The Georgian Orthodox Christian Church is preparing for Christmas celebrated on January 7. Solemn church services will begin at all acting churches across Georgia starting 23:00. Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II will give Christmas liturgy at Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral in Tbilisi.

The liturgy will be attended by a congregation of followers of the Georgian Orthodox Christian Church, including government officials. The parish is also waiting for Christmas Epistle where Patriarch will touch upon various important issues.

The midnight church service will traditionally be followed by a march in the streets – called Alilo – on January 7 during which participants sing Christmas carols; they collect gifts, food products and other items and them to the needy. Starting 14:00 on January 7, roads will be blocked at Rustaveli Avenue, Pushkin and Baratashvili Streets on the occasion of traditional Alilo Christmas marching.

On Christmas night, believers will light candles in their homes and place them next to the windows so that the light may be seen from outside. This tradition is observed in memory of the biblical story of Joseph and Mary, who searched for a shelter where Mary would be able to give birth to Jesus.