The International Women’s Association of Georgia (IWAG) is bringing back a much-anticipated seasonal tradition: the annual Winter Fair.
Set to return on November 29 at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, 20 Telavi St., Tbilisi, the Winter Fair has long been a fixture in Tbilisi’s late-autumn calendar. Since the organization was founded in 1996 by a group of expatriate and Georgian women, IWAG has grown its dual mission of welcoming newcomers and supporting grassroots charitable work.
Over the years, the Winter Fair has evolved from a small artisan market into IWAG’s largest annual fundraising event. The fair welcomes several thousand visitors each year, and features more than 200 art, craft and food vendors and embassy stands offering gifts, food, and international specialties from their home countries that are otherwise not available in Georgia. Funds raised, typically between 130,000 and 140,000 GEL, are directed entirely to IWAG’s charitable projects supporting women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups across Georgia.
As has become tradition, the Sheraton transforms for the fair, with the local craftspeople and artisans, participating embassies and international vendors gathering under one festively decorated roof.
The Winter Fair was not held in 2024, with IWAG announcing its cancellation in October of that year. Describing the decision as difficult, the team expressed concern for the many beneficiaries who would feel its impact. The announcement came in parallel to society-wide discussions about Georgia’s newly introduced “foreign agent” law, which some observers say may have played a role in IWAG’s decision.
This year’s Winter Fair therefore carries added significance, not only as a return to form, but as a reaffirmation of the work that goes into each event. Behind it lies months of organization to bring it together — the planning, sponsorship, volunteer coordination and partnership with diplomatic and local communities; things that often go unseen, but which are central to the fair’s success.
The day itself is far more than a simple pre-holiday chance to shop and soak up the festive spirit: it is a means for IWAG to maintain its charitable impact: to be able to gift aid quickly to individuals with medical emergencies, or to newly founded organizations; a chance to support local business vendors, and to maintain an active role in the Tbilisi and wider Georgia community.
The Winter Fair is back, bringing both tradition and renewal—of fundraising, community, and the connections many have come to rely on. Join in the excitement: volunteer to help, or simply show up on the day and explore the stalls to find unique gifts and seasonal treats to make this Christmas and New Year extra special for you and your loved ones.
By Katie Ruth Davies
