Practically any day in December, visitors can find fun holiday things to do in Savannah. From charitable causes to excuses for dancing the night away, you’ll love visiting Savannah during the holiday season. High temperatures usually stay in the 70s or 60s, with lows rarely going below 40. And since it’s low season, you can score some excellent hotel rates, like the famous Marshall House for as low as $121 per night, or The Cotton Sail Hotel overlooking River Street for as little as $107 per night. During your stay, you’ll of course want to experience our fabulous food tour (which you could buy a gift certificate for 25% off using the promo code “happyholidays” and redeem for yourself!), but there are also lots of holiday events in Savannah to help you get into the holiday spirit. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorites!
Shopping
Shopping is one of the top things to do in Savannah year round thanks to our walkable downtown, great weather, and beautiful scenery. So, why not head to Savannah on a shopping excursion and give a piece of the South this season. How about local honey and honey-infused products from Savannah Bee Co., or a box of world famous pralines from Savannah Candy Kitchen? You might even find the perfect gems tucked away in one of our many antique stores, like the 3-story Jere’s Antiques or Wright Square Antique Mall filled with items from 30 antique dealers. Or, go local with art from one of the many galleries or goods from local boutiques like Satchel, where purses, bags, and even gun cases are made in their on-site leather workshop. Shopping in Savannah goes to another level if you come during special shopping events like the Downtown Design District’s Holiday Party, Tanger Outlets extended weekend, Wright Square Holiday Open House, and Holiday Open House at City Market to name a few.
Holiday Displays
There are lots of ways to put the twinkle in the season in Savannah. Head to Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens for their December Nights and Holiday Lights, which features over 500,000 lights alongside a model railroad display from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Want to be transported to the North Pole? Visit Westin Savannah’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Series, complete with a Gingerbread Village and Santa’s Workshop. You also won’t want to miss the Holiday Tour of Homes, when you can view the holiday decor inside some of downtown Savannah’s private, million-dollar homes.
Live Performances
Savannah is home to several historic theater houses, including Savannah Theatre, which puts on a Broadway performance of “A Christmas Tradition” annually. In its 14th year, this show brings to the stage a little comedy, audience participation, and, of course, lots of holiday cheer. Visiting the theater itself is also a special treat as you stroll through the lobby and see photographs and read articles about its many transformations over the years since opening in 1818. Like being part of the action? Try the murder mystery dinner, Who Killed Tiny Tim? Or, go for a classic, The Nutcracker, at Lucas Theatre for the Arts. This theatre also hosts holiday concerts by the Savannah Philharmonic, Savannah Children’s Choir, and some of Savannah’s favorite local singers that come together for a Christmas Cabaret.
Christmas and New Years on the River
While River Street always provides a great reason to come to Savannah, Christmas and New Years on the river bring an extra dose of festive fun. Arts and crafts exhibitors line the waterfront, live music plays, and special events like Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade and Up the Cup Countdown–featuring a 6-foot to-go cup in place of a New Year’s ball to drop–wrap up the evenings in true holiday form.
Runs, Walks & Crawls
Savannah’s most famous run is the Rock N’ Roll Marathon held in November each year, but December provides several ways to burn off all those holiday treats, too. Run over Talmadge Bridge during the Savannah Bridge Run, Cupcake Day 5K, or Savannah’s Reindeer Run (costumes encouraged!). If you’d rather keep your pace at a stroll, The Twelve Bars of Christmas charity bar crawl or Second Saturday Art Walk might be more your speed.
Other Special Events
Wow your children by booking tickets for the Sailing with Santa Cruise or traveling back in time at the Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe. Candle Lantern Tours at Fort Pulaski also provide a unique twist on holiday things to do by recreating the festive occasion held here in 1861 before war came to Savannah. Two parades also put the holidays on display–Tybee Island Christmas Parade and Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade.
Which of these holiday things to do in Savannah do you want to experience? Share with us on Twitter with the hashtag #SavannahTaste.
