How to Spend a Holiday Weekend: Christmas in Savannah, Georgia

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The first stop on our “Chasing Christmas” tour this year was Savannah, Georgia; just 7 hours away from our hometown. We knew the town was full of history and culture and there was a lot to do, but we were surprised at how fun Christmas in Savannah is!

We chose the weekend after Thanksgiving to go to Savannah. When we arrived, we were excited to find out that there were several events planned for that weekend. The downtown area was already decorated for Christmas.

We found out there was to be a Christmas tree lighting that night. We rushed down to the square where the event was to take place, just in time for the 10 second count down for the tree lighting. Once the countdown was to zero, the Mayor displayed the beautiful lit Christmas tree.

Santa was there in front of the tree to talk with the kids and a band played music as everyone talked to each other. A projector on the top of the nearby building showed what Savannah had looked like in its early years as well as season’s greetings. The whole setting felt like something out of a lifetime movie.

The next day, we headed to the riverfront to enjoy Christmas in Savannah there. We chose to stay at the Westin because that’s where the festivities for the Boat Parade of Lights was to be held. While we had front row seats of the boats from our room, we wanted to enjoy the atmosphere from where the action was!

I was amazed at the talent and creativity displayed in the Westin’s Gingerbread Village. You can spend well over an hour looking at the details and different kinds of foods used on the gingerbread houses.

There was a tree lighting ceremony and Savannah’s Children’s Choir was on site to entertain us. Different types of food were available for purchase, and of course, Santa was there in a holiday setting for photo ops.

Attending the Boat Parade of Lights was a first for us. We had never even heard of such a thing. It is like a parade but on the water instead of in the streets. People lined up on both sides of the river front to watch as the almost 40 boats decorated for Christmas passed by. There was a competition for the best decorated but, unfortunately, we didn’t hear who the winner was.

I’ve never attended a Christmas function where fireworks were involved. They were set off to the sound of Christmas music and some were even in the shape of gifts!

The southern charm made Christmas in Savannah a perfect place to stay at Christmas time. I personally think the weekend after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to go so that you can enjoy these activities.

The Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to get around the city. I recommend using Get Your Guide to purchase your tickets because of their best price guarantee and easy cancellation policy. I personally use them for my tours. Click here for the hop on bus that we did.

I do think staying at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa was a convenient place to stay for this event. We had front row seats to the Boat Parade of Lights and the tree lighting. When the crowds thinned down we were able to get a great view of the Gingerbread houses without feeling rushed. Breakfast was great the next morning  (omelette!). We did enjoy staying here. You can look at prices for your dates here.