This holiday season, Savannah, GA offers a magical array of festive events that promise to captivate both locals and visitors. From the enchanting Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights, where Hutchinson Island dazzles with animated light displays, to the exclusive Holiday Tour of Homes showcasing exquisite private residences adorned in seasonal splendor, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For those seeking a unique holiday experience, Christmas on the River and Lighted Parade blends lively riverfront activities with a twinkling procession of illuminated boats. Explore the warmth and charm of Savannah's historic district, as the city transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer.
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The Top Christmas Events in Savannah
- Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights
- Holiday Tour of Homes
- Christmas on the River and Lighted Parade
- Savannah Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
- Holiday Nights & Sights Trolley Tour
- Savannah Christmas Market
- A Christmas Tradition at Savannah Theatre
- Holiday Pops at the Savannah Philharmonic
- Holiday Dinner Cruise
- Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour
Savannah Holiday Light Displays
Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display on Hutchinson Island
Description:
The Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights illuminates Hutchinson Island with a dazzling drive-through experience. Visitors cruise through a two-mile course adorned with over 80 animated light displays. This event transforms the island into a twinkling spectacle, visible from River Street across the Savannah River. You can tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The festival originated in 2001 as a fundraiser for local children's charities, continuing its philanthropic mission to this day.
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Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights
Christmas on the River and Lighted Parade
What to Expect:
Combination of waterfront festivities and illuminated boat parade
Description:
Christmas on the River merges land and water celebrations along Savannah's historic riverfront. The event kicks off with live performances and family activities on River Street. As night falls, a procession of boats adorned with twinkling lights glides down the Savannah River, creating a floating parade of illumination. Spectators can participate in a gingerbread house competition. This beloved tradition harkens back to Savannah's maritime heritage, blending modern holiday cheer with the city's nautical past.
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Christmas on the River and Lighted Parade
Savannah Holiday Markets and Shopping
Savannah Christmas Market
What to Expect:
European-style market with local artisans and food vendors
Description:
The Savannah Christmas Market transforms Plant Riverside District into a European-inspired holiday bazaar. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase unique, handcrafted gifts, while food vendors offer seasonal treats with a Southern twist. The air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked goods. Visitors can participate in wreath-making workshops led by local florists. This market, a relatively new addition to Savannah's holiday scene, draws inspiration from traditional German Christkindlmarkts while celebrating local talent and flavors.
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Savannah Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Savannah Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Unique Savannah-inspired elements in the classic ballet
Description:
Savannah Ballet Theatre's rendition of The Nutcracker infuses local flavor into the beloved holiday classic. Dancers pirouette across the stage, bringing to life a production that incorporates Savannah's iconic squares and historic landmarks into its set design. The performance features a special "Savannah Scene," where characters from the city's rich history make cameo appearances. This adaptation, first introduced in the 1990s, has become a cherished annual tradition, blending classical ballet with Savannah's distinctive charm.
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Savannah Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
A Christmas Tradition at Savannah Theatre
What to Expect:
High-energy variety show in a historic theater
Description:
A Christmas Tradition at Savannah Theatre delivers a high-octane holiday spectacular in one of America's oldest continually operating theaters. The show blends comedy, dance, and live music, featuring both classic and contemporary holiday tunes. Performers dazzle with quick costume changes and lively choreography that spills into the aisles. You might find yourself joining in a sing-along of your favorite carols. This annual production, running since 2002, pays homage to the vaudeville acts that once graced the theater's stage in the early 20th century.
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A Christmas Tradition at Savannah Theatre
Holiday Pops at the Savannah Philharmonic
What to Expect:
Classical and popular holiday music performed by a full orchestra
Description:
Holiday Pops at the Savannah Philharmonic elevates seasonal favorites with the rich, full sound of a professional orchestra. The concert features a mix of classical pieces and beloved pop holiday tunes, all reimagined for symphonic performance. Guest vocalists and the Savannah Children's Choir join the orchestra, adding depth and variety to the program. Audience members can marvel at the conductor's artful baton work during familiar melodies. This annual concert, a staple since the Philharmonic's founding in 2008, celebrates the universal language of music during the holiday season.
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Holiday Pops at the Savannah Philharmonic
Savannah Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Tour of Homes
What to Expect:
Access to private historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Savannah's Holiday Tour of Homes grants exclusive access to some of the city's most exquisite private residences. These architectural gems, adorned in holiday splendor, showcase the unique charm of Savannah's historic district. As you stroll through meticulously preserved interiors, the aroma of fresh garlands fills the air. Docents share fascinating stories about each home's history and holiday traditions. This event, dating back to the 1970s, supports the preservation of Savannah's architectural heritage.
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Holiday Nights & Sights Trolley Tour
What to Expect:
Narrated trolley tour of Savannah's holiday lights and decorations
Description:
The Holiday Nights Sights Trolley Tour offers a guided journey through Savannah's illuminated historic district. Passengers aboard vintage-style trolleys traverse the city's lamp-lit squares and streets, admiring elaborate holiday displays. A knowledgeable guide regales riders with tales of Savannah's holiday traditions and ghost stories. You can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa during a midway stop. This tour, inspired by Savannah's 19th-century transportation, provides a unique perspective on the city's architectural beauty enhanced by seasonal decorations.
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Holiday Nights & Sights Trolley Tour
Holiday Dinner Cruise
What to Expect:
Gourmet dinner and sightseeing on the Savannah River
Description:
The Holiday Dinner Cruise combines fine dining with picturesque views of Savannah's riverfront. As the boat glides along the Savannah River, passengers indulge in a gourmet meal prepared by local chefs, featuring seasonal specialties and Low Country cuisine. The vessel's upper deck offers panoramic views of the city's skyline adorned with holiday lights. Guests can learn about the river's role in Savannah's history from the captain's narration. This floating feast, introduced in the early 2000s, offers a unique perspective on the city's holiday beauty.
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Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour
What to Expect:
Candlelit tour of a Civil War-era fort
Description:
The Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour transports visitors to a 19th-century Christmas Eve. Guided by the soft glow of candle lanterns, guests explore the brick corridors and casemates of this Civil War fortress. Costumed interpreters bring to life the stories of soldiers and civilians who celebrated the holidays at the fort. The tour culminates with a musket-firing demonstration that echoes across the moat. This immersive experience, initiated in the 1980s, offers a glimpse into holiday traditions of the 1860s against the backdrop of American history.
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Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour
Holiday Wine & Cheese Train
What to Expect:
Wine and cheese tasting aboard a vintage train
Description:
The Holiday Wine & Cheese Train invites passengers on a journey of culinary delights aboard a restored vintage railcar. As the train meanders through the Georgia countryside, guests sample a curated selection of wines paired with artisanal cheeses. The gentle clacking of wheels on rails provides a soothing backdrop to the tasting experience. You can learn about wine-making traditions from an onboard sommelier. This unique excursion, introduced in 2015, combines the romance of rail travel with the pleasures of holiday indulgence.
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Savannah Santa Train
What to Expect:
Santa-themed train ride for families
Description:
The Savannah Santa Train whisks families away on a jolly adventure through the coastal Georgia landscape. Children's eyes light up as they board carriages decked out in holiday finery, eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa himself. Elves lead sing-alongs and storytelling sessions during the journey. Young passengers can participate in a holiday craft activity at their seats. This whimsical ride, established in the early 2010s, reimagines the magic of The Polar Express for Savannah's youngest residents and visitors.
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Nearby Events
Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade (Tybee Island)
What to Expect:
Coastal boat parade with beach bonfire
Description:
The Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade illuminates the coastal waters with a flotilla of decorated vessels. Boats of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, cruise along the Tybee Island shore, their reflections shimmering on the Atlantic. Spectators gather on the beach, where a roaring bonfire adds warmth to the cool December air. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat designs. This event, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, embodies the island's laid-back charm and maritime spirit.
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Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade