With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season has officially begun. Time to string up the lights, sip some eggnog and spread some holiday cheer. For many, the holidays are about much more than giving gifts. It’s also about spending time with loved ones and making lasting memories. There are quite a few holiday happenings going on around town, providing ample opportunity for festive family fun. Grab your loved ones and plan to attend these exciting holiday events.
Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Trolley Tour
Old Town Trolley is kicking the holiday season off right with their Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour. Taking place nightly through Dec. 24, this fun tour explores both Christmas past and present, with stops at the historic Davenport House and Plant Riverside District, where Santa awaits you. Sing Christmas carols as you ride throughout Savannah’s squares, and learn about holiday traditions of yore. Informative and entertaining, this tour is not to be missed.
Savannah Christmas Market
Plant Riverside District is sharing holiday magic with an exciting European-style Christmas Market. Now through Jan. 1, guests can enjoy all kinds of celebrations and fun festivities including live music and performances, children’s activities and more. Treat the family to breakfast with Santa or indulge in some holiday cookie decorating. Fun festivities are happening daily in Savannah’s entertainment district.
The Olde Pink House Holiday Celebration
Put on the ritz this holiday season at the Olde Pink House, which cordially invites you to attend their second annual holiday celebration. Taking place Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the celebration will feature hors d’oeuvres, live music and libations. Proceeds will benefit the Habersham Olde Pink House Scholarship Fund at Bethesda Academy.
Annual Christmas Parade
Savannah’s beach, Tybee Island invites the public to attend their annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Watch as the island streets come to life with sizable floats covered in glittering lights. The parade route starts at 6th Street and ends on Tybrisa Street. It’ll be a great time to interact with islanders while taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Kwanzaa Marketplace
The Savannah African Art Museum is hosting a Kwanzaa Marketplace every Friday in December from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be talented local artists and vendors selling artworks and goods that are either from Africa or inspired by African culture. The marketplace presents an exciting opportunity to learn about Kwanzaa and shop for unique gifts. In addition to the marketplace, guests will be able to tour the museum, making the connection between the items on sale and those on exhibit. And on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m., the museum will host a Kwanzaa workshop where guests can learn about the history and significance of the observance and create their own Kwanzaa banner. Registration is required for the workshop.
Savannah’s Christmas Market
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a Christmas Market at the Savannah Convention Center. Guests are encouraged to come out and shop for gifts and take pictures with Santa and his elf, Buddy. Children will have a special opportunity to send a letter to the North Pole as well. There will be food and fun, making this a great event for families.
Christmas on the Bluff
The town of Thunderbolt is hosting their Christmas on the Bluff celebration on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a fun holiday festival featuring cookie and ornament decorating, boat and land parades, a tree lighting and more. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance for pictures. Sing carols into the night and enjoy camaraderie with the tight-knit community of Thunderbolt.
Christmas on the River
Savannah’s Waterfront welcomes everyone to join them on the river for a three-day Christmas festival taking place Dec. 9 – 11. The festive, fun-filled weekend will have live music and dance, handcrafted art and holiday cheer. St. Nick will be in attendance for family pictures as well. The highlight of the weekend is the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, which will happen on Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss it.
Christmas Festival at Trustees’ Garden
Trustees’ Garden presents their third annual Christmas Festival taking place on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch in amazement as Kehoe Iron Works is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with 60 tons of snow. Attendees can look forward to sledding, train rides, bounce houses, live entertainment and so much more. There will also be a 23-foot tall Christmas tree and Santa will be present for pictures.