect road closures and heightened security in the city centre on this day. It is a good occasion to witness Georgian national pride, but travellers planning to move through central Tbilisi should allow extra time or expect detours.

Religious and historical observances

Several dates on the list are tied to the Georgian Orthodox Church’s calendar, including Mariamoba (28 August), Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba (14 October) and Giorgoba (23 November). These are marked by church services and, in some towns and villages, local festivities. Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba in particular draws visitors and pilgrims to Mtskheta, where Svetitskhoveli Cathedral holds a major feast-day service.

Practical advice for travellers

• Avoid scheduling essential bank or government business on public holidays.
• Book accommodation and transport early around New Year, Easter and Independence Day, when domestic travel increases.
• Check museum and site opening hours in advance if visiting on a holiday date.
• Confirm exact Easter-related dates each year, since they change according to the Orthodox calendar.

Quick answers

Are shops open on public holidays in Georgia? Most supermarkets, shops and restaurants stay open; small village shops may close on major holidays.

Do banks and government offices close? Yes, banks and government offices close on all official public holidays.

When is Orthodox Easter in 2027? Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on 2 May 2027, with Good Friday on 30 April and Easter Monday on 3 May.

What happens on Independence Day in Tbilisi? A military parade and public events take place along Rustaveli Avenue, with road closures in the city centre.

Is public transport affected by holidays? Public transport generally continues to operate, though some services may run less frequently on major holidays.

Where can I confirm exact holiday dates? Check official Georgian government sources closer to your travel dates, since Orthodox calendar dates can shift.

Sources

• Labour Code of Georgia
• Georgian National Tourism Administration
• Georgian Orthodox Church calendar

Photo: Anastasiya Lvova / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0