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Top Winter Events to Attend in Savannah

Savannah Christmas Market

In the Southeast, winter can be a wild card. You could compare it to playing dress up with Mother Nature - one day she's in a stylish coat and the next she's basking in a bikini. But don't you worry, for Savannah has got you covered with a smorgasbord of winter festivities (Ahem - Savannah Holly Days!).

Come rain, shine or snow (Ha! Just kidding, we don't get snow); our city will show you a wonderful time. So pack your layers and your sunscreen and get ready to celebrate, no matter what the forecast says.

Two friend girls drinking wine at City Market’s holiday event — City Market Lights & Delights

Old Town Trolley Tours carolers — Photo courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours

DECEMBER

Savannah Holly Days

Honor the holiday season with activities and events for the whole family during Savannah Holly Days! Savannah will be dressed in her holiday best all through December. Throughout the holiday season, enjoy Cookies with Santa, Jingle Bell Block Hop party, special caroling groups on Broughton Street, Holidays on the Big Screen and more!

Celebrate the Season in City Market

Celebrate the Season in City Market transforms Savannah's City Market into a holiday wonderland with family-friendly activities, festive décor and free events. On Dec. 6, City Market Lights & Delights offers exclusive discounts, live caroling and a lighted procession led by Father Christmas and historical characters. The following day, City Market Shop & Hop features live performances, shopping deals, an Ornament Search and activities for kids, making it a perfect weekend to enjoy the holidays in Savannah.

A Christmas Tradition

Join us to celebrate a noteworthy season of "A Christmas Tradition" at the legendary Savannah Theatre. It's a two-hour non-stop holiday jamboree featuring all of your Christmas favorites. You'll laugh, sing, dance and shout with glee at one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District

Your holly jolly season officially starts at the annual Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District. The season's joy is honored in the city's premier entertainment district, where friends and families can enjoy exciting events, great food, gorgeous decorations and cheerful vendors lined up along River Street.

Holiday Sights & Festive Nights

Drive through an array of twinkling lights at the Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour, hosted by Old Town Trolley Tours. Family and friends will be in awe at this joyous light show, delicately strung across five acres of gorgeous botanical gardens. Everyone will be eager to walk on foot as live music is played, while local vendor booths cheerfully welcome you at the Merry Market. S'mores stations and food trucks will also be available and if you're really good - Santa Claus just might come to town. You won't want to miss it!

Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run

Each year, runners can sprint, jog or walk across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge (the iconic one that spans the Savannah River) as they compete in one of three Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run races. There’s even a ¼ mile route for the kids! When the race is over and you’re ready to enjoy the rest of the festivities, head over to the Post-Race Party for food, drinks and live music . For the fun and slightly more competitive bunch, participants can dress up in single or group costumes for the run’s costume contest!

Ghost Pirates Ice

The winter season wouldn't be fitting without a chance to live out your Olympic dreams. Join the Savannah Ghost Pirates for Ghost Pirates Ice, a public ice skating season where the community can learn to skate, take stick-and-puck sessions, or ice skate to your heart's content throughout winter and spring. Be sure to check their weekly schedules as new session times are added.

Woman crossing the finish line during the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest — YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest

Musicians on stage for Mountainfilm Savannah on Tour — Mountainfilm Savannah on Tour

Runners on Tybee Island Beach during the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest — YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest

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JANUARY

Publix Savannah Hockey Classic

College hockey fans flock to the Savannah Civic Center each January for a legendary battle: the Publix Savannah Hockey Classic. What started close to 20 years ago is now an epic competition between rivals: The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida. For two nights, watch these four teams go head-to-head in some of the most intense games of the year!

Mountainfilm Savannah

Dedicated to educating and inspiring local audiences to create a better world through the power of film, people, stories and conversation, Mountainfilm On Tour happens in Savannah every January. This annual festival features films for all ages - from adventure epics to heartwarming tales.

YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest

Take part in a weekend-long running event that is well worth the distance. The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest consists of five races, including a kids' run, to benefit the YMCA youth program on Tybee Island and the entire coastal Georgia community. Register for a chance to view the island's most scenic areas while supporting a great cause.

American Traditions Competition Savannah Georgia — American Traditions Competition

TelfairChildrensArtMuseum — Telfair Children's Art Museum

Savannah Irish Festival dancers in traditional attire — Savannah Irish Festival

Savannah Black Heritage Festival dancers on stage — Savannah Black Heritage Festival

FEBRUARY

Georgia Historical Society's Super Museum Sunday

It’s no secret that one of the reasons why Savannah is such a popular vacation spot is because of our city’s rich historical background and culture. Each year, the Georgia Historical Society opens the doors to the state’s cultural institutions for free! In Savannah and Tybee alone, over 40 museums and centers participate.

Savannah Irish Festival

Join the festivities at the 2025 Irish Festival! Immerse yourself in the vibrant and diverse Irish culture at the highly anticipated Savannah Irish Festival, making its return in 2025! This beloved tradition in Savannah guarantees a remarkable weekend filled with lively music, mesmerizing dance shows, and a heartwarming tribute to Irish traditions.

Savannah Book Festival

Hosted in a handful of Savannah’s oldest buildings downtown, the Savannah Book Festival attracts close to 10,000 people from around the globe to celebrate all things books for one weekend each year. The festival invites incredibly well known authors (think James Patterson) as well as emerging writers to participate with signings, meet-and-greets and special speeches.

Savannah Black Heritage Festival

Savannah State University and the City of Savannah join forces to host the Black Heritage Festival each year. At over 30 years old, this festival celebrates the culture, music, cuisine and history of black heritage. There are also educational opportunities for youth, a health and wellness fair and a culinary arts competition!

American Traditions Vocal Competition

Each February, talented vocalists from around the nation flock to Savannah for the chance to win over $35,000 in cash prizes and a solo performance with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra. This annual competition provides musical education, outreach and performances for Savannah residents of all ages. Each year, the American Traditions Competition treats Savannah residents and visitors to four days of vocal stylings, including country performances, jazz and more.

Winter in Savannah is a whirlwind of fun, and you definitely shouldn't miss the Savannah Holly Days! With festive events and lively celebrations, there’s no better time to bundle up and soak in the season's magic. So grab your hot cocoa and get ready for a jolly good time—who needs snow when you have Savannah's holiday spirit?

Discover Savannah's Holiday Magic Through Stunning Videos!

Celebrate the season with Savannah's holiday magic! Dive into these stunning videos to plan your festive getaway and capture the spirit of the season. Be inspired and share your favorites by following @VisitSavannah on social media. ?✨