Savannah Christmas Events 2026: Holiday Markets, Parades, Lights & Festive Traditions
By Best of Savannah
What are the best Christmas events in Savannah? The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District (November-December) offers European-style holiday shopping with artisan vendors, live performances, and photos with Santa in a festive waterfront setting. Christmas on the River Parade brings floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer down River Street each December, drawing thousands of families for this beloved free tradition. The Holiday Tour of Homes (tickets sell out hours after release) grants exclusive access to Savannah's most beautiful historic homes and inns decorated for Christmas. A Christmas Tradition at the Savannah Theatre (running 24 consecutive years) presents a high-energy 2-hour holiday spectacular with glitz, comedy, and Santa's dancing reindeer. The Savannah Lighted Boat Parade features decorated vessels cruising the Savannah River at night, while Christmas at the Cathedral delivers a moving holiday concert at the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Historic District squares glow with festive lights, restaurants serve holiday menus, and historic inns deck their halls with garlands and Southern charm. If you're planning a holiday visit to Savannah, these events and traditions define what makes Christmas in the Hostess City truly special.
Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District
When: Late November through December 31
Where: Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River Street
Cost: Free admission
The Savannah Christmas Market transforms Plant Riverside District into a European-style holiday marketplace along the Savannah River. Inspired by traditional German Christkindlmarkt festivals, this festive gathering features artisan vendors selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, home décor, and gourmet treats perfect for holiday shopping.
What to expect: Wooden vendor huts line the waterfront plaza, twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere, and the smell of roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa, and holiday sweets fills the air. Live musical performances (carolers, string quartets, local bands) create a festive soundtrack. Photos with Santa are available, and the Festival of Trees displays elaborately decorated Christmas trees designed by local artists and businesses.
The Gingerbread House Unveiling each year showcases an architectural masterpiece constructed entirely from gingerbread, icing, and candy — some reaching several feet tall with intricate details that draw crowds.
Why we love it: It's free to wander, perfectly located on the river, and offers unique gifts you won't find at big-box stores. The European market vibe brings Continental holiday charm to the South. Grab a food tour during your visit to experience Savannah's culinary scene alongside holiday festivities.
Insider tip: Visit on weeknights (Monday-Thursday) for smaller crowds. Weekends, especially the first two weeks of December, get packed. Arrive before 6 PM for better parking.
Christmas on the River Parade
When: Early December (date varies yearly)
Where: River Street, Historic District
Cost: Free
The Christmas on the River Parade is Savannah's signature holiday parade — a beloved tradition that brings the community together along the cobblestones of River Street each December. Festive floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and local organizations process along the waterfront while thousands of spectators line the route.
What makes it special: The setting is unbeatable — historic River Street with its old cotton warehouses, brick streets, and the Savannah River as a backdrop. The parade features elaborate floats decorated with lights and holiday themes, high school marching bands from across the region, dance studios performing holiday routines, and Santa Claus making his grand entrance to close the parade.
Viewing tips: Arrive at least an hour early to claim a good spot along River Street. Families with young children should position near the beginning of the route (east end near River Street Inn) where crowds are slightly thinner. The parade route runs east to west, so the sun sets behind the floats — bring a light jacket as temperatures drop after sunset.
After the parade: River Street restaurants and bars offer holiday cocktails and dinner specials. The Chart House and Vic's on the River both offer waterfront dining perfect for warming up post-parade. Or join a ghost tour — Savannah's haunted history pairs surprisingly well with holiday cheer.
Holiday Tour of Homes
When: Early December (2026 date TBD)
Where: Various homes in the Historic District
Cost: Ticketed event (typically $35-50)
The Holiday Tour of Homes is Savannah's most exclusive seasonal event — a rare opportunity to step inside some of the Historic District's most elegant private homes, inns, and historic properties dressed in full holiday splendor.
What you'll see: Grand 19th-century townhouses with double parlors adorned in fresh garlands, magnolia wreaths, and twinkling lights. Historic inns like The Marshall House and Kehoe House showcase professional holiday decorating that respects the architecture's period. Each home tells a story through its decorations — some embrace traditional Southern Christmas style (magnolia, red ribbons, candlelight), while others take a more modern approach.
How tickets work: Tickets go on sale in early September and sell out within hours — sometimes within the first morning. This isn't an exaggeration. If you want to attend, mark your calendar and purchase the moment sales open. Check the Downtown Neighborhood Association or Visit Savannah website in late August for exact sale dates.
Why it's worth it: This is access you can't buy any other time of year. These are private homes — no Airbnb bookings, no tours, just this one event annually. The interiors reveal Savannah's domestic architecture at its finest: original pine floors, ornate mantels, pocket doors, and the kind of period details that define Historic District living.
Related Historic District Experiences
If you miss Tour of Homes tickets, several historic house museums offer their own holiday tours in December:
- Davenport House Museum: Yuletide Tours (November through early January) showcase 1820s holiday traditions
- Owens-Thomas House: Holiday decorations reflect Regency-era Christmas customs
- Andrew Low House: Victorian Christmas decorations honor the home's connection to Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts
A Christmas Tradition at Savannah Theatre
When: November through December
Where: Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St
Cost: Tickets from $35
Running for 24 consecutive years, "A Christmas Tradition" at the historic Savannah Theatre has become THE holiday show for locals and visitors alike. This 2-hour high-energy production features a full cast of singers and dancers performing holiday classics, Broadway numbers, and pop holiday hits.
What to expect: Professional-level performances in an intimate historic theater (built 1818, one of America's oldest). The production is genuinely entertaining — not a school play, but a polished show with impressive vocals, choreography, and production value. Santa appears with his "dancing reindeer" in a family-friendly segment that delights kids. Comedy sketches break up the musical numbers, and the finale brings everyone to their feet.
Song list: Classics like "White Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock," and "O Holy Night" mix with Broadway-style arrangements and contemporary holiday pop. The variety keeps the energy high for the full two hours.
Ticket tips: Shows sell out, especially weekend performances. Book early if you're visiting during the holidays. Matinee performances work well for families with young children. The theater is small (500 seats), so even "cheap seats" offer good views.
Savannah Lighted Boat Parade
When: Late November (Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Where: Savannah River
Cost: Free to watch from shore
The Savannah Lighted Boat Parade brings festive cheer to the water as decorated boats — from small sailboats to larger yachts — cruise down the Savannah River covered in holiday lights and decorations. Vessel owners compete for prizes in categories like "Best Use of Lights," "Most Creative," and "Most Festive."
Best viewing spots:
- River Street: The most popular viewing location. Arrive early for a spot along the railing.
- Waving Girl Landing: East end of River Street, near the statue of Florence Martus
- Plant Riverside District: Multiple waterfront viewing areas with bars and restaurants nearby
- Boat tours: Some Savannah boat tour companies offer special lighted parade cruises where you watch from the water
Why it's magical: Watching illuminated boats glide past historic River Street as reflections shimmer on the dark water creates a scene straight from a holiday postcard. The combination of maritime tradition and festive lights is pure coastal Southern charm.
Christmas at the Cathedral
When: December (usually mid-month)
Where: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 222 E Harris St
Cost: Free or ticketed (varies by event)
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist — one of Savannah's architectural masterpieces — hosts special Christmas concerts and services throughout December. The French Gothic cathedral with its soaring spires, stained glass windows, and ornate interior provides a stunning setting for holiday music.
Christmas concerts typically feature the cathedral choir, guest musicians, and programs of sacred holiday music ranging from traditional carols to classical pieces. The acoustics in the cathedral are exceptional, and hearing "O Holy Night" echo through the nave is genuinely moving.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is the cathedral's most well-attended service of the year. Arrive early (by 11 PM) as seating fills quickly. Even non-Catholics are welcome to attend and experience this beautiful tradition in one of the South's most magnificent churches.
Visiting tip: The cathedral is free to visit during daytime hours (donations welcome). Even if you don't attend a Christmas service, stop by to admire the architecture and holiday decorations.
Holiday Lights in the Squares
Savannah's 22 historic squares transform into twinkling wonderlands each December as the city wraps trees, monuments, and fountains in white lights. The effect is magical — walking through the softly lit squares on a December evening captures the romance and charm that defines Savannah.
Best lit squares to visit:
- Chippewa Square: Made famous by "Forrest Gump," beautifully lit with the General Oglethorpe statue illuminated
- Madison Square: Surrounded by historic homes and the Green-Meldrim House
- Wright Square: Central location makes it a popular evening stroll destination
- Monterey Square: One of the most beautiful squares, especially with the Pulaski Monument lit
Evening stroll route: Start at Leopold's Ice Cream on Broughton Street (yes, ice cream even in December), then walk south through the squares toward Forsyth Park. The fountain is lit year-round, but holiday lights add extra sparkle. Return via Bull Street, stopping at any of Savannah's excellent restaurants for dinner.
Photography: The squares photograph beautifully after dark during the holidays. Bring a tripod or rest your camera on a bench for long exposures that capture the light trails and glowing trees. Blue hour (just after sunset) offers the best light for blending natural sky color with artificial lights.
When to Visit Savannah for Christmas
Best dates: First two weeks of December offer the most holiday events and activities before many visitors leave for Christmas week with family. Weather is mild (highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s) — comfortable for walking, though you'll want layers for evening.
Christmas week itself (December 23-26): Many events conclude before Christmas, but the city remains beautifully decorated. Restaurants may have limited hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — call ahead. The Historic District is quieter, which some visitors prefer. Hotels often offer special holiday rates.
New Year's in Savannah: The city celebrates with River Street parties, fireworks over the river, and celebrations at restaurants throughout downtown. It's festive, but not as overwhelming as larger cities.
Where to Stay During the Holidays
Book accommodations early — Savannah's best hotels and inns fill months in advance for December weekends. Consider these holiday-perfect options:
- The Marshall House: Savannah's oldest hotel (since 1851) goes all-out with holiday decorations
- Kehoe House: Elegant Victorian B&B on Columbia Square with gourmet breakfast and evening wine
- Mansion on Forsyth Park: Luxury hotel overlooking the park, which is beautifully lit for the holidays
- Perry Lane Hotel: Modern luxury with a rooftop pool (yes, even in December — it's heated!)
Planning Your Savannah Christmas Visit
Book early: The Holiday Tour of Homes sells out in hours. Hotels book months ahead. The Savannah Theatre Christmas show fills weekend performances. Start planning in late summer if you're targeting early December.
Check event calendars: Exact dates for Christmas on the River Parade, the boat parade, and other events aren't set a full year in advance. Visit Best of Savannah or the Visit Savannah website in October-November for confirmed 2026 dates.
Combine activities: A ghost tour during the holidays is surprisingly popular — Savannah's haunted history doesn't take a break for Christmas. Food tours often include holiday-themed tastings in December. Boat tours may offer special holiday cruises with hot cocoa and lights.
Weather preparation: December in Savannah averages 65°F during the day and 45°F at night. It's mild by Northern standards, but you'll want layers. Pack a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones, and a scarf that can double as holiday photo prop.
Planning a Christmas visit to Savannah? Browse our curated guide to the best restaurants in Savannah for holiday dinners, book a charming historic inn for your stay, and discover the best ghost tours to experience the city's spooky side alongside its festive holiday spirit.
