Planning to spend Thanksgiving in Savannah this year?
Whether you’re looking to sit down for a southern-style Thanksgiving meal, want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, or even are hoping to see some twinkling lights to get in the Christmas spirit, this detailed list of the best things to do in Savannah on Thanksgiving weekend has you covered!
Key Takeaways
- Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal — From traditional southern-style dinners at local restaurants, high-end brunches, and dinner cruises, Savannah offers no shortage of options for a delicious Thanksgiving meal (no cooking or dishes required!).
- Go Black Friday shopping — Get a head start on holiday shopping and snag deals on Black Friday from local shops and popular retailers on Broughton Street, on River Street, or at Oglethorpe Mall.
- Celebrate the holiday season — As the Christmas season begins, spend Thanksgiving getting in the festive spirit by viewing Christmas lights throughout Historic Downtown Savannah or attending the Savannah Christmas Market.
Top Things to Do and Reasons to Visit Savannah’s Historic District This Thanksgiving
1.) Enjoy a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal at Local Savannah Restaurants
There’s nothing like enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day! While you can certainly cook up a meal from your vacation rental in Savannah, here are a couple of restaurants open and serving Thanksgiving dinner in Savannah:
- The Olde Pink House — The Olde Pink House is one of the most famous restaurants in Savannah! This local restaurant’s upscale Southern menu, featuring a refined twist on Southern comfort food, like mac and cheese and collard greens, makes it an exceptional choice for Thanksgiving dinner.
- Rhett Restaurant — If you’re looking for a less traditional Thanksgiving dinner, head to Rhett Restaurant in Savannah. This local gem specializes in seafood, featuring a raw bar, oysters, scallops, and Southern favorites such as Lowcountry shrimp and grits.
- Six Pence Pub — Six Pence Pub offers a special Thanksgiving menu, featuring roasted turkey and gravy, homemade dressing, cranberry sauce, rolls, and Thanksgiving pies. However, the regular menu, featuring American and British comfort foods, is also served on Thanksgiving.
2.) Go on a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
If you’re visiting Savannah on any holiday, embarking on one of the seasonal cruises with Savannah Riverboat Cruises is always a good idea! The Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise includes a traditional Southern Thanksgiving buffet, live entertainment, and stunning views of the Savannah River.
The first cruise sails from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, and the second cruise sails from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. Tickets are $110.95 for adults and $63.95 for children ages 5–12 — you can click here to grab your tickets and reserve your spot!
3.) Attend Thanksgiving Brunch at the Plant Riverside District
If you’d rather eat an early Thanksgiving meal than a heavier dinner later in the day, head to the Salzburg Ballroom at Savannah’s Plant Riverside District for Thanksgiving Brunch.
This family-friendly Thanksgiving event features a diverse selection of Thanksgiving favorites, along with a bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails. Last year’s menu featured herb-roasted turkey breast, slow-smoked prime rib, baked oyster stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, pies, and much more! This event costs $83 for adults and $39 for children ages 5–12, plus gratuity and tax.
4.) Shop ‘Til You Drop on Black Friday
Once you’ve had your fill of turkey, gravy, and desserts, it’s time to get an early start on Christmas shopping during Black Friday in Savannah. Here are some of our favorite places to shop in Savannah:
- Broughton Street — From specialty retailers and local boutiques to popular chain stores, this shopping hub in Savannah provides no shortage of places to snag deals on Black Friday.
- River Street — Filled with kitschy souvenir stores and other unique shops, River Street is the perfect shopping venue in Savannah for shoppers looking to secure a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.
- Oglethorpe Mall — If you’re on the hunt for deals from name-brand retailers or department stores, head to Oglethorpe Mall for great Black Friday shopping just outside the Historic District.
5.) Start Celebrating the Christmas Season
Savannah wastes no time jumping into the magic of the holidays right after Thanksgiving ends! Here are some of the top Christmas events in Savannah you can enjoy during Thanksgiving weekend:
- Savannah Christmas Market — The European-style Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District typically opens the weekend of Thanksgiving and features holiday-themed food and drinks, local vendors, live entertainment, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
- December Nights and Holiday Lights — Located at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden, this can’t-miss holiday event is typically offered on select nights in November. It features stunning light displays, holiday drinks and treats, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
- Christmas Tree Lighting — The Christmas Tree Lighting on Broughton Street typically takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This fun event is a special way to kick off the holiday season in Savannah, offering an excellent opportunity to see some of the city’s best Christmas lights.
6.) Spend a Beach Day on Tybee Island
The good news about spending Thanksgiving in Savannah, you ask? The weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beach, and November is one of the driest months in Savannah, too, making rainy days rare.
So, if you’d rather hit the sand and surf than sit down for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, head to Tybee Island for a day of fun in the sun! Unlike the busy spring and summer seasons, you’ll have much of the island to yourself to explore its top beaches and attractions, like the Tybee Island Light Station, Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, and South Beach.
7.) Stay in a Charming Vacation Rental in Downtown Savannah
Regardless of how you choose to spend Thanksgiving in Savannah, one thing is for sure: finding a charming vacation rental in Savannah that provides a cozy atmosphere and creates a picture-perfect backdrop for spending your holiday with family and friends is a must.
Make Unforgettable Holiday Memories When You Spend Thanksgiving in Savannah with South Key Management
Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find the best vacation rentals in Savannah’s Historic District! Our team at South Key Management offers a curated portfolio of beautiful condos, homes, and studios filled with historic charm and thoughtful amenites to create a memorable stay in the heart of Savannah.
Browse our properties to find the perfect place to stay this Thanksgiving, and contact us to learn more about our holiday special and promotions to secure the best deal on your trip to Savannah this fall!
