Every season is special in Savannah, but at Christmastime, it truly shines. After all, Georgia’s oldest city knows how to throw a party and Yuletide is the biggest of the year.
Holly Days in Savannah
Savannah Holly Days begin with the Tree Lighting on Broughton Street during Thanksgiving weekend. Throughout the holiday season, Cookies with Santa, Jingle Bell Block Hop party, Holidays on the Big Screen and other events are held. Holly Days on Broughton transforms the street into the perfect Christmas shopping destination, with crisscrossing lights and decorations. Santa is even known to make appearances.
Santa Goes Cruising
Take the kids on board when the Savannah Riverboat Cruises goes Sailing with Santa, Nov. 29-30. Santa and his North Pole crew of elves lead an hour and a half narrated harbor sightseeing tour. Children enjoy arts and crafts, along with a special treat from Santa. Even better, kids sail free when donating a new, unwrapped toy. They also offer a Holiday Gospel Dinner Cruise and Christmas Eve lunch and dinner cruises.
City Market Gets Decked Out
At City Market, visitors can stroll beneath the festive lights while listening to Christmas carolers. The City Market Open House is set from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 6. The City Market’s Christmas for Kids Celebration is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7. Children can decorate cookies, see Father Christmas and take a Cinderella carriage tour.
Festive Fountain Family Fun
The Forsyth Park fountain is adorned with bright red bows and ribbon, hanging garland and wreaths, making a perfect backdrop for the family Christmas photo.
Take a Peek Inside Historic Homes
Ever look at those historic homes and think, “I’d love to see inside.” Now’s your chance. Get tickets for Savannah’s Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns set Dec. 7. Hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the tour features the exquisite architecture, beautiful furnishings and gracious hospitality that make this one of America’s great cities.
A Trolley Light Tour
If you’re drawn to the idea of Christmas of yore, put a trolley ride down on your must-do list. Old Town Trolley Tour offers a Holiday Lights and Sights Tour from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24. The tour begins at 214 W. Boundary St. At the Davenport House. Guests are transported back to the 1820s to get a glimpse of a typical 19th century holiday. At the end of the line, passengers see Santa Claus, a toy workshop, Christmas lights, a tree and goodies at the Massie Heritage Center.
A Victorian Christmas
Speaking of the Davenport House, Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight are slated Dec. 26 to 30 at this Federal-style home. The tour welcomes visitors to view holiday celebrations of early 19th century Savannah residents. Admission includes light refreshments, music and skilled interpreters, as well as a demonstration of period dancing. Or, celebrate Christmas 1886 with the Gordons when you explore the home of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Lowe. It’s beautifully decorated for the holidays, and open Mondays through Saturdays except for Dec. 24-25.
Holiday Glitz and Glitter
See the spectacular “A Christmas Tradition” at the historic, art deco Savannah Theatre, restored to its 1940s-era glory. The theatre transforms into a perfect holiday picture from Dec. 3 to 26 for the song and dance production, with all those Christmas standards you love. Visiting Savannah earlier? Check out the stage-adaptation of “Elf,” Nov. 7 to Dec. 1.
A Home for the Holidays
Stay in a historic home or carriage house in the center of the Historic District to truly drink in the season.