Savannah Christmas Lights & Events 2024-2025

Savannah is one of America's most beautiful cities and looks enchanting during winter holidays. In addition to thousands of lights and decorations transforming the downtown, visitors can witness colorful parades and shows and experience mouthwatering Southern holiday food! Mild winter temperatures allow you to take a long stroll through downtown Savannah. Check out the huge tree at the corner of Bull and Broughton streets! Approximately 20,000 lights adorn this 50-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Savannah Christmas Market (November 21–December 31, 2024)

Plant Riverside District is the number one holiday destination in Savannah, hosting an array of events planned for the opening weekend. Holiday entertainment includes the Kid’s Corner with activities like letters to Santa, ornament and holiday card making, gingerbread decorating, and more.

Another fun attraction is the first annual Festival of Trees, held throughout the Christmas Market run. During the event, visitors have a chance to witness dozens of beautiful Christmas tree displays, gleaming with their holiday lights and adornments. The Festival of Trees is held in Power Plant, Three Muses, and Atlantic Lobbies.

Christmas Tree Lighting (November 29, 2024)

However, the main attraction of the opening weekend is The Savannah Christmas Market tree lighting ceremony. There's live music, readings of traditional Christmas poems and works, including "Twas the Night Before Christmas," Santa appearance, and a candlelight procession. The celebration is annually held in Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, at 6:30-7:30 pm.

Savannah Boat Parade of Lights (November 30, 2024)

The Boat Parade of Lights is another highlight of the celebration in Plant Riverside. Watch over 40 decorated boats passing the Riverfront and spreading holiday cheer. Nothing fills people's hearts with joy more than a spectacular fireworks display at the end of a festive day! The parade starts at 7 pm and lasts for over two hours, until 9 pm.

Route

The boats set off from the docks at the Park at Eastern Wharf, which is also a great place to watch the parade. The route continues past the Convention Center to the Talmadge Bridge and passes the Plant Riverside District. The journey ends at the starting point, at the Eastern Wharf docks.

December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (November 29–December 24, 2024, select nights)

The annual December Nights & Holiday Lights event is one of the most beautiful light displays in Georgia. Normally held Thursday through Sunday at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, the annual holiday light show features over a million lights, stretching over a mile-long (1.6 km) trail. The event is a walk-through only, so be prepared to stroll along magical fairy lights for approximately an hour.

The display may be canceled because of severe weather, such as heavy rainfall, storms, and floods. The grounds usually welcome visitors for this holiday spectacle from 6 to 9 pm. General admission is $15 for everyone over 4 years old. Children under four can enter for free.

Celebrate the Season in City Market (December 6-7, 2024)

Savannah City Market is the epicenter of all celebrations in the city. During the Christmas season, you can view it with holiday lights, complete with music and caroling. One of Savannah’s main gathering places also offers the best shopping for gifts, arts, crafts, and holiday specials. The market is adorned with festive Christmas Lights, beautiful decorations, and holiday-themed sculptures. Local eateries serve culinary delights with a Christmas flair. On the first day, the market is open from 6 to 8 pm, while on Saturday, it's open from noon until 6 pm.

Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours (November 29–December 24, 2024)

To complete your holiday visit to Savannah, take an Old Town Trolley’s holiday tour. A decorated vintage trolley will make special stops at the Plant Riverside District, the American Prohibition Museum, and Congress Street Up, serving delicious cocktails. Tours last approximately two hours and depart from Old Town Trolley Depot at 250 MLK Junior Blvd.

The trolleys usually set off from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, but on some days, only two tours are available, at 7-7:30 pm. Tickets start at $35.53 for adults and $20.28 for children between 4 and 12 years old. Children under four can ride for free, but parents need to hold them.

Christmas on the River (December 13–14, 2024)

Kicking off with an annual Lighted Christmas Parade, the Christmas on the River celebration unfolds throughout Savannah's waterfront. The event features holiday music at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, numerous vendors along River Street, and a magnificent parade with more than 50 floats, decorated with festive lights and Christmas adornments. The procession sets off from the River Street at 5:30 pm and passes through Broughton Street and City Market. The festivities unfold from 5 to 8 pm on December 13th and from 11 am until 5 pm on December 14th.