7 Festive Holiday Events and Things to Do During Christmas in Savannah

There is nothing like spending the holiday season in Savannah, Georgia. The holiday light displays on the historic homes, festive activities, holiday treats, southern hospitality, and warmer weather make it easy to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.

Wondering what to do in Savannah this holiday season? Here are some of our favorite holiday events and things to do during Christmas in Savannah!

1. Christmas Lights and Holiday Decor in Savannah's Historic District

While Savannah's historic homes and charming squares are always a sight to behold, they truly come alive during this enchanting time of year. If you're in Savannah during Christmas, stroll through the Historic District in the evening to witness the city come alive with vibrant Christmas lights, lanterns, festive red bows, and garlands.

Some of the best places to see holiday lights in Savannah include:

• Broughton Street — The restaurants, shops, and boutiques on Broughton Street are always decorated with charming decor and lights strung between buildings (like in a Hallmark movie!).
• City Market — During the holiday season, City Market is filled with Christmas trees decked out in sparkling lights and red bows and is a hub for shopping, dining, entertainment, and holiday events, like the City Market Holiday Open House and City Market Courtyard Music Series.
• Forsyth Park — Bright red bows, festive wreaths, and beautiful garlands "deck the halls" in Forsyth Park during the holidays. This sprawling park is the perfect spot for a winter stroll!
• Historic Homes & Squares — Many of the homes and squares in Savannah are bedazzled with lights and decorations during Christmastime, including Andrew Low House, Hamilton-Turner Inn, Calhoun Square, Franklin Square, Lafayette Square, Telfair Square, and Washington Square.
• Festive Hotels — Head to the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa to see the creative gingerbread houses on display in the Westin's Gingerbread Village, or grab a table at The Wayward Christmas Bar in the Perry Lane Hotel to enjoy a festive holiday cocktail.

2. Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District

Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District is a highly-anticipated holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike during Christmas in Savannah. This European-style outdoor holiday market offers holiday-themed food and drinks, live Christmas music and family-friendly entertainment, photos with Santa, and other fun activities the whole family will love.

The start of the Savannah Christmas Market usually "kicks off" the holiday season in Savannah on the Friday after Thanksgiving at the Tree Lighting Ceremony — a free event that includes a live reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas and an appearance from Santa Claus himself!

3. A Christmas Tradition at the Historic Savannah Theatre

For decades, the Historic Savannah Theatre has put on a performance of A Christmas Tradition to get locals and visitors in the holiday spirit during this spirited season!

This two-hour-long performance includes festive music and dancing and encourages audience participation. Tickets are generally $20–50 per person, and the show runs from the beginning of December through Christmas Eve. Visit the theater's website to get tickets for the whole family!

‍4. December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

If you visit Savannah in December, you can't miss the chance to see the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens all lit up for December Nights & Holiday Lights.

During this event, the botanical garden transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights spanning five acres. In addition to the spectacular lights, visitors can also enjoy sweet treats, including s'mores, hot cocoa, and coffee, and nightly visits from Santa Claus. This event usually begins in early November and runs through January, but check the website for the most up-to-date information.

5. Savannah Holly Days on Broughton Street

Need to finish shopping in Savannah for the perfect gifts? Head to Broughton Street on Holly Days.

Holly Days take place on select Saturdays in December, during which visitors can enjoy live music from street performers, extended hours of operation, and shopping incentives at the shops and boutiques on Broughton Street. The Christmas Tree Lighting is another popular event on Broughton Street that usually takes place on the day after Thanksgiving each year.

6‍. Davenport House Tours by Candlelight 

Davenport House Tours by Candlelight is a unique event that occurs in the evening during the days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. During this event, you can see Davenport House by candlelight to get a glimpse of what it looked like in the 19th century. This event usually includes light refreshments, music, and interpreters who will guide you through the experience.

Davenport House also hosts other fun events during the holidays, like a holiday cocktail-crafting class. Check their website to see the events offered this Christmas season and to snag tickets.

7. Savannah Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The Savannah Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a local tradition and free fundraiser in Savannah that has enchanted visitors and locals alike for more than two decades.

On the last Saturday of November, head down to River Street to watch bedazzled boats, including the Georgia Queen Riverboat, promenade on the Savannah River from the Eastern Wharf Dock to the Plant Riverside District before turning back and ending at the Eastern Wharf Dock. Marvel at the creativity of the boat captains and their families during the Savannah Holiday Boat Parade of Lights!

Spend Christmas in Savannah and Get Cozy This Holiday Season in a Charming Vacation Rental from South Key Management

Christmas in Savannah is truly the most magical time of year. From the festive holiday events and colorful light displays to the fabulous weather and smaller crowds, there really isn't a better time to enjoy the spectacular southern hospitality of Savannah on full display!

Would you like to spend Christmas in Savannah? If so, there is still time to book a cozy, comfortable vacation rental in the heart of all the holiday action in Downtown Savannah. Explore our rentals from South Key Management to find the perfect place to stay this Christmas season!

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