There are plenty of ways to get in the spirit of the holiday season here in Savannah, where the bitter cold doesn’t bite! Whether it’s Santa or Christmas lights you want to see, you’ll find them and more this year in the Coastal Empire, where lighted boat and bike parades take over and Santa strolls the cobblestone streets spreading holiday cheer.
Sailing with Santa
November 29-30, 2019
Savannah Riverboats on the Savannah River, 9 E. River St.
Take your Christmas photo on board with Santa! Kids sail FREE with the donation of a new unwrapped toy. Join Santa and his North Pole crew as you cruise the Savannah River during a one and a half hour Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Children will also enjoy a special treat from Santa and an arts & crafts station. Boarding begins at 12:30 p.m. and sailing is from 1-2:30 p.m. For more information, call (912) 232-6404 or go to www.savannahriverboat.com.
Savannah Harbor Holiday Series
TBD
The Westin, 1 Resort Dr.
For lights, amazing gingerbread houses, Christmas activities, holiday treats and more, head over to the Westin across the Savannah River for the Annual Savannah Harbor Holiday Series. You can find more information about it at www.savannahharborfoundation.com.
December Nights & Holiday Lights
TBD
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Rd.
For a magnificent light display, head out to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, where more than 500,000 lights will be on display for the holidays. With several different themed gardens, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens’ display is constantly described as “magical and pretty.” But the lights aren’t the only activity here; music, sweet treats and a model railroad display add to the festive 2015 holiday experience. For more information, go to www.coastalgeorgiabg.org.
“A Christmas Tradition” Musical Variety Show
December 3-24, 2019
The Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St.
If it’s a holiday show you’re looking for then make your way to the famed Savannah Theatre for holiday glitz and glitter. The two-hour variety show, “A Christmas Tradition,” will feature Frosty, dancing reindeer, Santa and his elves, along with an award-winning cast of singers and a live band performing all the classic Christmas favorites. For more information, call (912) 233-7764 or go to www.savannahtheatre.com.
Boat Parade of Lights
November 30, 2019
Savannah River, view from River Street & Hutchinson Island
Set your sights on holiday lights! Experience the anticipated annual Boat Parade of Lights Festival from the best seats in Savannah. Partake in the parade by boarding a riverboat and leading more than 30 beautifully decorated glowing vessels along the Savannah River. Voted one of 2015’s Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association! Includes: Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Entertainment & Drink Specials. For more information, go to www.savannahriverboat.com.
Christmas on the River
December 6-8, 2019
River Street
The Savannah Waterfront Association is known for it’s fun festivals on River Street and their Christmas on the River celebration is just that. This holiday celebration features regional arts and craft exhibitors with holiday gifts and stocking stuffers at the Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, with music and local entertainment on the Arbor Stage throughout the weekend leading up to Savannah’s Lighted Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. The parade will start on West River Street, travel throughout downtown and end in City Market. For more information, call (912) 234-0295 or go to www.riverstreetsavannah.com.
Lights On For Tybee
December 6, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Tybee Island
A celebratory Tybee tradition downtown with the tree lighting and holiday joy! You’re invited to partake in the festive Island spirit as Mayor Buelterman lights the Christmas tree at the Roundabout. Following the lighting ceremony, the choir – led by performers with the Tybee Arts Performing Society will lead you from the tree to the steps of Historic Carbo House for holiday entertainment and good ole’ fashioned singalongs. This year the choir will be joined by students from Tybee Island Maritime Academy, a pianist and extraordinary soloists! For more information, visit www.tybeeisland.com.
City Market Open House
December 6, 2019
6-9 p.m.
City Market, 219 W. Bryan St.
Savannah’s beautiful spirit becomes even more exquisite during the holiday season, and City Market is no exception. Stroll in the flickering light of 500+ luminaria lining the two-block courtyard, serenaded by Christmas carolers. Drop in for treats in City Market shops and watch for a glimpse of Father Christmas. For more information, call (912) 232-4903 or go to www.savannahcitymarket.com.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
TBD
The Savannah Children’s Theatre presents this holiday special for families every weekend in December leading up to Christmas. You can begin your holiday fun with cookie decorating, ornament making and caroling, then get cozy in the theater to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” while sipping hot chocolate from a create-your-own cocoa bar. Call (912) 0238-9015 or go to www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org to purchase tickets.
City Market’s Christmas for Kids Celebration
December 7, 2019
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
City Market, 219 W. Bryan St.
Make ornaments! Decorate cookies! Get Grinched (with hair and makeup)! Meet Father Christmas and take a Cinderella carriage tour. All of this, plus face painting, choir music and more add up to a day of fun the whole family can truly enjoy. For more information, call (912) 232-4903 or go to www.savannahcitymarket.com.
Tybee Island Christmas Parade
December 7
1-3:30 p.m.
Tybee Island
The holiday season is a special time of year on Tybee and this parade has become a tradition that highlights the small town charm you only find here. The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. from the 14th Street parking lot (behind Hotel Tybee) and travels up Tybrisa to Butler Avenue then to the Tybee Gym where children will have photo time with Santa! The Tybee YMCA will have surprises for all to enjoy at the gym. For more information, visit www.tybeeisland.com.
Christmas Tour at the Tybee Lighthouse
TBD
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, 30 Meddin Dr.
Travel back through time and experience the sights and customs of Christmas at the Tybee Island Light Station in the days of its last Lighthouse Keeper and his family. This quaint depiction of holiday cheer in the 1930s and 40s illustrates the traditions of a simpler time by a small family whose closest, and sometimes only, neighbors were the military families of Fort Screven. Enjoy the twinkle of the Christmas Lights across the island from the top of the Lighthouse, carols, hot cider and the joy of the season by the warm glow of candlelight. For more information, call (912) 786-5801.
Holiday Gospel Dinner & Entertainment Cruise
December 2, 2019 and December 9, 2019
Savannah Riverboats on the Savannah River, 9 E. River St.
Back by popular demand, experience local Holiday Gospel entertainment and enjoy the savory flavors of the South! Don’t miss out on this spectacular Holiday Gospel performance and delicious Southern cuisine as you cruise the Savannah River! Sailing only twice in December, this cruise is a must do! For more information, call (912) 232-6404 or go to www.savannahriverboat.com.
Holiday Pops
TBD
Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St.
The sounds of the season never sounded better than when put on by the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra, especially at their Holiday Pops Concert. Along with the stunning American Traditions Competition Gold Medalist Erica Everett, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus present your favorite holiday tunes. Visit savannahboxoffice.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns
December 7, 2019
Starting point: Massie Heritage Center, 207 E. Gordon St.
Don’t settle for gazing at homes decorated in garland and lights, get a peek inside of them with the Holiday Tour of Homes! The self-guided tour will take you on a stroll through some of the most picturesque parts of downtown Savannah. For more information, email tourdirector@dnaholidaytour.com, call (912) 236-8362 or go to dnaholidaytour.com.
Savannah Reindeer Run
TBD
Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, 1 International Dr.
Work off a little bit of those holiday meals, all the while joining the race and run against bullies with the Savannah Reindeer Run. Adults and youth are invited to run an 8K at 9 a.m. and younger children can enjoy a kiddie race at 8:45 a.m. There will be several games and activities as well as a Kids’ Zone, costume and best holiday cookie contest. All proceeds will support the Prevention Education Program at the Rape Crisis Center. For more information, go to www.rccsav.org.
Tybee Island Tour de Lights Bike Parade
TBD
A-J’s Dockside, 1315 Chatham Ave.
Boat parades might look spectacular, but bike parades are heck of a lot of fun too, especially when you get in on the action. Tybee Island (aka Savannah’s Beach) invites you to light up your bikes, tinsel up the handrails and cruise the island for a night of holiday fun with Tybee Island’s annual Tour de Lights Bike Parade! The parade will begin and end at A-J’s Dockside 7-9 p.m. For more information, call (912) 786-9533.
The Twelve Bars of Christmas Charity Bar Crawl
TBD
McDonough’s Restaurant and Lounge, 21 E. McDonough St.
Too much family in town? Want to dress up and get out with your friends for the holidays? The Twelve Bars of Christmas Charity Bar Crawl solves both of these things. This bar crawl challenges visitors to brave Savannah’s “Winter Wonderland” and journey through Downtown Savannah from 4-11 p.m. After 12 bars, you’ll be full of holiday cheer. Along with presents from Santa, and a Santa Hat, each bar will provide festive drink specials for The Twelve Bars of Christmas participants ONLY. Tis’ the season for tacky sweaters, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen, angles, gingerbread men/women, Christmas trees, lights, drummer boys, snowflakes – get creative! For more information, go to www.staffordpromotions.com.
A Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe
TBD
Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, GA 31406
Want to see what Christmas was like back in the day? Well now you can with A Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe from 1-4 p.m. Participate in everything from caroling and dancing to live period music to burning of the yule log, games and other holiday observances of the colonial period. For more information, call (912) 353-3023 or go to www.gastateparks.org/Wormsloe.
Christmas Eve Dinner Entertainment Cruise
December 24, 2019
Savannah Riverboats on the Savannah River, 9 E. River St.
Join Savannah Riverboat Cruises this Christmas Eve, along with family and friends, for a festive holiday cruise from 4-6 p.m.! Enjoy a specially prepared delicious holiday buffet and tap your feet to the beat to some of the best house entertainment, all while you cruise the Savannah River. Advance reservations are required. For more information, call (800) 786-6404 or go to savannahriverboat.com.
Christmas Jam Concert
TBD
Savannah Station, 601 Cohen St.
Enjoy the sounds of the season on Christmas Day with the Coastal Jazz Association as they put on a homecoming concert to raise money for jazz scholarships. Local and regional jazz singers and musicians will put on a spectacular show from 5-8 p.m. For more information, go to coastaljazz.org.
