Tbilisi is gearing up for the holiday season with a new Christmas tree in the capital. The City Hall has allocated 720,000 GEL for this festive endeavor, covering the cost of both the tree’s structure and its accompanying accessories and lighting.
In previous years, Tbilisi has invested heavily in Christmas decorations. The “Tbilservi Group” informed “Business Formula” that more details about the location of the old Christmas tree and other specifics will be provided later in November.
As per the tender application, the new Christmas tree is expected to stand at 24 meters, and boast 365 branches and 120 curtain lights. Adorned with 100 accessories, including longitudinally assembled balls, contoured stars, snowflakes, and oblong-shaped toys, it promises to be a dazzling centerpiece.
Looking back, substantial amounts of money have been spent on New Year’s accessories and events in the city. In 2022, six tenders were held for the purchase of New Year’s lights and fireworks, totaling 2.3 million GEL. In the previous year, Tbilisi City Hall allocated 3,556,000 GEL for New Year’s decorations and events.
In 2020, the costs were more modest, amounting to 615,640 GEL. However, in 2019, a staggering one million GEL was devoted solely to the Christmas tree, with the total expenses for New Year’s accessories and events reaching 3.6 million GEL.
In 2018, New Year’s expenses exceeded 2 million GEL, and in 2017, the capital spent over 3 million GEL on ringing in the New Year.
As for the direct costs of the Christmas tree itself, in 2019, Tbilisi City Hall earmarked 995,800 GEL for the purchase of a 25-meter Christmas tree, which faced public criticism. Subsequent renovations in 2020, adding new branches, cost an additional 103,850 GEL, and a further 64,000 GEL was allocated for its renovation in 2021.
