The Christmas season is always festive and welcoming in the city of Savannah in Georgia. During this time of the year, locals and visitors flock to this city thanks to the many shopping places in the city. 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. Can’t decide what all you should check out? Scroll down to find out the best things to do at Christmas in Savannah, Georgia.
1. 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, 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
2. Enjoy the city lights on a trolley tour (from USD 36.33)
Experience the traditional Savannah holiday season as you take this two-hour-long trolley tour around the city. The tour covers the most festive spots of the city adorned with enchanting lights and decorations. Get the chance to know more about the city as the guide briefs you on the local holiday customs and traditions.
Moreover, the tour consists of two stopovers, so you can visit Davenport House Museum Entrance and Shop and the famous Savannah Christmas Market.
Savannah: Holiday Lights and Sights Trolley Tour
Duration: 2 hour
3. 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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4. Listen to spooky stories as you tour the streets of Savannah (from USD 28.0)
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.
Savannah: Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hour
5. 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
6. Happy sailing with Santa at Savannah River
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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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 exhibit 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
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 holiday more special by signing up for all of the above events during your Christmas trip to Savannah!
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