Savannah at Christmas 2026: Holiday Events, Lights and Tours
Savannah at Christmas is a quieter, softer version of the city that crowds fill in spring. The live oaks stay green, the squares are decorated, the afternoons are cool enough for a long walk, and the riverfront fills with lights and a Christmas market. If you are planning a Savannah Christmas trip this year, the main thing is knowing which dates to build around.
This guide lists the confirmed 2026 holiday events, explains what December weather is really like, and shows how to fit the Historic District into a trip that also includes the market, the parade and some decent meals. It also covers when a guided open-air tour makes sense in cold weather, and when it does not.
Savannah Christmas 2026 at a glance
These are the main dates published by the organizers as of October 2026. Check each event page before you book travel, because schedules can shift.
| Event | Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah Christmas Market | Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 | Plant Riverside District, 400 W River St |
| Festival of Trees | Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 | Savannah riverfront |
| Christmas on the River | Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 | Savannah’s Waterfront |
| Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Nov. 27, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Plant Riverside District |
| 34th Lighted Christmas Street Parade | Sat., Dec. 12, 2026, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (free) | Starts at Plant Riverside, west end of River Street |
| Alpine Village at The Lost Square | Nov. 13, 2026 to Jan. 24, 2027 | Rooftop at The Alida hotel |
The Visit Savannah Holly Days calendar lists dozens more, from daily November walking tours to Thanksgiving brunches and pop-up markets. Event details for the Christmas Market are on the Plant Riverside District page, and the parade is listed on Savannah’s Waterfront.
What Savannah is like in December
The weather is the part most visitors get wrong. Savannah in December is mild, not warm. Daytime highs are usually in the 60s Fahrenheit and nights drop into the 40s, with the occasional cold snap that feels sharper because of the damp air near the river. Snow is rare. Rain is possible on any day.
Daylight is short. Sunset falls around 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. through most of the month, so the lights come on early and the evening part of your day is long. That works in your favor if you want to see the squares and the riverfront lit up, and against you if you plan to do your sightseeing after lunch.
Crowds are lighter than in March, April and October, but the weeks around the Christmas Market opening, the parade and the days between Christmas and New Year’s are busy. Hotels in the Historic District book up for those dates earlier than most people expect. Our month-by-month guide to visiting Savannah shows how December compares with the rest of the year for weather, crowds and cost.
The Christmas events worth planning around
Savannah Christmas Market and Festival of Trees
The Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District is the center of the season. It runs for about six weeks, from Nov. 19 to Jan. 3, with vendors, food and seasonal drinks along the river. The Festival of Trees runs on the same dates and fills a space with decorated Christmas trees. Weeknights are calmer than weekends, and early evening, when the lights are on but the dinner crowd has not arrived, is usually the easiest time to wander.
Christmas Tree Lighting, Nov. 27
The tree lighting at Plant Riverside District on Nov. 27 starts at 6:30 p.m. and is the traditional opening of the holiday season on the river. If you are in town that weekend, arrive early. Space near the tree fills up before the ceremony begins.
Lighted Christmas Street Parade, Dec. 12
The 34th Lighted Christmas Street Parade runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, and is free to watch. It starts at Plant Riverside District on the west end of River Street. Streets along the route close, and parking near the river is hard to find that evening, so use a garage a few blocks back or take a rideshare. If you want a guided tour on parade day, book an earlier departure and be clear of the riverfront before the closures begin.
Alpine Village at The Lost Square
For something different, the rooftop at The Alida hotel turns into an alpine-themed village from Nov. 13 to Jan. 24. It is a ticketed experience and popular with couples, so reserve ahead if you want a specific night.
Free ways to enjoy Christmas in Savannah
You do not need tickets for much of what makes Savannah festive in December.
- Walk the squares. The Historic District’s 22 squares are the best free decorations in the city. Many of the surrounding homes, inns and storefronts put up wreaths and lights.
- Walk River Street at dusk. The cobblestones are uneven, so wear flat shoes, but the cargo ships and the lit waterfront are worth the effort.
- Stroll Forsyth Park. The fountain and the oaks look good in the low winter light, and it is a calm spot after a busy day.
- Window shop. The shops around Broughton Street and City Market decorate heavily, and you can browse without spending.
For more ideas that cost nothing, read our list of 25 free things to do in Savannah.
When a guided tour makes sense in cold weather
An open-air tour in December is a good idea if you dress for it. The cruiser has open sides and a roof, so there is no wind-proof glass between you and the cold. A coat, a scarf and gloves make a real difference once the vehicle is moving. Bring a hat if you tend to feel the cold.
The benefits are practical:
- You see the whole district in 75 minutes. In December, that matters because daylight is short and walking from Forsyth Park to River Street takes most of an hour in itself.
- You hear the history behind the decorations. The guide covers the squares, the mansions and the riverfront, and December is a good time for the story of Sherman delivering the city to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift in 1864.
- You reach River Street without the walk. The cobblestone stretch is a bumpy two minutes on the cruiser and a slow, careful walk on foot.
For timing, the 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. departures are the warmest and brightest. The later departures run into dusk, which suits you if you want the squares lit, but dress for the temperature drop. The tour covers the same loop as usual, so you will see the squares and the riverfront, though the exact lighting depends on the day and the displays.
Tours run in light rain. Heavier weather can mean a reschedule, and the operator contacts you directly. Check the booking page for the current schedule and holiday hours.
A simple one-day Christmas plan
If you have one day in the city before or after the market, this order works well:
- Morning: Book the 10:00 or 11:30 tour. You see the Historic District in daylight and learn where everything is.
- Lunch: Eat near the squares or City Market. Book ahead if you want a sit-down place, since December weekends fill up.
- Afternoon: Walk back to the spots you liked best, such as Chippewa Square, Forsyth Park or Monterey Square.
- Dusk: Head to River Street or Plant Riverside District to see the lights come on.
- Evening: Go to the Christmas Market, or watch the parade if it is Dec. 12.
If you are staying longer, our Savannah weekend itinerary gives a two- or three-day plan that adapts easily to the holiday events. Traveling with children? Read things to do in Savannah with kids for ideas that work for the whole family.
Practical tips for Savannah at Christmas
- Book your hotel early. Dates around the parade and the week between Christmas and New Year’s sell out first.
- Plan your parking. Street parking near the river is limited during events. Our Historic District parking guide covers garages and lots.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Brick sidewalks, tree roots and cobblestones are not kind to heels or slippery soles.
- Dress in layers. A sunny 65-degree afternoon can become a 45-degree night in a couple of hours.
- Check holiday hours. Restaurants and attractions often close or run reduced hours on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Frequently asked questions
See Savannah’s squares before the lights come on
The easiest way to start a Savannah Christmas trip is with a 75-minute orientation of the Historic District. Our local guides cover the squares, the mansions and the riverfront, and you can sort out where to return for the market and the lights. Book the Savannah Historic District open-air tour for your trip dates.
