A Very Merry Savannah Holiday Guide

Hi, y’all! Wow, the holidays are already here again! Can you even believe it? To me there is no time more beautiful or cheerful than Christmas, and Savannah is an especially gorgeous place to celebrate the merriest of holidays.

There is a LOT that goes on in Savannah for the holiday season, so I’m counting down some of our very favorite Savannah Christmas traditions.

A traditional Savannah townhome, decked in a festive holiday wreath

Christmas in the South Craft Show (Friday Nov, 22 - Sunday Nov, 24 2019 at the Savannah Convention Center) – I don’t know about y’all, but I love a good craft show. And this event may just be the craftiest of them all. Held at the Savannah Convention Center just across the river on Hutchison Island, Christmas in the South is the perfect place to stock up on one-of-a-kind, southern-inspired holiday décor, toys, scrumptious goodies, and sweet-smelling candles. There are many repeat vendors that seem to show up every year (which I love) but there are always lots of new exhibits too. This is one of my favorite holiday events to herald in the season.

Westin Savannah Harbor Gingerbread Village and Competition (display begins Nov 24, 2019)

This is one of the cutest Savannah Christmas traditions. Hosted in the lobby of the Westin Resort Hotel across the river on Hutchison Island, it’s a short ferry ride to a cheerful good time. The competitors take the competition seriously, like really seriously, which makes for some especially impressive Gingerbread sculptures. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, stroll the gingerbread displays, and then enjoy a s’more around the oversized fire pit outside. If you’re lucky, you might even run into Santa.

Shopping on Broughton Street (Black Friday - All Season)

Y’all may not know this – but Savannah’s Broughton Street is the longest, continuously running shopping district in the United States, and it’s still the center of shopping in Savannah today. Populated with local boutiques, art shops, trendy shops, and eclectic furniture stores, restaurants, and café’s – it’s a shopping lover’s dream. And it’s the epicenter of holiday cheer during the months of November and December in Savannah. Bright Christmas lights drape high over the street, shop windows are decked in old-fashioned and colorful holiday displays, and the sales are never-ending. Needless to say, T.C. and I get most of our Christmas shopping done on Broughton Street.

Savannah Holly Days Christmas Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa (Nov 29, 7-8pm)

Maybe the most official of all holiday events in Savannah is the lighting of the giant Christmas Tree that sits at the intersection of Savannah’s famous Broughton and Bull Streets. Live Christmas music performances, a speech by Savannah’s mayor, and an appearance by the Big Guy himself (Santa, of course) come together to make this pretty much as close to being in a Hallmark Movie you’ll ever come in your life. It’s downright magical, and we never miss it.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens December Nights & Holiday Lights (November 22 - December 23)

Savannah’s Botanical Gardens turn into a winter wonderland. Humongous, gorgeous light displays (featuring over one million lights!), hot chocolate and treats, even Santa and Mrs. Claus attend. This is a don’t-miss activity the whole family will enjoy.

Savannah Boat Parade of Lights (Nov 30)

This nautical Yuletide parade makes its way up the Savannah River, boats decked out in twinkling Christmas lights. This is a decorating competition, so it’s always interesting to see how creative boat owners can get. View this parade from historic River Street with a hot cocoa in hand as you stroll and take in the sights up and down one of Savannah’s most famously beautiful districts.

Tybee Island Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (Dec 6, 2019)

It wouldn’t be a true Savannah Christmas without a little holiday cheer beach-side. Our family looks forward to Tybee’s Christmas parade every year because it’s honestly such a casual, good time. Locals decorate golf carts in lights, local businesses sponsor floats, it’s a fun little shin-dig. I’ve honestly seen a goat dressed in an elf costume walking in this parade. And if that’s not enough to make you want to check it out, then I don’t know what will.

Christmas on the River & Lighted Christmas Parade (Fri Dec 6, Sat Dec 7, Sun Dec 8, 2019)

One of the things T.C. and I love about Savannah is that despite her rather humongous and important history, she still often manages to evoke a small-town feeling. She’s the best of both worlds – culture and bustle of a big city, the charm of a small town. There’s no place quite like it.

Christmas on the River is a festival of food and crafts, dancing, and entertainment that we look forward to every year.

The Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade is no exception. Local business floats, firetrucks, dune buggies – all aglow with twinkling Christmas lights parade across the historic district, down Broughton Street – and it is a festive GOOD TIME.

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Window Displays at The Paris Market

When it comes to shopping on Broughton Street, one of our little family’s favorite past times is to visit the magical Paris Market. This shop is breathtaking all year round, but it’s something right out of a storybook at Christmas. Check off items on your gift-buying list, take in the Parisian Christmas music, and then kick back at the little café with a warm hot chocolate and a macaron. We do this every year, (honestly, we do this all throughout the Christmas season).

Savannah Civic Center Ice Skating, Skatefest

I’m not even going to pretend. I’m not that great at ice skating – ha-ha! But boy, do T.C. and I enjoy giving it our best shot! Hot chocolate, the laughter of kids, Christmas carols, ice skating at the Savannah Civic Center is a tradition well-worth working into your holiday festivities.

Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus Christmas Performance / Matinee (Dec 6, 2019)

We took Rhett to his first symphony performance last Christmas season and it was straight up magical. The Savannah Philharmonic puts on a stunning show any time of year, but Christmas carols hold a mass appeal that make the show even more magical.

Fort Pulaski Christmas (Date TBD)

Ever wonder what Christmas used to look like back in the day? Like, way back? Way back in a Civil War fort? Well, this is your opportunity to find out. This candlelit tour is a tradition for the history books, complete with hot chocolate and unforgettable storytelling.