While it’s not likely to be a white Christmas, there are plenty of ways to make the season bright during a visit to Savannah. The fun starts almost as soon as Thanksgiving is over.
Nov. 23-Dec. 24: Get tickets for A Christmas Tradition at The Historic Savannah Theatre. With song and dance, this high-energy production celebrates holiday music.
Nov. 24: Celebrate as City Market transforms into a winter wonderland. Little guests can visit with Father Christmas while shoppers get serenaded. The kick-off takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 24, but you can enjoy all season long.
Nov. 24-Dec. 23: Stroll nearly a mile of magically lit trails and gardens at December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. The garden lights up on Nov. 24 and is open for select nights through Dec. 3.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24: Hop aboard an Old Town Trolley for its Holiday Nights & Sights tour through the Historic District. Conductors dressed as Santa and elves delight and entertain guests. Sing along to your favorite Christmas carols while viewing brightly decorated historic homes, squares and City Market.
Nov. 25: View the annual Savannah Boat Parade of Lights, with more than 40 decorates boats sail along the city’s waterfront from 7-9 p.m. This 20-year tradition parades from Eastern Wharf Park to the Eastern Wharf Park, past River Street and Plant Riverside District. Watch from the shore or book a Boat Parade of Lights Cruise aboard a Savannah Riverboat.
Dec. 1: Santa arrives at the beach, led by the Tybee Christmas Parade as it rolls from 6-8 p.m. The parade starts at 6th Street and moves down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street.
Dec. 2: Get your ticket for a holiday production that has inspired joy and wonder for almost 300 years. The Savannah Philharmonic and Philharmonic Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Temple in midtown.
Dec. 8-10: Stroll and shop during the three-day Christmas on the River. Dance and musical acts take the Arbor Stage at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza. Purchase gifts from River Street merchants. You may even spot Santa.
Dec. 9: Enjoy the 31st Lighted Christmas Parade, which rolls at 5:30 p.m. from Plant Riverside District to the east end, then winds its way up to Broughton Street and through City Market.
Dec. 16: The Savannah Philharmonic and special guests host an afternoon of Holiday Stories of Savannah at the Lucas Theatre. Enjoy Christmas classics beginning at 3 p.m. in the beautifully decked-out historic theater.
That’s plenty of holiday fun to make your season bright.