Are you planning to spend this Christmas in Savannah?
If yes, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of Christmas events in Savannah GA for you to enjoy!
Savannah is one of the best places to go on a holiday, especially at Christmas.
I have traveled to Savannah multiple times and I can assure you that Savannah at Christmas is a beautiful sight.
Plus, you will find lots of delicious festive food and enjoyable events here making it one of the best Christmas vacation destinations.
Still unsure about what to do in Savannah for Christmas? Then read our list of the 15 Best Festive Events for Christmas in Savannah!
Christmas in Savannah GA: 15 Festive Savannah Christmas Events
Catch the Boat Parade of Lights
If you want to experience something unique for Christmas in Savannah, don’t miss the annual Boat Parade of Lights here!
It takes place at the end of November every year and the tradition has been going on for the past 22 years.
You can watch this spectacle from the Savannah Riverfront or even buy a ticket to Georgia Queen Riverboat that begins the parade.
You will see 40+ boats decked up in colorful lights and large balloons making their way to the Plant Riverside district and back to the Eastern Wharf.
Trust me, this is one of the top Savannah Christmas events you must attend here.
Check Out: Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
Watch ‘A Christmas Tradition’ At The Historic Savannah Theatre
Are you celebrating Christmas in Savannah GA with kids?
If yes, you cannot miss watching ‘A Christmas Tradition’ at the Historic Savannah Theatre.
This 2-hour holiday production will get your entire family into the festive spirit on your Christmas holiday vacation.
The theatre is completely transformed into a Christmas miracle and you can enjoy lots of singing, dancing, and laughing during the show.
Best part? You will watch Santa and his reindeer dancing to entertain everyone.
So, don’t forget to get your show tickets, some popcorn, and candy to spend a memorable evening at the theater.
Check Out: Ghosts and Gravestones Tour with Low House Entry
Check Out: Historical Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks Included
Where To Go For A Holiday: Visit The Davenport Museum
Savannah is one of the top places to visit for the holidays due to the sheer number of fun Christmas events that you can attend here.
And Davenport Museum is home to one of the best Christmas events in Savannah GA.
In this tour, you get a chance to experience how life was back in the 19th century.
Davenport House Tours by Candlelight is offered every day between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Apart from the charming lights and music, you can also enjoy refreshments on this tour.
Do buy the tickets in advance as it is a popular event in Savannah in December and the tickets get sold out quickly!
Check Out: Historic District Foodie Walking Tour
Good Holiday Destinations: Enjoy Ice Skating at the Savannah Civic Center
Ice skating at the Savannah Civic Center is one of the best things to enjoy in Savannah at Christmas.
Enjoy a 90-minute ice skating session with your family for 10 USD per person.
The skating rink is decorated with holiday festivities, making it one of the top Christmas holiday vacations for families.
It can also be a perfect idea for a date night and allows you to spend quality time with your partner during Christmas in Savannah.
This is why I feel Savannah GA in December is one of the most romantic getaways in the US.
Book Here: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights Tour
Are you looking for fun Christmas activities in Savannah? Then, don’t forget to take the Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Lights and Sights Tour!
This is one of the best tours to enjoy in Savannah GA in December as you can enjoy a ride on the famous old trolley and marvel at all the attractions in the city.
From exploring the historic district to the decorated city squares, the tour is full of holiday music and treats!
Trust me, this is one of the most magical ways to spend an evening during Christmas in Savannah!
From the vibrant Christmas Market to the Holiday Tours, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Savannah GA in December.
Check Out: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise
Attend The Savannah Christmas Market At Plant Riverside District
One of the top places to visit for the holidays in Savannah is the famed Savannah Christmas market at Plant Riverside District.
This European-styled Christmas market runs from mid-November till 1st January. From Santa visits to live music to street performers, you will find it all here.
Kids can take cute photos with Santa and indulge in cookie-decorating games.
Plus, there is a live reading of The Night Before Christmas and a tree lighting ceremony with Santa.
Overall, this is the perfect family-friendly event to enjoy at one of the best Christmas vacation destinations in the USA.
Check Out: 1.5 Hour Guided Trolley Tour W/Guided Shuttle Service
Check Out: Old History and Sightseeing Trolly Tour
Check Out: Hop-On Hop-Off Historic Trolley Tour
Hanukkah at Forsyth Park
Although Savannah is one of the best Christmas vacation destinations, there are other festivals also celebrated in Savannah in December.
One such event you might be interested in is the Hanukkah celebrations at Forsyth Park.
This Jewish community event welcomes all faiths where you can witness a 10-foot menorah being lit up.
The event begins on the first day of Hanukkah at 3 PM and features delicious Hanukkah food, musical performances, activities, and more.
So, if you want to experience Hanukkah in Savannah, attend this festival at Forsyth Park with your family.
Check Out: 2-Hour Southern Food Tour
Best Place To Go For A Holiday: Holiday Tour of Homes
Have you always wanted to visit one of the historical homes in Savannah?
If yes, the best time to do that is when you visit Savannah for Christmas.
Attend the Holiday Tour of Homes hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) for charity.
This is one of the best Christmas events in Savannah GA as this allows you to enter the beautiful houses in the Historic District.
Marvel at the decorations on both the outside and inside and live your dream of sneaking a peak into these luxurious houses.
Check Out: Historic Savannah Walking Tour
Check Out: The Adults-Only Beyond Good And Evil Tour
Christmas Holiday Destinations: Holiday Open House in City Market
I love the Savannah market and recommend the Holiday Open House in City Market.
This is one of the best Savannah Christmas events in which the City Market courtyard is lit by over 500 luminaria.
That’s not all, you can also enjoy lots of Christmas carols, delicious treats, and a visit from Santa here.
Plus, this event is free!
Check Out: Wormsloe Plantation and Bonaventure Cemetery Tour
Check Out: American Prohibition Museum Ticket
Marvel at the Window Decorations
Savannah during Christmas is magical. The entire city is decorated and lit up, especially the shops.
You can find extravagant Christmas lights in Savannah GA at these shops and the effect is even more mesmerizing if you visit after sunset.
Every year, there is a window display contest to raise funds for the Savannah Harbor Foundation which is why all shops go all out for this festival.
Trust me, one of the best places for Christmas vacation is Savannah. You can enjoy all these decorations and even buy Christmas gifts from here.
Check Out: History, Culture, & Scenic Views E-Bike Tour
Christmas At The Cathedral
Of course, when telling you about the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Savannah, you cannot miss out on visiting the cathedral.
One of the best places to visit for the holidays in Savannah is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Here, you will observe wreaths hanging from the columns and the cathedral is decorated with beautiful red trees.
Also, this is the ideal place to visit for a Christmas Mass.
Watch the church members sing Christmas favorites along with a beautiful handbell performance.
So, if you want a true Christmas evening, visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Look Here: Historic Church Tour
Check Out: Savannah: Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour
Check Out: Midnight in the Garden Walking Tour and Pub Crawl
Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Show
One of the most popular events to attend in Savannah at Christmas is the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Show.
It is hosted every weekend in December where the entire 5 acres of garden is transformed with holiday lights.
This is a family-friendly event so you can get your little ones’ photos taken with Santa and mail letters to the North Pole.
Enjoy the best Christmas food such as smores and hot cocoa.
This is one of the reasons why Savannah is one of the best places to go on a holiday, especially in December.
Christmas Festivities In Savannah: Enjoy the Festive City Market
Another one of the best places for Christmas vacation in Savannah is the City Market.
This open-air shopping area looks extremely festive in December and is divided into two blocks.
A Christmas tree is in the center of each block making this market look even more magical.
Sheaths of garlands and unique shop decorations are scattered throughout this Savannah market.
So, if you are searching for the Christmas spirit, check out the City Market.
Check Out: Savannah: Historical Panoramic City Tour
Check Out: Riverboat Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
Christmas In Savannah: Christmas On The River
Do you want to make the most of the riverfront in Savannah for Christmas?
If yes, one of the best Savannah Christmas events to check out is Christmas on the River.
This 2-day event in Savannah in December is hosted along the Savannah waterfront.
Enjoy a variety of musical acts and dance on the Rousakis Riverfront Plaza and stroll and shop from the River Street merchants.
However, the main highlight is the parade of the 50 vibrant floats dancing and decorated to celebrate the Christmas Spirit.
Overall, this is one of the best Christmas events in Savannah.
Check Out: Southern Traditions Dinner Tour
Watch Christmas Lights At The Historic District
If you are still wondering where to go for a holiday for Christmas, then Savannah should be an obvious choice.
You will notice Christmas lights all over Savannah GA that add further to the festivities.
My favorite place to admire the Christmas lights is the Historic District where the houses are decorated with the best lights and colors.
Don’t forget to visit during the dusk as it further highlights the Christmas lighting in this street.
You can easily stroll here for 2-3 hours taking in the magical view of this historic district.
Christmas In Savannah GA Packing List
Here are some tips on packing lightly for your visit to Savannah Georgia.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.
World Traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.
The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I also sometimes bring my Vionic Tides flip-flops depending on the time of year. The toe post is so comfortable.
This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Where to Stay During Christmas In Savannah
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District – For the best Christmas in Savannah book your stay at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
You get celebrity treatment here but are also close to main attractions such as City Market, Ellis Square, and more.
They also have a unique museum-style decor with a 135-ft chrome dinosaur making your stay truly memorable.
Check Prices on Booking.com
Holiday Inn Express Savannah – Historic District – Overlooking the Savannah River, Holiday Inn Express Savannah – Historic District is also a great place to stay.
Apart from the free breakfast buffet, you will also love the rooftop swimming pool that overlooks the city. Also, it is close to the city’s Historic District.
Check Prices on Booking.com
Marriott Savannah Riverfront – Mariott Savannah Riverfront is another beautiful property in downtown Savannah and connected to the famous River Street.
You can enjoy the riverfront views from this property. Plus, there is an on-site restaurant and a bar.
Check Prices on Booking.com
Tours In Savannah GA: 12 Savannah Tours Not To Miss!