The holidays are a great time to plan your trip to Savannah. The city has several tours specifically themed for the holiday season, and what’s even better is you can enjoy these tours without the cold of winter weather.
First stop: The Savannah Visitor Information Center and Savannah History Museum showcase the city's history from its founding in 1733 to the present day. It has everything from an interactive component about Native American cultures to a 1902 Crestmobile, a car that pre-dates the Ford Model A. Visitors can learn about the Revolutionary War in Savannah or see Johnny Mercer's Oscar and Grammy awards. The museum is also home to Forrest Gump’s bench and a carriage owned by the family of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low.
Take a Tour: Get to know Savannah by experiencing a Savannah tour, either on a period-style trolley or with one of our highly trained step-on-guides. Tours last about two hours and will help your group get better acquainted with our genteel Southern beauty. It will also give them a sample of the attractions they may want to explore later on their own. Be sure to stop at The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist along the tour route. It’s worth it and there’s no charge to visit.
Lunch: Savannah loves food and much of her hospitality and charm seasons the dishes popular to this region. On this day, try a Southern sampler by dining at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine to get a sample of good ole’ home cooking.
An Early 19th Century Holiday: The understated taste of an authentic early 19th century holiday season in Savannah is the theme of the Davenport House’s presentation. Tours explore how the Davenport household celebrated Christmas and New Years in the 1820s.
Progressive Dinner: Sample a wonderful variety of Lowcountry cuisine by taking your group on a progressive dinner around the historic district. Enjoy appetizers at one location, entrees at another, ending with desserts at yet another fabulous Savannah eatery.
Holly Jolly Trolley Tour: Your group is sure to enjoy the caroling and tales of holiday traditions aboard a festively decorated trolley. An evening tour around the Historic District is capped off by a visit to a special location for sweets and treats!
Celebrate the Holidays with the Gordons: Beautifully decorated for the holidays, explore Victorian holiday customs at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, home of the founder of the Girl Scouts. The table is set for Christmas dinner, the stockings are ready in Mama’s bedroom and the vintage “Game of Merry Christmas” is out for all to see.
Lunch: Savannah has several Savannah Restaurants to tempt your group’s taste buds. Catch the beautiful views from Historic River Street, enjoy the quirky charm of the City Market or choose one of the many restaurants nestled along the quiet streets of the Savannah's Historic District.
Visit Decorated Historic Home: Savannah’s past is told in the many house museums and cultural centers that populate the area. During the holiday season, these houses will be traditionally decorated and on display for everyone to see. Among the popular stops are the Owens-Thomas House, generally considered to be the finest example of Regency architecture in America and features one of the few intact slave quarters in America, and the Davenport House, an exceptionally fine example of Federal architecture.
Dinner: Your group covered a lot of ground today and may want to have a casual bite to eat. Savannah’s historic River Street and City Market have all types of casual and upscale dining options. Seafood, steaks and light fare can all be found in the restored cotton warehouses that are home to some of Savannah’s favorite restaurants. We can help you determine which restaurants are particularly group friendly!
It’s Showtime: Your group’s final night in Savannah is sure to be a memorable one as they experience one of the city’s top theatre presentations, “A Christmas Tradition” at the Historic Savannah Theatre. The show brings holiday glitz and glitter with a two-hour performance. The theatre is transformed into a holiday wonderland, sharing memories of the Christmas classics that your group knows and loves.
Savannah loves the holiday season! Take a look at some of our holiday events and come celebrate this merry time with us:
Holly Days: Savannah’s Historic District will come alive with the sights and sounds of the holidays. Experience the Holiday tree lighting in Ellis Square, live music, dance performances and even an appearance by Santa! Enjoy holiday movies in the square for fun for the whole family.
Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights: Your group will marvel as more than 60 sailboats and yachts in complete holiday decor compete for decorating awards as part of the Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. Held on the Savannah Harbor, this will be a beautiful display of holiday cheer. After the parade, stay on the harbor for a holiday fireworks display.
Christmas on the River & Lighted Holiday Parade: Regional arts and crafts and live holiday entertainment highlight this multicultural holiday celebration. This festival offers unique shopping in an old world setting of charm and history! In the evening, the Historic District comes alive as this spectacular holiday parade travels along Historic River Street and Broughton Street on the first Saturday night in December.
Annual Holiday Tour of Homes: This event has been described as "an intimate visit with residents of Savannah's Historic District." Because the tour is a project of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the hosts are people who live in the neighborhood, often the owners themselves. They have unique stories to tell about the home's features and history, from a personal perspective.
