Protesters in Tbilisi celebrated Christmas on Rustaveli Avenue.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. They have been holding daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue. In October 2025, following the tightening of laws on public gatherings and demonstrations, security forces began mass arrests of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue. Most were accused of blocking the avenue and obstructing traffic.

Protesters in Tbilisi celebrated Christmas on Rustaveli Avenue for the second time since the start of daily pro-European protests. Activists sang the festive Christmas carol "Alilo" together and lit candles at midnight, Interpressnews reports.

The protesters gathered at their traditional location near the parliament building and later moved to the Sports Palace. Representatives of various opposition parties and relatives of political prisoners gathered for the joint celebration. Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, and her daughter also participated in the event, celebrating Christmas with those gathered at the Ilia monument.

The festive event coincided with the 405th day of continuous protests on Rustaveli Avenue.

"We celebrate any holiday together, no matter how difficult it may be. When people fight for freedom and victory, there are no obstacles. This has already become a Rustaveli tradition: this one big family, gathered here at this time, will continue to fight until every prisoner of conscience is free and until new, independent elections are held, we will stand to the end," Pirveli TV quoted one of the protesters as saying.

84-year-old protester Omar Khutsishvili said he hoped to see the protesters win. "I have a stimulant in my heart, and I still believe in blessings. I want to witness true Georgian independence and European kindness, so I try to support young people," Publika quotes the man as saying.