11 Best Things To Do At Christmas In Savannah, Georgia - Updated 2024

Joyce Anne
Joyce Anne 
Updated
| 4 min read

The Christmas season is always festive and welcoming in the city of Savannah, Georgia. During this time of the year, vacation rentals see a boom in bookings as the locals and visitors flock to this city thanks to the many shopping places here. The outdoor markets buzzing with happy, excited faces mark the coming of the festive season. Travelers also participate in fun-filled holiday sightseeing and joyous night tours, giving a glimpse of the city’s holiday preparations. These tours include local attractions such as the historic Davenport House Museum Entrance and Shop and The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Bring your family along to enjoy the merriest of the festivals on the decked-up streets of Savannah. Stay at a hotel by the river to soak in the best of dazzlingly bright city views. Can’t decide what you should check out? Scroll down to find out the best things to do at Christmas in Savannah, Georgia.

1. Embark on Savannah Majestic Christmas visit (from USD 208.0)

Experience the magic of Christmas in Savannah with this walking tour that takes you through four different stops. You’ll start your private tour on West River Street. Explore the Savannah Christmas shop for souvenirs and soak in the majestic decorations before moving on to the waterfront sites. The River is a dazzlingly beautiful sight to behold.

Indulge in the local traditions as your guide tells you about Christmas stories and culture. Next, you’ll get to explore the two famous Savannah churches, the Christ Church Episcopal and Maranatha Missional Church. Embrace the Christmas spirit with carols and conclude our private tour by capturing Instagram-worthy pics of the holiday displays.

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Savannah Magic Christmas Private Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

1 review

2. Experience the Savannah Holiday Sights Trolley Tour (from USD 37.0)

Embark on a fascinating journey aboard the Old Town Trolley by booking this Viator tour. The trolley will drive 40 people around Savannah amidst the bright holiday decor and fascinating sights.

Experience the delight of local traditions and Christmas spirit as the conductor entertains you with Christmas carols and stories. Travel to the 1820s era as you make a stop at the Davenport House Museum and savor the holiday treats. Next, move on to the Savannah Historic District and relish in a world of local entertainment. Learn about Savannah’s culture and conclude your tour by buying souvenirs for this trip.

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Savannah Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Trolley Tour

Duration: 2 hours

85 reviews

Christmas Market at Plant Riverside

3. Get enchanted at Savannah Christmas Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Season's greetings from Plant Riverside District. Kick-off your holiday festivities at Savannah Christmas Market Plant...

Posted by Plant Riverside District on Friday, November 27, 2020

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season here at Savannah Christmas Market in Georgia, which takes place every year at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. The event was launched in 2020 and has been a success ever since. This year the market will be open from November 25 to January 2. Bring your loved ones and enjoy the plethora of family- and kid-friendly activities.

Start by taking photos in front of the themed stalls. Then, go around the street enjoying the ambiance and the live shows. Don’t forget to treat yourself and the young ones to some Christmas goodies. Kids will also love meeting and taking photos with Santa Claus.

Savannah Christmas Market

Address: Plant Riverside District, 400 West River Street, Savannah, GA 31401

Website: Savannah Christmas Market

Opening hours: Timings vary depending on the dates

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4. Get amazed at the sight of Savannah Boat Parade of Lights

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Santa at 6 and the Boat Parade begins at 7pm! We hope to see you tonight @WestinSavannah!

Posted by Savannah Harbor Foundation on Saturday, November 26, 2016

Savannah Boat Parade of Lights is a must-watch event while you’re on your Christmas vacation in Savannah. The parade has been part of the city’s tradition for almost 20 years. This year, the parade is going to be held on November 26. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch the Christmas fleet cruising on the river all decked up in festive lights. All participants are volunteers, so show your support when the parade begins.

Though it’s free for all to watch, you can choose to contribute to the fundraiser the organizers are conducting to help Greenbriar Children’s Center.

2022 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights

Address: Eastern Wharf, 101 Port St, Savannah, GA 31401

Website: Savannah boat parade of lights

Opening hours: Nov 26: 7pm

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5. Listen to spooky stories as you tour the streets of Savannah (from USD 28.0)

things to do in savannah at christmas | listen to spooky stories as you tour the streets of savannah

Celebrate the holidays with a guided walk through Savannah’s haunted history. This unique two-hour will start at Monterey Square. Warm yourself up with a cup of hot cocoa while the paranormal-sensitive guide tells some bone-chilling ghost stories about lost souls during this holiday season.

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Savannah: Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour

Duration: 2.0 hour

19 reviews

6. Watch "A Christmas Tradition" at Savannah Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The elves go percussion rogue!!! Led by Sean Hamilton in STOMP!

Posted by The Savannah Theatre on Monday, December 23, 2019

“A Christmas Tradition” is a two-hour production that has been part of the city’s Christmas tradition for more than two decades. Take your whole family and watch as the veteran actors re-create everyone’s favorite holiday traditions on stage. Additionally, Santa Claus and his reindeer make a special appearance for young viewers. This year, you can catch a show any day between December 1 to December 24. Note that there are no shows on Mondays.

"A Christmas Tradition" at Savannah Theatre

Address: 222 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Website: A Christmas Tradition" at Historic Savannah Theatre

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 8pm; Sat: 3pm & 8pm; Sun: 3pm (closed on Mon)

Price: from 22 USD

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7. Happy sailing with Santa at Savannah River

Seeing Savannah, Georgia
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tom Driggers used under CC BY 2.0

Sailing with Santa is another Christmas-special event in Savannah that is ideal for families, especially kids. This cruise on the river with Santa takes one and a half hour while the young ones also learn about the city’s harbor through the cruise narration. Kids enjoy special treats and taking photos with Santa Claus, and you get to enjoy the stunning river view. Feel the joy of gift-giving as you donate new toys for children at Greenbriar Children’s Center.

Sailing with Santa at Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Address: 9 E. River Street, Savannah, GA 31401

Website: Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Opening hours: Nov 25 & Nov 26: 12am - 2:30pm

Price: from 34.95 USD

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8. Merry-making during Holiday Open House in Savannah City Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Savannah City Market on Tuesday, November 30, 2021

As the Christmas season draws near, Savannah City Market gears up to ensure festive treats for locals and visitors of the city. One of these activities is the Holiday Open House which takes place in the market’s courtyard. After your holiday shopping spree, walk along this area and be mesmerized by more than 500 Christmas lanterns and a live performance by the Christmas carolers.

All stores offer special holiday treats to customers during this event. You may also catch sight of Father Christmas while enjoying your treats!

Holiday Open House at Savannah City Market

Address: 219 W. Bryan Street, Savannah, GA 31401

Website: Savannah City Market

Opening hours: Dec 6: 6pm -9pm

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9. Enjoy the beautiful Lighted Christmas Parade

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Join the Savannah Riverfront for the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade today at 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin on the...

Posted by Visit Savannah on Saturday, December 7, 2013

The Lighted Christmas Parade is a one-day event that you and your loved ones mustn’t miss if you’re in Savannah. This annual parade starts at River Street and goes through the iconic lanes of Savannah’s downtown area. This is an opportunity for the community to come together, make friends, and have fun while watching the holiday-themed floats parading their splendor.

Lighted Christmas Parade

Address: Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Savannah, GA 31412

Website: Lighted Christmas Parade

Opening hours: Nov 26: 5pm

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10. Buy gifts for loved ones at Christmas Made in the South

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Christmas Made in the South on Monday, September 19, 2022

Take your Christmas shopping one step further this year by attending the annual Christmas Made in the South event at Savannah Convention Center. Take this as an opportunity to spend time with your friends while buying high-quality, hand-crafted gifts made by skilled artists. The 33rd version of this annual event will be open from November 18 to November 20. Some products you should expect in this three-day holiday event in Savannah, Georgia, are pieces of jewelry, handmade bags, ceramics, and more.

Christmas Made in the South

Address: Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr., Savannah, GA 31421

Website: Christmas Made in the South

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

Price: 9 USD

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11. Enjoy an enchanting Christmas trip to Savannah

Savannah hosts many fairytale-like Christmas festivals and events to brighten up your holidays. With lots of things to do in this historic city, it would be hard to pick just one. Make your Christmas vacation in Savannah, Georgia, more special by signing up for all of the above events.

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Frequently asked questions about the best things to do at Christmas in Savannah, Georgia


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Joyce, an introvert, anime enthusiast, and cat person, dedicates her spare time to activities such as drawing and painting that align with her passions. She also has past experience as editorial...Read more

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