List

Savannah’s Holiday Bucket List

By Brittany Howard

Wayward Christmas Bar

You know how Santa makes a list and checks it twice? In Savannah, we've simplified that.

First-time holiday visitors and seasoned Savannah regulars alike can use this checklist to keep up with all things Holly Days.

Our holiday bucket list is quite full, so don't worry if you can't check everything off this year. There's always next year, and Savannah will be just as happy to see you return.

A vast assorted spread of brunch options. — Thanksgiving Brunch at Plant Riverside District

Thanksgiving Brunch & Dinner

We’re guilty of it too, but before Holly Days, there’s a little season called fall and an often-overlooked holiday known as Thanksgiving. It’s that in-between, gluttonous time with family and friends when diets are a myth, and the pumpkin versus sweet potato debates are vicious. Fortunately, several Savannah favorites are happy to welcome you to the table, including Plant Riverside District, Hotel Bardo, The Westin and Savannah Riverboat Cruises.

The food will be plentiful, so enjoy every bite, and remember, Savannah's scenic streets were practically made for walking it off afterward.

savannah holiday shopping couple broughton street christmas — Let the holiday shopping begin on Broughton Street.

Discover the Shopping Streets & Districts

If there's ever a time to shop the city, it's for the holidays. And we're talking beyond a single shopping street because numerous Savannah districts are in on the retail joy of it all. While this historic open-air market needs no introduction, City Market is brimming with an impressive selection of shops, including Charleston Shoe Company and Spartina 449, and a vast local art scene with galleries to explore.

Check out Harper Boutique, shopSCAD, Starlandia and Cosimo on Bull Street. Of course, there's The Paris Market, Globe Shoe Company, Morgan Rae (also in City Market) and the Indigo Cottage on Broughton Street. Shopping with a river view? District Boutique, Whispers Boutique, River Street Market Place and many more line our extended waterfront. Then finish it out on Whitaker Street at Madison and Fifth and Asher & Rye.

Shoppers browse festive stalls decorated with wreaths, ornaments, and twinkling lights at the Savannah Christmas Market in Plant Riverside District. — Holiday cheer fills the air at the Savannah Christmas Market.

Savannah Holly Day Events

Now we’re digging into the honey-baked ham, cornbread and collard greens of the list. The award-winning Savannah Christmas Market, Nov. 19 – Jan. 3, is when River Street lights up with twinkle lights, garlands and bows, and the rest of the city quickly follows suit. It’s a European-inspired transformation as more than 50 holiday vendors line the riverwalk to share their wares, nibbles, treats, drinks and unique finds.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 27 is one of the litest starters to the season, followed by the Savannah Lighted Boat Parade on the 28th, when 30 vessels parade up and down the river. You can even join Savannah Riverboat Cruises for Sailing With Santa that same day. And we can’t forget the Lighted Christmas Street Parade on Dec. 12, where trolleys, floats, cars and various walking groups ignite the excitement of the season.

These are but a few events on the calendar, so be sure to check out the rest of the Holly Day events here.

People walking through City Market during the holiday season — Celebrate the Season in City Market

Celebrate the Season in City Market

City Market has its own Holly Days tradition known as Celebrate the Season in City Market. It’s where locals and visitors flock to the market to take part in caroling, tree lighting, shopping, live music, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, karaoke, a pet parade and adoption event and a Kids Zone. A well-rounded, magical outing, if we do say so ourselves.

A group of singers on stage performing live for a holiday show. — SCAD's Holiday Spectacular brings down the house.

You'll Buzz About It All Season

SCAD's Holiday Spectacular knows how to bring the house down! From Dec. 11–13, the SCAD Bee Sharps return with renditions of your favorite holiday tunes, a few star-studded guest appearances and enough holiday cheer to have you singing along. Don't hesitate to make this perfectly in-tune performance a new holiday tradition.

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A cozy, retro holiday pop-up bar decorated with a glowing red neon sign reading “Frosty’s” above a wall of vintage Christmas album covers. — Frosty's Social Club at Bar Julian

Get Into the Holiday Spirits

Savannah’s holiday pop-up bars are pouring on the seasonal cheer, and there’s plenty to go around. At Alpine Village at The Lost Square atop The Alida Hotel, gather up to six of your favorite people for festive cocktails inside a private yurt surrounded by twinkling lights and cozy comforts.

Feeling naughty or nice? The Drayton Hotel has a place for both. Head underground to The Naughty List at The Vinyl Room for cheeky decor, themed cocktails and a little mischief, or keep your halo intact at The Nice List at Pendant Terrace & Bar. We’ll leave that decision between you and Santa.

Wayward knows how to make spirits bright with its Christmas Bar, where holiday movie nostalgia, good company and festive cocktails are part of the fun. And there's another watering hole getting into the spirit. Good Night John Boy is bringing a little extra cheer to Congress Street with a holiday pop-up featuring seasonal tunes, twinkling lights and cocktails.

Frosty’s Social Club at Bar Julian atop Thompson Savannah brings winter nostalgia to the rooftop with specialty cocktails, Savannah River views and private Ice Houses. There’s even holiday karaoke and an Ugly Sweater Party to keep things interesting.

And for one more round of seasonal fun, Zunzibar’s Igloo Experience welcomes groups of up to eight into climate-controlled igloos complete with games, heaters and bottomless drinks. Now that’s something worth raising a glass to.

Old Town Trolley Tours carolers — Old Town Trolley Tours lights up the holiday season.

Holiday Sights & Festive Nights

All aboard for a little holiday sightseeing! Old Town Trolley Tours’ Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour takes you through five acres of botanical gardens dressed in dazzling lights. Once you’ve had your fill of the glowing scenery, explore the Merry Market, enjoy live music, grab a bite from the food trucks or toast marshmallows at the s’mores stations. And for those who’ve managed to stay on the nice list, Santa might just make an appearance.

This is one holiday tradition that will live on.

Make Room for A Christmas Tradition

The Savannah Theatre knows a thing or two about spreading holiday cheer, and its beloved A Christmas Tradition is proof. Settle in for two hours of Christmas classics, lively performances and enough singing and dancing to make even the biggest Scrooge crack a smile. It’s a Savannah holiday favorite that deserves a spot on your list.

Festive lights and holiday decor illuminate Savannah.

Be the Judge of Savannah’s Holiday Decor

There’s a lot of decor to go around. Remember when you were a kid (or 50 years old) and loved driving or walking through neighborhoods to find the best-dressed holiday home? Well, Savannah has plenty of contenders. But don’t forget our 23 squares, Forsyth Park, Jones Street (how could it get any prettier? Christmas lights!) and Eastern Wharf. Or hop in the car and explore Savannah’s Southside neighborhoods for even more holiday displays. We’re leaving no cobblestone unstrolled this season.

We think this list is doable. It's eventful, it's spirited, it's pretty, plus we'll eat a lot. What more could you ask for? The holidays look good on Savannah, and we think they'll look even better on you.