Category: Holidays

Why Georgia Has Become a Favorite Wedding Destination

In recent years, Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations for wedding tourism. Guests do not need to go through complicated bureaucratic procedures: to get married, valid passports are sufficient, along with their translation into Georgian and, if necessary, documents confirming the dissolution of any previous marriage. Registration takes place at the House of Justice and takes one to two days, and the ceremony can be held either in the city or in nature. Only two witnesses are required for the marriage; they can be brought along or arranged through an agency. The country has no visa requirements for citizens of most states, and documents issued in Georgia are recognized worldwide. Because of this, couples from Europe, the Middle East, America, and the CIS come to us — we see newlyweds combining the ceremony with a honeymoon, seaside vacation, or wine tasting.

Traditions of a Georgian Wedding

The wedding cycle consists of three stages: machankloba — matchmaking, when relatives and friends arrange meetings between potential spouses; nishnoba — the official engagement; and kortskhili — the wedding celebration itself. The celebrations are widely known for their scale: the number of guests often exceeds two hundred per family. Refusing to attend is considered a serious offense and can lead to family conflict. Bridesmaids and groomsmen traditionally should not engage in romantic relationships with each other to avoid scandals.

Home Rituals

After registration, at the groom’s house, the newlyweds follow ancient customs. The bride, upon entering the house, steps on a decorative plate and circles a pot with oil or grain three times, then touches the cauldron as a symbol of the home hearth. The groom may climb onto the roof and release a white bird to let go of the old life and welcome the new one. In some regions, the groom dips the wedding ring into a glass of wine, takes the first sip, and passes it to the bride, after which he retrieves the ring and places it on her finger.

Wedding Feast (Supra)

A Georgian wedding is unthinkable without a lavish feast. At the head of the table sits the tamada — the host and chief toastmaster. He gives toasts dedicated to the couple, their parents, future children, and parents-in-law. Each table is assigned a deputy who continues the tradition. The feast can last until the next morning, and jokes about family fights have become part of folklore. Guests should remember that wine is served in small glasses, but there are many toasts, so it is important to keep pace and not overindulge in alcohol.

Wedding Procession and Noisy Parade

After the ceremony, it is customary to organize processions along the streets. Newlyweds often appear through the sunroof or on the roof of the car, followed by a long column of cars honking and signaling. In some families, it is considered an honor to be immediately behind the bride and groom’s car, so vehicles maneuver, overtake each other, and sometimes create chaos on the road — forums describe convoys of 20–30 cars moving at high speed, honking simultaneously and occupying multiple lanes. Such spectacles are memorable, but foreigners should remember traffic rules and not try to compete with locals.

National Values and Atmosphere

Hospitality is a key feature of Georgian culture. Even a stranger in the house becomes a dear guest, cared for as if they were family. At a wedding, this trait is especially prominent: hosts make sure that no one leaves hungry, and everyone takes home a jug of wine and sweets.

Respect for elders and family. Parents and senior relatives play an important role in decision-making. Traditionally, marriages were previously arranged by families, and although in cities young people often make decisions independently, parental blessing remains important.

Faith. Most Georgians practice Orthodox Christianity, but the country is tolerant of other confessions; therefore, interfaith marriages are allowed in Georgia, and marriage registration is purely secular. If desired, a church ceremony can be held after state registration.

Wedding Convoy: Most Popular Cars

As a car rental company, we observe how our clients’ requests have changed over the years. While previously the main star of a wedding was a white “Volga” or a family-decorated car, today newlyweds aim to make a strong impression.

• Luxury Brands — Rolls‑Royce, Maybach, Bentley, and Maserati — are consistently associated with royal elegance. In Tbilisi, Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Town Car limousines are popular: these vehicles accommodate 16–25 people, feature stylish interiors, and powerful audio systems.
• Premium Sedans — Mercedes‑Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, or Audi A8. These models are chosen by couples who value comfort but want to avoid the bulkiness of a limousine.
• SUVs and Crossovers — Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes‑Benz G-Class are suitable for weddings in the mountains or at wineries.
• Party Buses and Coaches — for large weddings, we provide decorated minibuses and buses to transport guests in a single convoy.

When choosing transportation, newlyweds consider the style of the event, number of guests, route, and budget. Thanks to a large fleet, we can offer models from Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover, Toyota, Lexus, Audi, and others.

Tips for Tourists and Foreigners

Respect Traditions

• Stay Until the End. Leaving early at a Georgian wedding is considered impolite. If you cannot stay until morning, inform the hosts.
• Follow the Tamada. Do not interrupt the toasts and do not raise your glass before the tamada does.
• Give Gifts. Cash in an envelope is the most common gift, especially if you are unsure of the couple’s taste.
• Dress Respectfully. For a church ceremony, women are recommended to wear a headscarf, and men should wear trousers and a shirt.

Precautions

1. Mountain Roads. For trips to Kakheti, Mtskheta, or Kazbegi, choose vehicles with all-wheel drive and trust professional drivers.
2. Toasts and Alcohol. Georgian toasts are not only an opportunity to drink but also part of the culture. Wine is served in small glasses, but there are many toasts, so watch your consumption. It is better to stay sober when driving.
3. Nighttime Feasts. Plan your energy in advance: banquets can last until morning, and afterwards guests face the journey home.
4. Language Barrier. In large cities, many speak English and Russian, but in remote areas a translator may be needed.
5. Documents and Legal Accuracy. Make sure all documents are correctly translated and certified. If you conclude a prenuptial agreement, it should also be prepared by a notary.
6. Weather and Season. Summers in Tbilisi are very hot, so prepare vehicles with air conditioning and water; winters in the mountains may have snow — choose SUVs.

Conclusion

A wedding in Georgia is a celebration of the soul. Ancient traditions, genuine hospitality, delicious cuisine, and beautiful nature come together here. We, as a car rental company, help make this day special: offering vehicles for every taste, assisting with logistics, recommending reliable vendors, and sharing our experience. Georgia is open to foreigners: the marriage registration process is simple, and organizing the celebration can easily be combined with a trip.

The key is to respect local customs, plan ahead, and trust professionals. Then a wedding journey to Georgia will leave the warmest memories and provide the beginning of a new happy story.

New Year is a special time when having personal transportation becomes almost a necessity. During the pre-holiday rush, there is a lot to get done: buying gifts, visiting relatives, and preparing everything for the festive table. Renting a car for the holidays helps handle all these tasks without unnecessary hassle. In winter, traveling by car is especially pleasant — you are not dependent on public transport schedules or the whims of the weather. Moreover, modern rental cars are usually equipped with everything needed for safe winter driving (winter tires, interior heating, etc.), making trips comfortable even in cold weather.

Features of car rental during the New Year holidays

During the New Year holidays, demand for car rentals traditionally increases, so it is recommended to book a vehicle in advance. Many car rental services note peaks in customer activity on New Year’s Day and the following Christmas period. Due to high demand, the selection of available models decreases, and prices for popular categories may temporarily rise. For example, renting an all-wheel-drive SUV in January (to get to a ski resort) will cost more than the same model at the end of March. When planning your trip, try to reserve a car several weeks before the holidays — this way you are guaranteed to get a suitable vehicle at the best price.

Please note that in winter all vehicles in Georgia must be equipped with seasonal tires — this requirement is in effect from December 15 to March 1. A responsible car rental company prepares its fleet for winter in advance, so rental vehicles usually already have winter tires and the necessary equipment. If you are planning to travel to the mountains, it is also worth checking road conditions. Mountain highways in Georgia are generally passable for most vehicles in winter, but during heavy snowfall certain sections (for example, the road to Gudauri) may be temporarily closed. Always check current conditions and the weather forecast before traveling to remote regions. Otherwise, car rental in Georgia for New Year is no different from standard rental: you receive a fully fueled, well-maintained vehicle with the necessary insurance and support so you can enjoy your trips without obstacles.

Best vehicles for winter trips

When planning a car rental for the New Year holidays, it is important to choose the right type of vehicle. Focus on your needs and route:

• For city driving and travel between major towns, compact economy models or comfortable sedans are suitable. Such cars are cheaper to rent and consume less fuel — an optimal choice if you plan to stay on paved roads and want to save money.
• For mountain routes and winter roads, it is better to rent a crossover or an all-wheel-drive SUV. Vehicles with higher off-road capability provide greater ground clearance and stability on snow and ice. SUVs or AWD crossovers are ideal for mountain trips — they offer better traction on slippery roads and greater safety in challenging conditions.
• If you are traveling with a large group (family or friends) and carrying a lot of luggage or gifts, consider spacious minivans or 7-seat SUVs. A roomy interior and large trunk allow all passengers to travel comfortably and take everything they need. Such a vehicle is especially relevant for long-distance trips, where comfort and space are a priority.

Regardless of the vehicle class you choose, make sure the car is technically sound and prepared for winter. At CabrioGE, a car rental company, all essential checks have already been completed (the vehicle is in good condition, insurance is arranged, and a first-aid kit and other mandatory items are included). All you need to do is carefully review the contract and inspect the car upon pickup. The right vehicle choice will make your holiday trips as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Why rent a car for New Year

Renting a car for the New Year holidays opens up many opportunities. Here are the most common situations where car rental will be especially useful:

• Festive visits and trips to relatives. The New Year holidays are a time to visit parents, friends, or spend time outside the city. Having your own car frees you from dependence on train or bus schedules and allows you to easily travel from Tbilisi to the regions (and back) at a convenient time. You can bring more gifts and belongings with you, make stops along the way, and not worry about how to get back late in the evening.
• Winter outdoor recreation and ski resorts. Georgia has many beautiful places that are especially stunning in winter: from the snowy mountain landscapes of Svaneti to the mineral springs of Borjomi. Many of these attractions and resorts are far from main routes and difficult to reach without personal transport. By renting a car, you can easily visit popular ski resorts such as Gudauri and Bakuriani, ski on different slopes, transport skis or snowboards, and plan your ski day yourself. This is far more convenient than adjusting to group tours or mountain taxis.
• Pre-holiday shopping and city errands. Preparing for the holidays involves many everyday tasks. With a car, you can visit several shopping centers for gifts, buy groceries for the New Year table in large supermarkets, and bring everything home in one trip. There is no need to carry heavy bags on public transport or overpay couriers — car rental helps save time and effort during pre-holiday shopping. In addition, you are not affected by increased taxi demand and rates during the holidays and can move around the city easily even at night.
• Meeting guests and sightseeing trips. If friends or relatives are coming to visit you for New Year, rent a spacious car to meet them at the airport and travel together. Guests will appreciate that you can show them interesting places throughout Georgia: head to the mountains, go to the sea, or visit wine regions. Car rental is also a great solution for tourists who choose to spend the holidays in Georgia — you can freely explore the country’s attractions without having to adjust to guided tour schedules. The route and travel schedule will depend solely on your preferences.

New Year car rental: contact our company

Our car rental company offers reliable service for your trips during the New Year holidays. We operate throughout Georgia: you can pick up a car in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other cities, and return it wherever it is convenient. Our car rental company has an extensive fleet of all classes — from economical sedans and compact crossovers to premium SUVs and minivans. You can easily choose a model that suits your needs, whether it is short city trips or a mountain journey with a large group.

We value your time and comfort: we offer transparent terms with no hidden fees, all vehicles are insured and regularly maintained. During the winter season, cars are equipped with high-quality winter tires and all necessary features for safe driving. Customers have access to 24/7 support — you can always contact us on the road with any questions. When planning your vacation, be sure to book your preferred vehicle in advance. Contact us — our car rental service will help make your New Year holidays in Georgia comfortable, safe, and unforgettable! 

Autumn gently yields to winter, and Georgia shifts its pace: wine courtyards fall silent after the harvest, the streets of Tbilisi light up, mountain passes take their first frost, and ancient chants echo through churches. This is a time to experience on the road in a quality vehicle that suits your rhythm: attend a morning service in a centuries-old cathedral, catch a sunny window on the mountain pass by day, and find yourself at a city center stage by evening. Imagine the warmth of a sunlit cabin, the silky pull of a modern engine along the sweeping arcs of the Gombori Range, the confident stance of a crossover on winter asphalt, and that special hush in narrow streets as you turn off the headlights at a festive square. Below is a detailed calendar from November to March with route tips, local etiquette, and vehicle recommendations, ensuring every date becomes an occasion for a beautiful journey.

November in Georgia: Festivals, Traditions, and Routes

November opens the church and urban segment of the autumn-winter season. On November 23, the entire country celebrates Georgoba, the Day of Saint George. Liturgies take place in city churches and ancient monasteries, while in Mtskheta and Telavi the day is associated with family gatherings and quiet walks along historic streets. For an ideal route, depart from Tbilisi for a morning service in Mtskheta, stroll along the Aragvi River, and return to the capital by lunch via the scenic loop at Jvari, offering the classic view of the river confluence. For such a day, a C- or D-class sedan equipped with winter tires and hill-hold assist is sufficient; plan parking near historic centers and complete the last meters on foot. The rest of November is about intimate festivals and film screenings, anticipation of the winter light, and the first night frosts on the passes: if you venture into the mountains, a crossover with ground clearance and a Snow mode adds peace of mind on icy stretches and sudden gusts. Georgoba’s fixed date makes planning easy—it’s an official public holiday in the national calendar.

December in Georgia: Christmas Lights, Markets, and Winter Drive

December in Tbilisi means illuminations, the opening of the New Year’s village on Orbeliani Square and nearby gardens, concerts, and daytime markets. The city traditionally launches holiday venues at the end of the month, usually December 24, keeping them active through the Old New Year and Christmas, roughly mid-January; stages and food courts are distributed between Orbeliani, Dedaena, and adjoining streets, while the main concert stage on New Year’s Eve is at Europe Square along the embankment. Logistics are simple: leave your car in underground parking near Freedom Square or Rike, then switch to pedestrian mode; to exit after the concert without traffic, pre-select the parking level and park nose-out. For families and groups, a crossover with heated rear seats, blind-spot sensors, and a spacious trunk for market purchases is ideal. During the same period, the Tbilisi International Film Festival takes place, in 2025 from December 4 to 10, with screenings at multiple central venues—again, comfort wins with the “park once, explore on foot” approach.

January in Georgia: Christmas, Alilo, Bedoba, and the Old New Year

January in Georgia unfolds as a graceful sequence of traditions. January 1 is New Year’s Day with family visits and home feasts. January 2 marks Bedoba, the Day of Luck and Fate, when one is meant to live the day as they wish the year to unfold: visiting loved ones, choosing a bright path, welcoming a lucky “first guest” into the home, with gozinaki—a sweet of nuts and honey—on the menu. January 7 is Christmas according to the Julian calendar and the citywide Alilo procession: a daytime singing parade through Tbilisi to the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), where by evening the Christmas light takes on a particularly dense glow. January 14 is the Old New Year, and January 19 marks Epiphany with the blessing of water. These dates are perfect for urban itineraries: park in underground lots in the morning, go on foot for services and processions, take a short excursion to viewpoints by day, and return to the city lights in the evening. For January travel, select a car with windshield heating, winter tires, and hill-start assist; for trips between Tbilisi and ski resorts, opt for all-wheel drive and traction control modes on slippery roads. These key dates are well-established: Bedoba – January 2, Alilo – January 7, and the city procession route is long-standing and widely recognized.

February in Georgia: Mountain Resorts, Events, and the Right Road

February is the heart of winter and the best window for snow in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. Gudauri along the S3 above the Jvari pass and Bakuriani in Samtskhe-Javakheti offer distinct skiing experiences and lightscapes: long open fields and panoramic views in the former, cozy forested trails and night skiing near Didveli in the latter. Seasonal schedules converge in one point—the overall operating period begins mid-December and runs through April with adequate snow, with the peak of comfortable skiing conditions typically in February. On the road, three elements are crucial: proper tires, sufficient traction, and engine-braking on long descents; a modern crossover with all-wheel drive and stability assists significantly reduces fatigue on switchbacks. Parking near lifts and in towns is marked, though weekends are better for early arrivals, and for night skiing in Bakuriani keep warm layers and a thermos in the trunk—the valley cools the night air and clears the sky. Practical details are confirmed by official and specialized sources: resorts have a stable winter schedule December–April, and night skiing at Didveli is a recognized “feature” of Bakuriani.

March in Georgia: Early Spring, Winter’s End, and Intimate Festivals

March is a transitional month: parks below bloom and street terraces open, while snow still lingers at higher altitudes under clear morning skies. It’s a time for intimate festivals, small city programs, provincial weekend markets, and final ski runs. In Tbilisi, short daytime strolls through historic quarters pair conveniently with evening performances—symphonic and jazz series at the Concert Hall and smaller venues run in blocks, while one-day excursions to monasteries and viewpoints are ideal outside the city. In March, a versatile choice is justified: a compact sedan for city and road if snow has melted; a crossover for those seeking final days in the mountains, seamlessly switching from skis to urban shoes in a single day. A simple driving tip: the early sun warms actively, but nighttime frost persists at altitude—morning shadows on switchbacks may be slippery, softening by noon.

Autumn and Winter Route Bundles: Planning a Week on the Road

For a week-long itinerary, build arcs from city to events. November bundle: Tbilisi for evening programs and museums, Mtskheta for Georgoba and quiet streets, optionally Telavi and Sighnaghi for the late-golden vineyards. December bundle: city lights and New Year’s village, night concert along the embankment, next day warming in Abanotubani baths and a late lunch in Sololaki. January week: Alilo by day, intimate concert in the evening, then a gentle drive to Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe to catch snow on conifer slopes; good weather allows two days in Gudauri or Bakuriani. February week: pure skiing with one day in Tbilisi for gastronomic breaks and galleries. March week: a mix of daytime excursions and evening city life. In all cases, one principle applies: the car is delivered to the hotel early, routes are preloaded with parking marks and travel times, the trunk holds a checklist of seasonal items, and assist settings reduce unnecessary steering on switchbacks. When the vehicle suits you, the journey ceases to drain energy and begins to accumulate memories.

Festival Etiquette and Road Safety: Experiencing the Country Properly

During church festivals, follow a modest dress code, remove headgear inside churches, and disable flash photography. In Mtskheta and near cathedrals, arrive early and park in authorized zones. On New Year’s Eve, plan pedestrian movement and group meeting points after concerts; traveling with children requires checking stage layouts and sanitary facilities. In winter mountain driving, maintain distance, avoid wheel locking on descents, monitor weather and Jvari pass conditions, and keep warm layers, gloves, a power bank, scraper, and small flashlight in the trunk. At markets and villages, be generous with thanks—attention to local craftsmanship is valued, and conversations at stalls often provide the best regional guidance.

Choosing a Vehicle for Autumn-Winter Travel in Georgia

City trips and nearby excursions call for a sedan with a warm cabin, solid soundproofing, adaptive cruise control, and a 360° camera for underground parking. Mountain roads and winter conditions highlight a crossover’s strengths: ground clearance, all-wheel drive with intelligent torque distribution, Snow and Downhill Assist modes, and a trunk for equipment, roof boxes, and child seats. For large families or groups, seven-seat configurations with dual-zone climate and heated rear seats work best; for a couple valuing driving feel, an all-wheel-drive crossover with balanced suspension and refined wheel-arch insulation is ideal. We deliver the car to your hotel or airport at your chosen time, equip it with winter accessories, and preprogram the navigator with parking spots at Orbeliani, Rike, Freedom Square, and resort lifts—letting you focus on light windows rather than maneuvering in unfamiliar streets. Imagine a morning departure from Tbilisi at minus two degrees, the asphalt glistening in Avlabari, steering gently weighing more on the mountain arcs, and how effortlessly the car tuned for you carries you to the snow-covered plateau where the air rings and the horizon fades into icy blue.

Dates and Key Points to Note Before Your Trip

Georgoba is celebrated on November 23 and is an official public holiday. The Alilo Christmas procession in Tbilisi takes place on January 7, starting during the day and concluding at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba). Bedoba, the Day of Luck, is traditionally observed on January 2 as a symbolic “reset” for the year. Tbilisi’s New Year’s village typically opens at the end of December on Orbeliani Square and operates until mid-January; on New Year’s Eve, the main concert stage moves to Europe Square along the embankment. The Tbilisi International Film Festival kicks off at the start of winter, in 2025 running from December 4–10. Ski resorts open in December and remain operational until April, depending on snow coverage; in Gudauri, the standard period is mid- or late December through mid-April, while Bakuriani offers night skiing at Didveli on weekends.

Car Rental in Georgia Any Season

Whatever dates you choose—Tbilisi’s November lights, the quiet January ritual of Alilo, February snow on the passes, or March sunshine in the valleys—we’ll select a rental car to suit your rhythm and routes, making the road part of the celebration. Picture a morning when the city still slumbers, the warm cabin and smooth sedan glide onto an empty avenue; next, the crossover’s gentle pull on the long ascent to Gudauri, precise steering and ample clearance bringing peace of mind on the curves; by evening, an elegant arrival at Rustaveli Hall in a premium sedan, where quiet and light leather interiors matter. For family trips, we’ll prepare a seven-seat SUV with dual-zone climate and space for strollers and souvenirs; for rural roads, all-wheel drive with winter tires and downhill assist; upon request, child seats, ski mounts, and roof boxes; and a navigator preloaded with parking spots at Orbeliani, Rike, Freedom Square, and resort lifts. Delivery to the hotel or airport at your chosen time, transparent conditions, and prompt roadside support—everything ensures you focus on scenic windows, concerts, and services, not logistics. Name your dates and trip style, and we’ll offer several configurations with clear reasoning, making the choice a pleasure from the first turn of the wheel.