With its Colonial architecture, historic charm and beautiful green spaces, the holidays are prime time in Savannah. The city puts on a festive display with holiday lights and good cheer.
Start off your holidays with the 2022 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights, with 40 boats decked out (see what we did there?) in full holiday regalia. The floating procession takes place from 7-10 p.m. on Nov. 26. The Parade of Lights, put on by the Savannah Harbor Foundation, is a 20-year tradition. Led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, the parade begins on the Eastern Wharf Dock at the Thompson Savannah Hotel. After passing the Eastern Wharf Park, captains continue down the river past River Street and Plant Riverside District, ending at the Eastern Wharf Dock.
If you book a stay to see the boat parade, get tickets for “Elf: The Musical” at the Savannah Historic Theatre. The young - and young at heart - will enjoy this stage adaptation of the film, starring Buddy the Elf. The production ends Nov. 27, so you’re just in time.
Take a stroll through a European-style Christmas Market at the Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St., starting Nov. 25 with the lighting of the tree. Enjoy holiday tunes, street performances, seasonal food specials and various vendors set up along the waterfront. The market opens at noon on Thursdays to Sundays until Dec. 19, when it opens seven days a week.
Another Holiday Tree Lighting takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Jepson Center for the Arts. The event includes a hot cocoa bar, homemade cookies, and children’s art activities. If you miss the lighting, stroll by during your visit as the tree will be on view until Jan. 9.
Support local artists and craftsmen when the Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St., holds its Holiday Makers Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3. Enjoy a cold beer while shopping art, handmade crafts and gifts that will jingle your bells. The Market includes a food truck, DJ and, of course, craft beer all day.
See all the glitz and glitter of the annual holiday stage production, “A Christmas Tradition” when it takes the stage at the Historic Savannah Theatre from Dec. 1-24. The theatre is transformed into a perfect holiday picture, where you’ll hear all your Christmas favorites. Sprinkle in a little comedy and Santa and his dancing reindeer for a festive event.
Celebrate the holidays along the waterfront at Christmas on the River on Dec. 9-11 at Rousakis Plaza. The highlight of the festival is the annual Lighted Christmas Parade rolling at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. The parade begins at the west end of River Street and continues to the east end, then winds its way through downtown Savannah.
Sing in the holidays with Christmas at the Cathedral at 5 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 222 E. Harris St. near Lafayette Square. The Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Brass present their annual program of music and Scripture readings telling the story of the Christ child. The audience can join in the singing of traditional carols of the season.
Savannah creates a magical backdrop for a wonderful stay this holiday season.