Looking for a special place to celebrate the holidays? Look no further than Savannah! Christmas in the South is a magical experience with mild weather, smiling faces, and holiday cheer everywhere. It’s absolutely one of the best times in Savannah as the city is adorned with classic decor making it feel even more magical. Each year, venues all across the city host annual holiday events that remind me why I love Savannah so much. Here are my top holiday events to enjoy in Savannah.
Savannah Holly Days on Broughton Street
Savannah Holly Days is an events series sponsored by the City of Savannah, Savannah Downtown Business Association, and Visit Savannah. It kicks off on the Friday after Christmas with the tree lighting concert on Broughton Street. Each weekend in December, a special event such as free live concerts, street performances, children’s activities and more are held for locals and visitors to enjoy. For more information, follow Savannah Holly Days.
Holiday Open House in City Market
The first Friday night in December is always booked for me. It’s the time when Savannah City Market shops stay open late to allow guests to shop and mingle. I’m talking free holiday snacks, drinks, caroling, photo ops, and special pricing to begin the holiday shopping season. It’s such a great time to get out and have a nice night on the town. For more information, visit Savannah City Market.
Live Show at Savannah Theatre
For the past 20 years, the Historic Savannah Theatre has celebrated the holiday season with “A Christmas Tradition. The theatre is decked out in its holiday best with a two-hour show. There is lots of singing and dancing a little bit of comedy which makes a night of fun for everyone.
After Christmas, the fun continues with a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party. This two-hour show features the Savannah Theatre band and singers and dancers performing hit songs from the past 5 decades. After the show, the band keeps playing and the stage turns into a dance floor for the audience. End the night with a champagne toast and more fun! For more information on shows, visit the Savannah Theatre.
Movie Time at the Lucas Theatre
Each year, the Savannah College of Art & Design presents a holiday schedule that’s a delight for the entire family. View timeless holiday films and Christmas classics on the big screen at the Lucas Theatre for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit the Lucas Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Holiday Sightseeing Tour with Old Town Trolley
The Holiday Lights & Sights Tour is hosted by Old Town Trolley. Hop on board and roll through Savanah to see the city’s historic homes and famous squares dressed in their holiday best. Carolers liven up the night as passengers travel back to the 1820s at the Davenport House to see how Savannah’s early residents experienced Christmas with holiday food and drinks. The tour will end at Plant Riverside where guests can say hello to St. Nick. It’s a night to remember even if you’ve already taken a trolley ride in Savannah. For more information, visit Old Town Trolley Savannah.
Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight
During the holiday season, the Davenport House Museum offers candlelight tours with refreshments, music, and interpreters to guide you through the Federal-style home. For nearly an hour, guests get to experience the end-of-year celebrations of 19th Century Savannahians, including those from the Davenport household, who lived in the beautiful home on Columbia Square.
A Lighthouse Christmas on Tybee Island
Held two Saturdays in December, The Tybee Island Historical Society recreates a 1930s Christmas with the Lighthouse Keeper and his family. Included in your admission is a rare nighttime climb to the top of the lighthouse, a tour of the Head Keeper’s Cottage, a performance by local carolers, and a cup of hot cider. For more information, call the Tybee Island Historical Society at (912) 786-5801 or visit online.
Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm is beautiful on its own. When you add holiday lights to the site, then it becomes a sight to behold! The Holiday Lights Launch Festival is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving for guests to walk through the garden and complete holiday shopping with local artisans. A ticket purchase for the launch event includes live music, a drink ticket, complimentary kids arts and craft stations, smores stations, and a visit with Santa Claus. Each weekend after the launch, guests are able to visit the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lights. For the past couple of years, the Holiday Lights has been a drive-thru event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we hope it changes back to the regular format soon.