Christmas in Savannah: Get the Scoop From a Local!

December is such a magical time to visit Savannah. The Historic District looks like a scene straight out of a Dickens novel…and that’s not an exaggeration. If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Savannah, you’re going to want to read on to learn about the best activities and fun things to do during the month of December!

Pinnable image of two Christmas scenes with text overlay that reads Celebrating Christmas in Savannah Georgia

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

If you’re new around here, first of all… welcome!

My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide. It combines all of my most helpful Savannah tips from this site into one downloadable ebook.

Feel free to use this handy table of contents to skip to any section in this post that interests you…

Table of Contents

Savannah Georgia in December

If you’re wondering if December is a nice time to plan a trip to Savannah, it is! Between the mild weather and the year-round Southern charm, you’ll find yourself wanting to return year after year.

I’ve written a very detailed post describing the best time of year to visit Savannah, and December is a month that consistently earns high marks from me.

Savannah Weather in December

With highs in the upper 60s to low 70s (Fahrenheit), and lows in the mid-40s, you can expect a comfortable vacation.

It’s typically cool enough for a light jacket, but not so cold that you’d want to spend your entire vacation indoors by a fireplace. We do have an occasional cold front.

Now… if it’s a white Christmas you’re seeking, you won’t find that here.

It only snows in Savannah once every 10 years or so, and it’s a huge event when it happens. (And by huge event, I mean the entire city shuts down to enjoy it.)

Street view of a well-maintained Victorian-style home painted sage green with dark green trim and a dark green door. The home is decorated for the holidays with greenery and red ribbon and two wreaths on the front doors. There is snow on the roof, ground, and in the large oak trees towering over the home — *Snow in Savannah? Think again! This snow is of the fake variety and was painstakingly placed there by a film crew shooting Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” live-action movie.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

The last time we had a memorable snowfall was in January of 2018, so I guess that means we aren’t due again for a while. We did a have big freeze over Christmas in 2022 (but no snow to accompany it).

Forsyth Park fountain backlit by the sun and covered in icicles — *See, we do get ice every now and then around here! Snow would be a Christmas miracle.* | *©ErinClarkson*

What to Wear in Savannah in Winter

While it typically doesn’t get very chilly in Savannah, you’ll still want to come prepared in case of a rare cold snap. I always suggest bringing items for layering.

Sweaters and cardigans are great, but it’s usually a safe bet to leave your heavy winter coat at home. Bring gloves and a hat in case you need them for early morning or late evening strolls, and check the local weather before packing.

Keep in mind that there’s often a breeze blowing in off the water along River Street, so that area usually feels a few degrees cooler.

Where to Stay in Savannah for Christmas

There are so many incredible places to stay in Savannah that it can be hard to choose a favorite!

However, there are a few hotels and B&Bs that stand out for their spectacular holiday decor.

You’ll feel festive staying at any of the locations listed below, but if you want to read about your options in depth and see additional photos of each place, check out these two posts:

Plant Riverside District & River Street Zone

JW Marriott Plant Riverside
400 W River Street, Savannah, GA 31401

The JW Marriott Plant Riverside is one of the newer hotels on River Street, and they make their presence known in a big way by hosting numerous Christmas events (which you’ll read more about below).

They’re consistently the first hotel in the city to put up Christmas decor and usually have everything fully decorated by mid-November.

Plant Riverside also hosts the annual Savannah Christmas Market, so I think it’s safe to say the area is quite festive!

*The lobby of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside has a very different vibe from most of the hotels in Savannah. It’s less traditional and more Vegas-y.* | *©DreamWeaverStudio provided courtesy of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside*

River Street Inn
124 E Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401

This historic hotel is located along the center of River Street and is very convenient to restaurants, shops, and bars.

They recently completed an extensive interior renovation, but the exterior still looks like it did hundreds of years ago.

A Christmas in Savannah scene with flickering lanterns on the side of River Street Inn adorned in red ribbons and greenery — *Didn’t I tell you the city looks like a scene from a Dickens novel? I just love the look of flickering old gas lanterns, like these surrounding the entrance to River Street Inn.*

Historic District North Zone

The Marshall House
123 E Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401

The Marshall House is located on Broughton Street — the main shopping street in Savannah — and it’s just two blocks away from the city’s official Christmas tree.

The hotel looks beautiful year-round, but it’s particularly festive during the holidays.

They install a unique Christmas tree in the lobby that looks like a pineapple. (Yes, really… a pineapple. It’s the symbol of Southern hospitality.)

They also hang garlands from the intricate wrought-iron balcony on the exterior of the hotel.

If you enjoy the spook factor, it’s considered one of the most haunted hotels in Savannah. (It’s haunted by friendly ghosts, of course!)

They begin decorating the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Historic District South Zone

Hamilton Turner Inn
330 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401

This elegant B&B has been voted one of the most romantic hotels in the U.S. It also tops the list for best service. Some even consider it one of the more haunted B&Bs in Savannah, if you’re into that kind of thing.

In addition to those accolades, their Christmas decorations are some of the most beautiful in the city. I’m a big fan of the oversized nutcrackers guarding their front door.

They begin decorating the week of Thanksgiving.

Street view of an oversized nutcracker guarding the door of the Hamilton-Turner Inn in Savannah

Close-up of an oversized nutcracker guarding the door of the Hamilton-Turner Inn in Savannah

Forsyth Park Zone

Forsyth Park Inn
102 W Hall Street, Savannah, GA 31401

This cheery yellow Savannah bed and breakfast has a relaxing front porch overlooking Forsyth Park.

Since December is so mild, it’s nice to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on the porch and then head across the street for a stroll through the park.

Christmas in Savannah at The Forsyth Inn, a cheery yellow B&B with a white porch decorated with red ribbons and greenery — *The Forsyth Park Inn is a reasonably priced B&B that overlooks Forsyth Park. It’s a comfortable 20 minute walk through the Historic District to River Street from this location.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

My Savannah First-Timer’s Guide includes a map detailing the different zones in Savannah and describes which ones are more touristy, romantic, residential, etc.

Where to See Christmas Lights in Savannah GA

One thing to note about the holiday decor is that you won’t find many tacky yard displays and garish lights around the city — especially within the Historic District.

The decor is more traditional throughout the downtown area.

Homeowners often display an indoor Christmas tree and candles in the windows, and you’ll find wreaths and greenery on the exterior of the homes.

The squares are often decorated with classic greenery and red ribbons on the flickering lampposts. I always say the best way to see the decor is by going for a stroll.

However, if you prefer to enjoy the decor from the comfort of the Holiday Lights & Sights trolley, you can purchase tickets here. (*Link is only active in November and December)

The trolley is heated, and they’ll play Christmas music while you explore the Historic District.

The Historic District

The Historic District is the perfect spot for a stroll for anyone who loves understated Christmas lights. I suggest heading out around dusk so you can see the exterior decor and catch the trees all lit up inside the homes.

It’s so magical!

If you’re in need of a walking route, I suggest strolling along the streets directly north of Gaston Street. You’ll begin at the famous Forsyth Park fountain, and then head directly north to the intersection of Bull and Gaston.

From there, you can spend an hour or two exploring the five streets directly north of the park: Gaston, Gordon, Taylor, Jones, and Charlton.

Particular houses to note include the Armstrong-Kessler Mansion, Noble Hardee House, Mercer Williams House, Andrew Low House, and Hamilton-Turner Inn.

Street scene of two Colonial-style homes with candles and Christmas trees in the windows and Christmas wreaths on the front doors.

Pale blue historic home with dark blue shutters, candles illuminating the windows, and Christmas greenery on its wrought-iron fence

Christmas in Savannah with decorations on a yellow house with a second story porch that has detailed white Victorian-style trim

Close-up of a Magnolia leaf swag draped on the wrought iron gate of a historic home in Savannah

Yellow historic home with a large side porch and magnolia leaf Christmas decorations on the wrought iron fence — *It’s common to find magnolia swags draped across wrought iron fences and stair railings throughout the Historic District. This pretty yellow house is located on Taylor Street.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

Forsyth Park and the beautiful squares are usually decorated with greenery and red ribbons. Those decorations go up in early to mid-December.

Here are a few of the squares that decorated early during the most recent Christmas season:

Calhoun Square
Crawford Square
Franklin Square
Lafayette Square
Pulaski Square
Telfair Square
Troup Square
Washington Square

I update the decorating schedule each year on my post about the best Christmas lights in Savannah.

River Street

River Street is another beautiful spot in the Historic District during the holiday season.

All of the lampposts are covered in greenery and red ribbons, and the Georgia Queen riverboat looks festive with holiday lights and greenery.

The newly developed west end of River Street is known as the Plant Riverside District.

They’ve created a Savannah holiday market similar to the Christmas markets you see in Europe — albeit on a much smaller scale.

The lighted displays in the Plant Riverside District are not as understated as what you’ll find in the rest of the Historic District.

Their Christmas trees have bright blue LED lights, for example, and their fountains resemble a mini-Vegas lighting display.

Plant Riverside is definitely the area that feels the most festive!

Broughton Street

All of Broughton Street is draped with holiday lights from one side to the other during the Christmas season, and you’ll find wreaths hanging from every lamppost.

It truly looks like a scene from a postcard.

The official city tree can be found at the intersection of Bull & Broughton Streets, next to Levy Jewelers.

A lit Christmas tree at night reflected in a wet paved city street — *The city Christmas tree shines like a jewel on a rainy night in Georgia. This shot was taken facing north on Bull Street.*

The extravagant window displays at The Paris Market are definitely worth checking out!

Every year, I anxiously await the unveiling of their holiday window display to see if they’ve outdone themselves from the year prior.

A bicyclist silhouetted against a nighttime Christmas window display at The Paris Market in Savannah

Window display showing a nighttime scene of a moon man surrounded by pink clouds and stars at The Paris Market on Broughton Street — *The theme for Paris Market’s window display for Christmas 2021 was based on the book, “Sleepy Town”.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

Elaborate holiday window display of Christmas trees at The Paris Market with cafe seating under a striped awning

Elaborate holiday window displays of flocked Christmas trees at The Paris Market with cafe seating under a striped awning — *The Paris Market creates elaborate window displays to celebrate each season. They opted for an understated winter forest theme for 2020.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

Close-up of a Christmas window-display at Paris Market in Savannah GA

Elegant window display showing a Christmas tree with gold and white decorations

Parisian-themed Christmas window display in a cute shop with green trim around the windows on Broughton Street in Savannah GA — *This was the seasonal display at The Paris Market in 2018. The prior year they had reindeer hauling Santa’s sleigh.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

It's Christmas in Savannah at 24e furniture store with an elegant window display showing blue upholstered dining room chairs behind Santa's sleigh — *24e is a furniture store with elaborate window displays for the holiday season. They have some really unique home decor pieces inside!* *Update: Sadly, they closed their brick-and-mortar store in December of 2021.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

If you’re curious, one of the most photographed spots on Broughton Street is the colorful Leopold’s Ice Cream shop with the SCAD sign in the background.

Broughton Street in Savannah at night without a soul in sight and only the neon glow of the SCAD and Leopold's Ice Cream signs lighting the street — ‘*Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Savannah, not a creature was stirring…’cept for Erin with her camera.* | *©Erin Clarkson*

Insider Tip: City crews install the Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving each year, and it takes them all day and into the night. The lighting ceremony takes place the day after Thanksgiving.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a quiet and peaceful place to get into the Christmas spirit.

Church members hang wreaths on all of the massive columns, there’s usually greenery on the pews, and the cathedral is decorated with beautiful red trees made entirely of poinsettias.

If you’re looking for a place to attend Christmas mass, this is the spot! All are welcome.

They typically host a musical event called Christmas at the Cathedral where choir members sing seasonal favorites and are often joined by the handbell ensemble.

Interior of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist with large stained glass windows, Christmas trees, and poinsettias

Interior of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist withChristmas trees and poinsettias

Elaborate church interior decorated with a 20-ft tall Christmas tree made of poinsettias

Insider Tip: The nativity scene (also known as the Crèche scene) is usually installed the first or second week in December. It takes a few days to complete it, and it’s 100% worth seeing in person.

City Market

City Market is an open-air shopping pavilion that’s popular with tourists. It looks very festive during the holidays!

The market consists of two large blocks, and you’ll find a Christmas tree in the center of each.

You’ll also spot garlands and wreaths throughout the area, as well as unique decorations in many of the stores. Savannah Candy Kitchen usually has two oversized nutcrackers standing guard at their entrance.

Christmas scene in Savannah's City Market with twinkle lights and garlands draped from one side of the market to the other

Christmas tree trimmed in red ribbons with the lights of City Market aglow in the background

Christmas tree with white lights and red ribbons in the center of City Market in Savannah — *City Market looks like a Christmas wonderland! You can get your Christmas shopping done there, too.*

Are you beginning to sense how magical Christmas in Savannah is yet? Keep reading, because there’s so much more to experience!

Insider Tip: The decorations in City Market usually switch from fall-themed to Christmas mid-week during the week of Thanksgiving. (Which means if you’re visiting for Thanksgiving, you’ll find Christmas decor!) If you purchase tickets for the holiday trolley (*link active in November and December only), make note that it stops for an extended period of time in City Market.

Savannah GA Christmas Events

There are a good number of Christmas events planned in Savannah, both in the Historic District and beyond.

I’ve written extensively about what Christmas events to expect on my Savannah in December post, but I’ll try to give you a quick summary of what to expect here, as well…

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Savannah’s Christmas parade is a little different from most cities, because ours happens on the water.

That’s right: Santa arrives by boat in Savannah!

You can line up anywhere along River Street to watch the parade of boats float by, but the Plant Riverside District and the Eastern Wharf District are two of the most crowded areas.

The 2023 event kicked off in the Eastern Wharf District and was sponsored by the Thompson Savannah. It’s a beautiful hotel located on the far eastern end of the riverfront.

The boats arrive all decked out in their holiday finest, with colorful lights and giant balloons. Many have holiday characters on board, too.

Dozens of colorfully decorated boats lined up for a the holiday boat parade to celebrate the start of Christmas in Savannah

A lighted parade of boats in floats down the Savannah river with the Talmadge bridge and a large container ship visible in the background

Fishing boat decked in multicolored Christmas lights with a crew dressed in pjs and onsies — *The holiday boat parade of lights is a very family friendly event. \ ©ErinClarkson*

Sometimes there’s a fireworks show over the river to end the event — because it just wouldn’t be Christmas in Savannah without fireworks on the river!

Event Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. [confirmed]

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights | Eastern Wharf Dock, 101 Port Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401

Insider Tip: If you prefer to watch the parade from a rooftop bar, try one of these spots along the riverfront: Top Deck at The Cotton Sail, Bar Julian at the Thompson, Myrtle & Rose at Plant Riverside, or Rocks on the Roof at The Bohemian.

Christmas on the Ogeechee Lighted Boat Parade at Fort McAllister Marina in Richmond Hill is a similar lighted boat parade. The Grinch and Santa have both made appearances there in years past!

Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside

You can expect visits from Santa, live music, street performers, a vendor market, and more at Plant Riverside’s Christmas Market. Tickets aren’t required for any of these events.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: This event features a live reading of The Night Before Christmas, musical performances, a tree lighting ceremony starring Santa.
Santa Meet & Greet + Photos: Bring the kids to Plant Riverside to have their pictures taken with Santa. Santa’s helpers will be on hand, or you can snap shots with your own camera or cell phone. Santa is there daily (during selected times) from Thanksgiving week until Christmas Eve.
Holiday Cookie Decorating: The little ones can decorate cookies with a little help from Plant Riverside’s pastry chefs.

Neon signage reading Electric Moon Skytop Lounge with Christmas decor surrounding it

I’ve written an entire post about the Savannah Christmas Market in the Plant Riverside District, and it includes lots of photos so you’ll know what to expect. (Spoiler alert: It’s very cute!) It’s one of the most festive areas in the entire city.

Event Dates: November 16, 2023 – January 1, 2024 – confirmed

Plant Riverside District | 400 W River Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Holiday Tour of Homes

One of the events I look forward to most each year is the Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes!

The Historic District is always decorated beautifully for Christmas, and this event offers an opportunity to peek into homes you wouldn’t normally be able to enter.

Elegant white home with blue shutters decorated for Christmas in Savannah with Magnolia-leaf garlands and white poinsettias on the staircase — If you think Savannah’s homes are pretty on the outside, just wait until you see the interiors! | *©ErinClarkson*

The Holiday Tour of Homes is hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA), and the proceeds raise money for nonprofits in the community.

Tickets go on sale each year beginning the first day in September. I suggest purchasing early since it often sells out.

Event Dates: December 9, 2023 – confirmed (tickets sold out the morning of September 1st)

Holiday Tour of Homes | Savannah Historic District, Savannah, Georgia 31401

A Christmas Tradition

Head to the Historic Savannah Theatre to watch this glitzy 2-hour live performance, which celebrates seasonal favorite songs and dances.

When audience members get in on the festivities, that’s when everyone starts laughing. This event is always cheerful!

Ticket prices vary between $20 – $50.

Event Dates: November 23 – December 24, 2023 – confirmed

Historic Savannah Theatre | 222 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

December Nights & Holiday Lights Celebration

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm hosts a very popular light display on their grounds during the month of December.

Tickets should go on sale November 1, 2023 and cost approximately $15. Children 3 and under are free.

Event Dates: Every Friday & Saturday Night from November 24th to December 16th in 2023, and then they move to being open on a nightly basis from Sunday, December 17th to December 23rd – confirmed

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens | 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, Georgia 31419

Davenport House Tours by Candlelight

*Note: I’m not sure yet if they are offering this tour again in 2023.

For a few special nights in December, you’re able to tour the Davenport House by candlelight to see what it would’ve looked like back in the mid 1800s.

They offer light refreshments, music, and dancing, and interpreters are available to guide you through the historic home.

Tickets cost $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

Event Dates: December 26 – 29, 2023 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. – not confirmed

Davenport House Museum | 324 E State Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Holiday Open House in City Market

Explore the courtyard at City Market, which is lit by more than 500 luminaria. The event includes delicious treats, Christmas melodies, and a visit from Father Christmas.

City Market also hosts a Christmas for Kids Celebration the day after their open house.

There is no cost to attend either event.

Event Dates: Begins November 24, 2023 – confirmed

City Market | 219 West Bryan Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

You’ll find live music and local dance groups around the official Christmas tree on Broughton every Saturday in December for the whole family to enjoy.

It’s a fun gathering spot for the family and makes a nice place to sip hot chocolate when you need a break from shopping.

There is no cost to enjoy the entertainment.

I’m waiting to see if the construction mess on Broughton Street clears out in time for the even this year.

Event Dates: Typically held the first weekend after Thanksgiving | Saturdays in December 2023

Savannah Christmas Tree | Intersection of Bull & Broughton streets, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Remember, you can read about the above-listed activities and more in my December Events in Savannah post.

Savannah Souvenirs: Where to Buy Christmas Presents

Ready to do some shopping? Savannah is the perfect place to find presents for family and friends. There are so many unique shops where you can find a one-of-a-kind gifts.

The Paris Market & Brocante

This gorgeous store is a favorite for gifts year-round, but WOW is it spectacular during the holidays!

The shop is filled with beautiful ornaments, unique home decor items, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

You won’t have any trouble finding something special — even for those “hard to please” folks on your list.

Elegant flocked Christmas trees with gold ornaments and large cherubs inside the entry to The Paris Market in Savannah

Display area in The Paris Market with a couch with colorful blue and green decorative pillows and a matching Christmas tree in the background

Christmas tree inside The Paris Market with colorful red, peach, and teal fluff ball decor and a Paris Metro sign in the background

Elaborate silver ornaments as a centerpiece on a table display in The Paris Market with chandeliers hanging overhead and a Christmas tree in the background

One of my favorite gifts is their Savannah candle, which is exclusive to the store. It’s designed to evoke “memories of mystery, magic, and Spanish moss”.

They also offer some really unique jewelry pieces.

The owners travel the world to curate items specifically for the store. (Talk about a dream job!)

The Paris Market | 36 W Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Savannah Bee Company

This popular local store has all different kinds of honey and items made with honey: beauty products, beeswax candles, books…you name it!

The Tupelo Honey and Acacia Honey are two of my favorites. I also love their Raw Honeycomb.

They offer lots of holiday gift sets, and Oprah recently included their Book of Honey on her “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list.

Savannah Bee Company | 104 W Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

You can’t go wrong with a gift of food! Head to Byrd Cookie Co. for some of the sweetest treats in town.

The Key Lime Coolers are their most popular option and are my personal favorite. I also love the Salted Carmel Cookies (the perfect combination of salty and sweet), the Cupcake Cookies and the Georgia Peach flavor.

Their cheese biscuits and jalapeño biscuits are also delicious.

OK…pretty much everything they sell is delicious!

They offer gift tins and holiday cookie jars, or big spenders can opt for a “Cookie of the Month” subscription. Their stores always look really merry during the Christmas season.

Christmas in Savannah at Byrd Cookie Company with a large wooden bar displaying various flavors of cookies — *Guests can sample every flavor of cookie at Byrd Cookie Company, and the customizable tins and cookie jars make excellent gifts!*

They have a location in the Plant Riverside District, another great shop in City Market, a smaller store on River Street, and their flagship store is located on Waters Avenue.

Byrd Cookie Company | 213 West Julian Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Cozy Restaurants in Savannah

If you’re looking for restaurants that get into the holiday spirit, there are a few I recommend. These are cozy spots that usually have pretty holiday decorations.

Six Pence Pub

Six Pence is an authentic British Pub, which makes it an ideal spot to cozy up with a drink.

The menu consists of both British and American comfort foods, and the dark wooden interior makes for an inviting atmosphere during the winter months.

Nighttime scene of the front of Six Pence Pub decked out for Christmas in Savannah with a red telephone booth filled with lights and ornaments hanging in the windows, which are aglow with warm light

Six Pence Pub with a lit Christmas tree inside a red telephone booth, a wreath over a window, and red ribbons and colorful flags hanging over the front entrance

Six Pence Pub with a lit Christmas tree inside a read telephone booth, a wreath hung over a window, and ornaments hanging fro, the interior of the windows

For the holiday season, they add a Christmas tree to the famous red telephone booth by their front door and hang festive glass ornaments in the windows. Their must-try dish is the Shepherd’s Pie!

Six Pence Pub | 245 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

The Olde Pink House

This restaurant is a favorite year-round, but it looks even more beautiful during the holiday season. I always suggest making reservations well in advance for this popular spot.

Stately two-story pink stucco home with flags displayed over the front portico — *The Olde Pink House once operated as a bank. If you’re looking for a cozy date-night spot, try a table for two in the vault room.*

They serve lots of Southern-style dishes and are known for their Fried Green Tomatoes, yummy BLT Salad, and Crispy Scored Flounder (their signature dish). Their decadent Praline Basket is a popular dessert option.

The Olde Pink House | 23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant

The restaurant at 17Hundred90 Inn is a very warm and toasty spot for a winter meal.

The ambiance is rather romantic, with low wood-beamed ceilings and chandeliers throughout the dining area.

I recently wrote a post about the haunted aspect of 17Hundred90 Inn, which includes a few shots of the restaurant.

17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant | 307 E President Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Where to Grab a Toasty Drink

What could be better than a cup of hot tea or a frothy cappuccino on a cold winter’s day? Here are a couple places I recommend…

Gryphon Tea Room

This SCAD-owned establishment is located in the historic Scottish Rite building, which once served as an apothecary.

You’ll love the cozy atmosphere of the tea room, with its Tiffany-style lamps, intricate stained-glass details, and dark mahogany bookcases.

Cozy interior of Gryphon in Savannah with upholstered furniture, lamps, and bookshelves stuffed with books — *Gryphon was rockin’ the grandmillennial style way before it was cool. It’s the perfect spot to get warm on a chilly winter day.*

Their sandwiches and soups are just the right size so you’ll leave feeling full, but not stuffed.

They offer traditional tea service, so it’s an ideal spot for true tea fanatics. Visit for high tea in the afternoon and enjoy a tiered platter full of scones and delicious treats, plus a steaming pot of tea.

Gryphon Tea Room | 337 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Artillery Bar

If you’re looking for unique craft cocktails in an elegant, inviting setting, look no further than Artillery Bar.

The building was originally constructed in 1896 to house artillery for the Georgia Hussars, and the details on it are incredible.

Intricate old building with tall windows encased in white and gold frames — *I think this is one of the most unique buildings in a city full of extraordinary architectural finds.* *The exterior reminds me of an intricate little jewelry box!*

The stunning exterior is decorated with intricate gold columns set against a white marble background, while the interior has exposed brick walls and a beautiful marble bar.

Now…you won’t find inexpensive drinks at Artillery, but you will be served delicious craft cocktails with complete attention to detail in a drop-dead gorgeous setting!

Artillery Bar | 307 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Savannah Food Tours

December is a nice time to try a food tour in Savannah.

You can go for a stroll through the Historic District to see the decor, then stop in restaurants along the way to sample some of their most popular Southern-style dishes.

Here are a few I recommend:

Obviously there are lots of things to do in Savannah in December!

It’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. If you plan to do the Holiday Lights & Sights Trolley Tour, don’t forget to purchase your tickets here (*link active in November and December only)!

Savannah Vacation Planner

If you’re ready to start planning your trip and found this post helpful, I’ve created some additional resources to help you out.

Free Resources Library – When you sign up for my email list, you’ll get a checklist of “50 Things To Do On Foot in the Historic District (No Car Necessary)” and other helpful printables.
Savannah First-Timer’s Guide – My ebook combines my most helpful Savannah travel tips from this website in one handy downloadable guide.

When you purchase my ebook, you’ll also gain access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions about your trip and get advice from others who have recently visited.

Be sure to bookmark this post or save it on Pinterest, since I update it every year with new information.

Related Reading

In case you were too busy reading through this post to click the related links, you might want to circle back to a few of these topics…

I should also note that most students attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) tend to head home for the holidays, which means the city isn’t too crowded during December.

Do you have any questions for me about Christmas in Savannah? Let me know in the comments below!

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Pinnable graphic of a nighttime Christmas scene outside of a restaurant and a colorful tree with text overlay that reads Celebrating Christmas in Savannah

Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.

I love Savannah but have never visited at Christmas time! I will have to make sure I get down there next time I am home (I’m from GA)!

I live in Atlanta, GA and will definitely be making a quick road trip down to Savannah to enjoy some of the Christmas decor and fun you’ve mentioned! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

Wow! Savannah is gorgeous during the holidays. The 6 Pence Pub look absolutely magical.

This post just gets you in love with the Christmas mood in Savannah. Savannah is such a beautiful place, but have not visited during Christmas. Would love to now after seeing these pics.

How dreamy! That cookie bar definitely got my attention, too!

What a fun festive city during Christmas. Your site has totally convinced me that I need to visit Savannah during all seasons!

Savannah looks so magical during Christmastime! I visited last November and some parts of the city were already decorating and I could tell it is a lovely city during December. I’ll have to visit again during the holidays in the future. 🙂

What are the best dates in Dec to come to see the Boat tour Gingerbread house tour fireworks

Erin Clarkson says:

May 25, 2021 at 4:26 pm

The boat tour will be the last weekend of November during 2021 (Saturday, November 27th at 7 pm, to be exact) and the Gingerbread tour runs from December 10, 2021 through Christmas day.

Hello Erin and thanks for your wonderful insights! Can you give me an idea when the events that you have recommended that have date to be determined dates might be released? Also, do you know if the Boat Parade in Richmond Hills is the same date as the Boat Parade in Savannah, that one is before our arrival so hoping to see a Boat Parade during our stay. And last but not least do you know if any fireworks are planned for River street over the water?

Erin Clarkson says:

Aug 6, 2021 at 12:59 am

Hi Theresa! I just updated Savannah Theatre to add their Christmas show dates, but the rest still haven’t been announced. I’m on the email list for Plant Riverside and I follow the Botanical Gardens and Richmond Hill on Facebook, so I’ll post as soon as any of them post their schedules. Last year the boat parades for Savannah and Richmond Hill fell on different days, so hopefully they’ll do the same this year. And yes, fireworks are planned for over the river in Savannah this year!

Wow! I had no idea that Savannah was such a wonderful Christmas destination! Thanks for all your detailed planning information. Hopefully someday I can experience it!

Savannah is a beautiful city any time of year, so I can only imagine how great it is during the holidays! I would love to come and do the Gingerbread Trail one year!

Savannah looks very Christmassy in your photos. Love it!

Thanks for the great ideas. We will be there for New Year’s Eve. Any suggestions for New Year’s Eve dinner, dancing? Thanks

Erin Clarkson says:

Oct 28, 2021 at 10:04 pm

Most of the action will probably be in the Plant Riverside District. I’d suggest making your dinner reservations as soon as possible! You could try Vic’s on the River, Stone & Webster Chophouse, or Repeal 33. Those are all close to the river and near the celebrations. I’m not into dancing much myself, but I’d suggest Electric Moon or Club One. Enjoy your trip!

Considering a visit to Savannah Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after. Are there many restaurants, bars, shops open 12/24-12/26?

Erin Clarkson says:

Nov 10, 2021 at 12:41 am

Yes, it’s a very busy time for the city (lots of tourists), so many restaurants, shops, and bars stay open.

Do you know if and when they are having the annual lighted Christmas parade. It is usually the first Saturday in December but have not seen any thing set for the lighted parade this year 2021 down Riverstreet and down Broughton to City Market. Please advise thanks

Erin Clarkson says:

Nov 10, 2021 at 12:31 am

I believe it’s scheduled for the same day as the DNA’s Holiday Tour of Homes, which is the second Saturday of the month. I’ll update the post above if I get confirmation of that.

Madison Square is decorated for Christmas too! Plus you can do some shopping at E. Shaver Bookseller, the SCAD Gift Shop, and Saints & Shamrocks Giftshop all off this square. There are even several choices of food/beverage along Madison Square if you need a refreshment break. I work at St. John’s Episcopal (325 Bull St) and am always impressed with Madison Square.

Erin Clarkson says:

Dec 10, 2021 at 1:49 pm

Thanks, Heather! I have it listed on my post about the best lights and decor in Savannah. (It’s where I keep a running list of all the squares and try to note when they’re decorated: https://savannahfirsttimer.com/savannah-ga-christmas-lights/) E.Shaver is one of my favorite spots to buy Christmas gifts!

We will be in Savannah for Christmas this year. I would like to make reservations for our Christmas Day meal. It will be just the two of us. What are your recommendations?

Erin Clarkson says:

Dec 11, 2021 at 9:57 pm

17Hundred90 Inn has a great restaurant. It’s a cozy little spot that always looks nice for the holidays, and they’re usually open for Christmas. I’d suggest trying to get reservations there.

I definitely want to visit Savannah at Christmas next year! I would love to go on the historic homes tour. This article is a great resource!

Reading this has made us want to plan our family pre-Christmas trip to Savannah this year. Where can we find dates of events for 2022?
Thank you!

Erin Clarkson says:

Feb 27, 2022 at 3:51 pm

Hi Michele! Most of the places start sending out info around mid-summertime. I’m on the mailing list/PR list for many of the companies, and I always update this post once the info starts coming in. Sorry that’s not much help for you now, but the best I can say is to check back in a couple months. If it’s any help, I can at least confirm that most places tend to stick to fairly similar timelines for the events each year.

Excellent post, very narrative which makes us want to book a trip for December 2022, however you left out very precious info, at least for my family, pet friendly attractions! We travel everywhere with our fur baby and wouldn’t want to leave her locked in a room while we enjoy the outdoors. Can you please provide some advise? Thank you

Erin Clarkson says:

Aug 27, 2022 at 11:08 pm

Here are some of the most pet-friendly restaurants: https://savannahfirsttimer.com/dog-friendly-restaurants-savannah/ Hope that helps!

How is the Catherine Ward B&B what are pros and cons.coming 1st week in December. Thank you

Erin Clarkson says:

Oct 2, 2022 at 11:48 pm

The Catherine Ward B&B is fantastic. They are excellent hosts and it’s a pretty B&B. I’ve never been inside it during the holidays, so I don’t know what type of Christmas decor they put on display. (Maybe I’ll walk over there this year to see.) The only con I can think of is that it’s a bit of a walk to get to River Street and areas further north from there, but not too bad if the weather is nice. A leisurely stroll to River Street would take 20 minutes or maybe a little longer. The B&B is only one block away from the pickup point for the free DOT shuttles, though, so you can hop on those to get to areas further north. Overall, it’s a great choice! Enjoy!

Thanks for all the information.

After “The Movie”, we would travel to Savannah yearly, usually for the Historic Society Tour of Homes and Gardens. After a few years, it got so darned crowded that we stopped.

My wife and I are going to spend Christmas and a couple of days afterwards in town and I’m looking for restaurant recommendations. Nothing fancy, just good solid Southern fare.

Erin Clarkson says:

Nov 18, 2022 at 8:44 pm

How about Crystal Beer Parlor? It’s historic, the food is solid, and they have plenty of Southern-style options. Their shrimp and grits are fantastic!

This article was SO helpful! We are looking at coming down the last weekend of December through New years! Is the town still decorated and festive during the New years weekend? Would love any info on this!

Erin Clarkson says:

Sep 12, 2023 at 12:02 am

I’m glad it was helpful. Yes, the city stays decorated! Since the squares and Forsyth Park (plus many of the historic homes) are decorated with real greenery, sometimes that greenery is looking a little worse for wear by the end of the month — aka: getting a little brown around the edges. Definitely plan to stroll through the Historic District (Jones Street is a must), visit the Cathedral, shop along Broughton and Whitaker Streets, and grab some hot chocolate at the Savannah Christmas Market. The holiday trolley only runs for a month (from Thanksgiving to Christmas day), so it won’t be running when you’re in town.