Holiday Events and Things to Do in and Around Savannah, GA (2026)
If you’re wondering what to do in Savannah for the holidays, the season runs from mid-November through New Year’s, and most of the festivities are centered around River Street, Plant Riverside District and the Historic District. Many of the best Savannah holiday events are free, including the Savannah Christmas Market, the Festival of Trees, the Gingerbread Display, the Plant Riverside Christmas Tree Lighting and the Savannah Lighted Boat Parade. That makes Savannah an easy, budget-friendly Christmas getaway in Georgia.
Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest stretch of the season. On Saturday, Nov. 28 alone, you can see the Boat Parade, the Tybee Island Tree Lighting, The Nutcracker and December Nights & Holiday Lights..
Families will find kid-friendly holiday activities near Savannah all season long, from the Savannah Santa Train to cookie decorating at Plant Riverside to Reindeer on the Roof at Perry Lane Hotel. If you want a coastal Christmas, a short drive to Tybee Island brings beach-town tree lightings and holiday markets too!
Whether you’re visiting for the season or live just down the road, here are the best holiday events in and around Savannah for November and December 2026.
1. Holly Days Bazaar
When: Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13, 10 AM to 2 PM
Where: Green-Meldrim House, 14 W. Macon St. (Madison Square)
Cost: Free to shop; lunch and goods sold separately
The Women of St. John’s Church have hosted this bazaar for more than a century. You can enjoy a homemade Southern lunch inside a historic Gothic Revival mansion, then browse the silent auction, garden shop and homemade jams. Proceeds support local Savannah charities.
Link: https://stjohnssav.org/sjc-events/holly-days-bazaar/
2. Christmas Made in the South
When: Nov. 13 to 15 (Fri. and Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM, Sun. 11 AM to 5 PM)
Where: Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr.
Cost: $10 for adults at the door (good all three days); kids 12 and under free
Hundreds of artists fill the convention center with handmade gifts, holiday décor, jewelry and gourmet treats. If you’re staying downtown, take the free Savannah Belles Ferry across the river.
Link: https://madeinthesouthshows.com/savannah-details
3. Savannah Christmas Market
When: Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027; daily, 11 AM to 9 PM
Where: Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St.
Cost: Free admission
This European-style open-air market fills the riverfront with gift stalls, seasonal food and drinks, live performances and visits from Santa. It’s open rain or shine, but some vendors close on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Link: https://www.plantriverside.com/savannah-christmas-market/
4. Festival of Trees
When: Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Power Plant Lobby, Plant Riverside District
Cost: Free
Local businesses and organizations each decorate a tree, turning the lobby into an indoor holiday forest. It’s an easy add-on to your Christmas Market visit.
Link: https://www.plantriverside.com/event/festival-of-trees/
5. A Magical Cirque Christmas
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 7 PM
Where: Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by seat
This touring holiday show blends acrobatics, comedy and magic with a soundtrack of modern holiday hits. It’s a fun night out for all ages.
Link: https://www.savannahcivic.com/events/a-magical-cirque-christmas
6. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plant Riverside District
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: MLK Park at Plant Riverside District, River Street
Cost: Free
This is the official grand opening of the Christmas Market. Before the big tree lights up, there’s a reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a gospel choir performance and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Link: https://www.plantriverside.com/event/christmas-market-grand-opening/
7. Gingerbread Display
When: Nov. 27 to Dec. 31
Where: Power Plant Lobby, Plant Riverside District
Cost: Free
Plant Riverside’s award-winning pastry team spends months building this edible showpiece. It makes a great backdrop for holiday photos.
Link: https://www.plantriverside.com/event/gingerbread-house-unveiling/
8. Holiday Cookie Decorating
When: Select dates, Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, 2 PM
Where: Turbine Market + Cafe, Plant Riverside District
Cost: $30 per participant (adults who aren’t decorating don’t need a ticket)
Pastry chefs walk you through decorating holiday cookies, and you take your creations home. Space is limited, so reserve ahead.
Link: https://www.plantriverside.com/event/holiday-cookie-decorating/
9. The Nutcracker
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 5:30 PM
Where: Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by seat
South Carolina Ballet brings William Starrett’s full-length Nutcracker to Savannah for one night only. Expect Tchaikovsky’s score, grand sets and beautiful costumes.
Link: https://www.savannahcivic.com/events/nutcracker-by-south-carolina-ballet-1
10. December Nights & Holiday Lights
When: Nov. 28; Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 14 to 19, and 21 to 24. Timed entry starts at 5:30 PM, and the last arrival is 8 PM.
Where: Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Rd.
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door; optional kids’ VIP experience $10 per child
Millions of lights transform the garden paths into a walk-through holiday wonderland. Popular nights sell out, so book early and wear comfortable shoes.
Link: https://coastalbg.uga.edu/holiday-lights/
11. Tybee Island Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 6 PM
Where: Strand Parking Lot / Tybrisa Street, Tybee Island
Cost: Free
Kick off the season island-style with caroling and the lighting of Tybee’s tree. Bonus: Tybee offers free holiday parking from Nov. 26 to Jan. 1.
Link: https://visittybee.com/event/tybee-island-tree-lighting-ceremony/12576
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12. 25th Annual Savannah Lighted Boat Parade (Boat Parade of Lights)
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 7 PM to 9 PM
Where: Savannah River along River Street. Watch from Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Eastern Wharf or Plant Riverside District.
Cost: Free
More than 30 decorated boats, led by the Georgia Queen riverboat, parade twice between Eastern Wharf and the Talmadge Bridge. Claim your spot on the riverwalk early.
Link: https://savannahswaterfront.com/savannah-lighted-boat-parade/
13. Savannah Santa Train
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 AM to 3 PM
Where: Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd.
Cost: Ticketed; 2026 prices not yet posted (2025 tickets were $20, or $18 for members)
Kids can take a holiday-themed train ride, visit with Santa, make crafts and run model trains. This Coastal Heritage Society favorite usually sells out.
Link: https://chsgeorgia.org/events/
14. Tybee Island Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: 16th Street Parking Lot (off Tybrisa Street), Tybee Island
Cost: Free to browse
Shop local vendors for handmade gifts and seasonal treats, with festive entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Link: https://visittybee.com/event/tybeee-island-holiday-market/12579
15. Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 AM to 5 PM (morning and afternoon sessions)
Where: Check in at Hotel Bardo, 700 Drayton St.
Cost: $85 per session; $110 all-day; $125 VIP; ages 12 and up
The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s 51st annual walking tour opens decorated private homes, historic inns and museums in the Historic District. Proceeds fund local community grants.
Link: https://www.dnaholidaytour.com/
16. Brunch with Santa at Cohen’s Retreat
When: Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 AM to 2 PM
Where: Cohen’s Retreat, 5715 Skidaway Rd.
Cost: TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY 11/18 AT 8PM
Santa stops by this Southside favorite for brunch and photos in a charming setting under the oaks. Reservations are recommended.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/5715-skidaway-rd-savannah-ga-united-states-georgia-31406/2026-brunch-with-santa-at-cohens-retreat/1825729045560135/
17. Reindeer on the Roof + Brunch with the Grinch
When: Dec. 19 and 20 (see Perry Lane’s site for times)
Where: Peregrin rooftop at Perry Lane Hotel, 256 E. Perry St.
Cost: Reindeer on the Roof has been free in past years; Brunch with the Grinch is ticketed
Santa and his live reindeer land on the rooftop for photos with a skyline view. Families can also book a Grinch-themed brunch.
Link: https://www.perrylanehotel.com/holidays-happenings-unique-events-of-2026
18. Sundown Cinema: The Polar Express
When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 5:30 PM
Where: Savannah Civic Center Ballroom, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
Cost: Free
Catch the holiday classic at this City of Savannah movie night. It’s a cozy way to wind down the week before Christmas.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/cityofsavannah/posts/-movie-nights-are-back-savannahgrab-your-blankets-lawn-chairs-and-favorite-movie/1405555735087070/
Whether you’re traveling to Savannah for the holidays or you’re a local looking for Christmas events near you, the Hostess City is the perfect place to celebrate the season.
To learn more about things to do in Savannah, visit our blog here.