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 the city, you’re going to want to read on because I’ve prepared a very comprehensive guide. You’ll learn about the best places to stay, what to expect from the weather, where to shop for Christmas presents, fun activities happening throughout the month, and more!
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.
Savannah’s Weather in December
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.
With average highs in the mid 60s (Fahrenheit), and lows in the mid 40s, you can usually expect a comfortable vacation.
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, I mean the entire city shuts down to enjoy it.)
The last time we had a memorable snowfall was in January of 2018. I think we’re due for another one soon. Fingers crossed this will be the year!
We did a have big freeze over Christmas in 2022, but no snow accompanied it.
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 heaviest 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.
Related Reading: 11 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love with River Street
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, a few hotels and B&Bs that stand out for their spectacular holiday decor. Here are some popular options:
- JW Marriott Plant Riverside – Riverfront location, site of the Savannah Christmas Market, one of the most festive options
- Thompson Savannah – Riverfront location, noteworthy restaurant and bar, top-notch concierge service
- Hamilton Turner Inn – B&B facing Lafayette Square, steps away from the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
- The Marshall House – Historic hotel, located on the city’s main shopping street, known for its unique pineapple-themed Christmas tree
- Perry Lane Hotel – Luxurious hotel, prime location, fun holiday events (visits from real reindeer, a Santa turndown service for the kids)
- Thomas Weihs Haus – B&B with stunning holiday decor, a favorite stop on the Holiday Tour of Homes each year
- Eliza Thompson House – Centrally located on Jones Street — a quiet neighborhood setting where horse-drawn carriages pass by and neighboring homeowners decorate for the season
- VRBO – If you’re visiting with family and need an entire house to yourself, there are plenty of home rentals scattered throughout the city.
If you want to read about the options in depth and see numerous photos of each place, I’ve written a post about 5 Charming B&Bs that Decorate for Christmas in Savannah and 7 Festive Hotels that Decorate for the Holidays.
Hamilton-Turner Inn
Eliza Thompson House
Thomas Weihs Haus
Where to See Christmas Lights in Savannah GA
One thing to note about Savannah’s holiday decor is that you won’t find many tacky yard displays and garish lights around the city — especially within the Historic District.
The decorations are 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 decorated with classic greenery and red ribbons on the flickering lampposts.
If you don’t have any mobility issues, the best way to see the city 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.
Forsyth Park and the beautiful squares are usually decorated with greenery and red ribbons. Those decorations go up in late November to early December.
Here are a few of the squares that tend to get decorated the earliest:
- Calhoun Square
- Crawford Square
- Ellis 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.
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 brightly colored LED lights and their fountains resemble a mini-Vegas lighting display.
Plant Riverside is definitely one of the areas 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Insider Tip: The nativity scene (also known as the Crèche scene) is usually installed the first 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.
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.
Related Reading: Where to Find All the Best Christmas Lights in Savannah
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 the two most crowded areas.
The event kicks off in the Eastern Wharf District in front of Thompson Savannah.
The boats arrive all decked out in their holiday finest, with colorful lights and giant balloons. Many have holiday characters on board, too.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens | 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, Georgia 31419
Davenport House Tours by Candlelight
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.
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 | 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.
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.
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
Byrd Cookie Co.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour
- Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Tour
- Southern Flavors Walking Desserts Tour
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
My Savannah First-Timer’s Guide is where I’ve gathered all of my top Savannah tips from this website into one handy downloadable ebook. If you like having all of your information in one easy-to-access spot, it’s the way to go!
When you purchase the guide, 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…
- 5 Charming B&Bs in Savannah That Decorate for Christmas
- 7 Festive Hotels in Savannah That Decorate for the Holidays
- Where to Find the Best Christmas Lights in Savannah
- Get the Inside Scoop on the Savannah Christmas Market
- Savannah Georgia in December: Weather, Events, and More!
- Restaurants Open Christmas Day in Savannah (Verified List!)
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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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
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?
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
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?
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
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.
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?
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!
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
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
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.
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!
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.
Bless this amazing post! Our early December vacation plans were canceled and we’re trying to decide on a replacement trip to somewhere we’ve never been. This cinched my vote and I’m hoping it sways my husband too!
Ha! I’m sending you all the good vibes. I hope you can convince him 🙂
Hi Erin …. Is 2 days 2 nights enough time to enjoy the Christmas events in Savanah ? And which would you recommend the most to see in that amount of time . For the week of December 9th probably toward the later part of that week arriving
Hi Michele! You’ll be able to enjoy some of the events. You would have time to visit the Christmas Market in the Plant Riverside District, go shopping on Broughton and Whitaker Streets (and in City Market), go for a stroll in the Historic District to see all the homes decorated for the holidays, see the nativity scene inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (if they’ve finished setting it up by then), and do a few holiday home tours. The Davenport House and the Andrew Low House are hosting special tours this year, so those are two to consider.