SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – It’s the holiday season, and local businesses and organizations are hosting a variety of events to celebrate.
From Christmas tree lightings to photos with Santa, here are some ways to get in the holiday spirit.
Nov. 4 – Dec. 24 | Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Stop by Santa’s Wonderland to experience festive fun, along with free photos with Mr. Claus himself.
Advance photo reservations are now available online, and dates will continue to open on a rolling basis seven days in advance.
Bass Pro Shops is located at 14045 Abercorn St.
Nov. 16 – Jan. 1 | Savannah Christmas Market
The fourth annual Savannah Christmas Market will be held at the Plant Riverside District riverwalk (400 W. River St.) from Thursday, Nov. 16, to Monday, Jan. 1.
Explore the market as well as live performances, children’s activities, photos with Santa and a wide range of holiday-themed food and drink options.
Nov. 28 | Georgia Southern University Lighting in Savannah
Georgia Southern University will host its annual holiday Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28 in Savannah on Burnett Lawn.
President Kyle Marrero, the University Programming Board and the Office of Student Activities will turn on the holiday lights and host activities for students, faculty, staff and the community.
The event is free and open to the public.
Nov. 30 | Hinesville for the Holidays
The City of Hinesville and Liberty County Chamber of Commerce/CVB are hosting the Hinesville for the Holidays Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The ceremony is set for Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Hinesville.
The free event will feature free holiday-themed activities, including train rides, bounce houses, photos with Santa, local school choral performances, food trucks and more.
The event will conclude with the tree lighting in Bradwell Park.
Nov. 30 | Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Bloomingdale will light up their Christmas tree at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Bloomingdale History Museum (205 US-80).
Come out for a night of festive fun.
Nov. 30 | The Olde Pink House’s annual Holiday Celebration
The iconic Savannah restaurant (23 Abercorn St., Savannah) is hosting its annual Holiday Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The event is open to the public, with proceeds benefiting The Habersham Pink House Scholarship at Bethesda Academy.
Expect chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres, exquisite holiday decor, live music, cocktails, wine and more.
Tickets are $150. Cocktail attire is recommended.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 24 | Jolly Jingle Jams and Pictures with Santa
The Statesboro Mall (325 Northside Drive East) is hosting its Jolly Jingle Jams and Pictures with Santa all throughout December.
Local choirs, musicians and dance groups will be performing throughout the mall. You can register here to perform.
Santa arrives on Thursday, Nov. 30, and will be in the center court during the following schedule:
- Thursday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 7 p.m.
- Dec. 1 to 17
- Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 18 to 23
- Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 1 | Beaufort’s Night on the Town
Expect an evening of holiday cheer along Bay Street. Merchants will be open, food booths will be out and downtown restaurants will be open.
Expect Christmas music, dance performances, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band and more.
At 6 p.m., Santa photos begin outside the Beaufort Candy Shoppe. At 8 p.m., acting mayor Mike McFee will be reading “The Night Before Christmas. And at 8:30 p.m., the town will light the tree at Waterfront Park.
Dec. 1 | Hardeeville Christmas Tree Lighting
The City of Hardeeville will welcome the holiday season at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, at City Hall Front Lawn (205 Main Street) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate as the city lights their brand-new Christmas Tree and sing carols, read a Christmas story, enjoy free hot chocolate and sugar cookies and say hello to Santa in his grotto.
Dec. 1 | Vyve Holiday Celebration
Join Main Street Statesboro on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m for the Vyve Holiday Celebration. There will be a golf cart parade, over 50 vendors, the Book Bus, live music, Chili Town, a hayride and photo booth with Santa Claus.
The Averitt Center for the Arts will be hosting a Celtic Christmas Concert with the Carroll Brown Band. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Emma Kelly Theater. Single tickets and family bundles are being sold on the Averitt Center’s website. Each ticket includes hot cocoa or coffee.
Dec. 1 – 16 | Savannah African Art Museum’s Kwanzaa Marketplace
Free to the public, the marketplace will take place on December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 12-4 p.m. in the Museum’s Courtyard (201 East 37th St., Savannah).
Each marketplace will feature different vendors from the local and regional community. Previous marketplaces have featured African and African-centered visual arts, clothing, décor, jewelry, and all-natural handmade body care products.
Those interested in applying to participate as a vendor in the festivities are encouraged to visit here for application guidelines before Nov. 21.
Dec. 1 & 2 | Bluffton’s Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
The town is hosting its annual Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 at Martin Family Park. Santa’s Workshop will follow at the DuBois Park’s Pavilion.
The movie “Elf” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. You’re asked to bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the movie.
The town is hosting its 52nd annual parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District.
Dec. 2 | Richmond Hill Christmas Parade
The 27th annual parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m.
This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Registration is open online and will close on Friday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.
Dec. 2 | Bloomingdale’s Christmas festivities
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the city of Bloomingdale will be hosting its Christmas Parade. It starts at 10 a.m. at the W.C. Strozier Community Center.
The Children’s Christmas Party follows from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Fire Department. Get a free picture with Santa and a free stocking.
Dec. 2 | Hardeeville’s 2nd annual Christmas Parade
The City of Hardeeville Park, Recreation, and Tourism Department is hosting its 2nd annual Hardeeville Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 to 3:30 p.m. along Main Street.
This event is free and open to families and people of all ages.
Dec. 2 | Statesboro Delta Sigma Theta Annual Peppermint Ball
The Statesboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will celebrate its Annual Peppermint Ball on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Georgia Southern University (Statesboro) in the Russell Union Ballroom.
Tickets are $60 per person or $80 for VIP tickets. Tickets can be purchased from a chapter member, by contacting the Statesboro Alumnae Chapter at dst1913@yahoo.com or through Facebook here. Donations are also welcomed.
Dec. 2 | Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration & Holiday Boat Parade
The Town of Beaufort will be hosting the Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Enjoy the fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Light up the Night Holiday Boat Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Grab a seat along the seawall at Waterfront Park.
Dec. 2 – 4 | Holiday Nights & Lights
Get ready to sparkle and shine at the 4th annual Holiday Nights & Lights at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Drive through for a captivating display of twinkling lights and festive holiday scenes.
The display is open nightly from Saturday, Dec. 2, to Monday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 40 Harriet Tubman Way on Hilton Head.
Dec. 3 | Beaufort Christmas Parade
The annual Beaufort Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. and typically runs until 5 p.m. Santa rounds it out as he sits atop a Beaufort-Port Royal fire truck.
Free parking will be available at the Marina from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day.
Dec. 3 | Pawliday Bazaar
A local Mediterranean restaurant, Shuk, is partnering with One Love Animal Rescue to throw a holiday market in support of homeless pets in Savannah. Enjoy local artisan vendors, holiday photo opportunities as well as live music and seasonal food and drinks specials. The event will take place on Dec. 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1313 Habersham St. in Savannah.
The market is free to attend but a portion of the proceeds will benefit One Love Animal Rescue.
Dec. 5 | Holiday VOICES
The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) will celebrate the holiday season with a “Holiday VOICES” concert at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Christ Church Episcopal (28 Bull Street in Savannah).
Proceeds from this concert will support scholarships for the upcoming season’s Milnes VOICE educational programs.
Patrons can expect a wonderful evening of holiday-themed music performed by some of SVF’s finest artists.
Tickets are available at savannahvoicefestival.org.
Dec. 5 | Junior League’s Holiday Raffle & Auction
The Junior League of Savannah is hosting its upcoming Holiday Raffle & Auction Event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Courtyard by Chuck Chewning (W Jones St. A in Savannah).
Coinciding with International Volunteer Day, the event promises an evening of festive celebration, community engagement, and philanthropy.
Funds raised will directly contribute to the success of community impact projects sponsored by the Junior League of Savannah.
Dec. 8 | County Council and Community Christmas Tree Lighting Friday
Beaufort’s County Council and Community is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8 in the Beaufort County Courthouse Plaza.
All County employees and the public are invited to attend the annual Christmas tree lighting in the Beaufort County Courthouse Plaza. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event is free to the public.
There will be food trucks, face painting, and more!
Parking is free and available at the Administration Building located at 100 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort.
Dec. 9 | Christmas Jamboree
The annual Givers of the Evans County Community Christmas Jamboree is set for Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. at The Evans County Community Center (720 Church St., Claxton).
The free event offers a stunning Winter Wonderland where families can take photos with Santa. Bounce houses, cookie decorating stations and more will all be available as activities for families to enjoy together.
Gifts donated by local businesses and individuals will be given away, including bicycles and hoverboards.
Dec. 9 | Savannah Santa Train
The Coastal Heritage Society is hosting its annual Savannah Santa Train event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Georgia State Railroad Museum (655 Louisville Rd.).
Admission for this event is $17 for CHS members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting https://bit.ly/SantaTrain2023.
Dec. 9 | Pet Photos with Santa
The Hipster Hound is bringing back its annual photoshoot with Santa and your pets! The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 9.
For $45 you will receive two digital proofs and two 5×7 printed photos. Proceeds will also benefit local rescue agency, Renegade Paws Rescue.
Dec. 9 | Bluffton’s Menorah Lighting
A new addition to the town’s holiday celebrations, the Menorah Lighting will be held Saturday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park.
Enjoy family-friendly activities including festive entertainment, a holiday-themed train ride experience, Tin Soldier Training, model trains with Coastal Rail Buffs, holiday crafts and more.
Admission for this event is $17 for CHS members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting. https://bit.ly/SantaTrain2023
Dec. 15 & 16 | Fort Pulaski’s Candle Lantern Holiday Tours
Celebrate the holiday season with a trip into the past on Friday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 16. Fort Pulaski visitors will have the unique experience of an evening guided tour, the chance to sample hot cider, eggnog, and cookies, sing a Christmas carol or two and catch a nighttime cannon firing.
Six programs will be offered each evening at 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30.
Tickets, which will go on sale on Dec. 8, are $10 per adult (16 and older) and $1 per child (15 and younger) and can be purchased online.
Dec. 17 | Magical Brunch with Santa
Plant Riverside District is hosting a special brunch with Mr. Claus. This family-friendly event offers food, photo-ops and meet and greet opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.
It’s set for Sunday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Salzburg Ballroom (400 W. River St.).
Reservations are required. Tickets are available online for $62 (plus tax and gratuity) for adults and $30 (plus tax and gratuity) for children ages 3 to 12.
Previous events
Nov. 16 | Georgia Southern University Lighting in Statesboro
Georgia Southern University will host its annual holiday Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 16, in Statesboro.
The ceremony will take place in Sweetheart Circle at 6 p.m.
Due to inclement weather, the Savannah lighting ceremony has been pushed to Nov. 28.
President Kyle Marrero, the University Programming Board and the Office of Student Activities will turn on the holiday lights and host activities for students, faculty, staff and the community.
The event is free and open to the public.
Nov. 16 | Savannah State University Lighting of the Holiday Tree
Savannah State University will kick off the holiday season with a special Lighting of the Holiday Tree in front of historic Hill Hall (3219 College St.) at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16.
Expect remarks from Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander, J.D., and enjoy cookies, apple cider and hot chocolate.
Nov. 21 | Christmas in Yamacraw
Head on out for the lighting of the Christmas trees at Historic First Bryan Baptist Church (575 W. Bryan St.) and Yamacraw Square. The event is happening at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
See the Christmas trees and nativity scene while you enjoy music, refreshments and holiday entertainment.
The event is open to the public.
Nov. 23 | United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Turkey Trot
United Way will host its 15th annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning at Daffin Park. This includes:
- Kids K: 8 a.m. – 0.62 mile – ages 10 and under
- Diaper Dash: 8:15 a.m. – 40 yards – ages 3 and under
- 4-mile Run/Walk: 8:30 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to come in Thanksgiving-themed costumes.
Online registration is open on United Way of the Coastal Empire’s website. On-site registration will also be available the morning of the race from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Daffin Park.
Nov. 24 | Santa Claus comes to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
On Friday, Nov. 24, Santa Claus himself will arrive at Shelter Cove Harbour (Hwy 278 at mile marker 8) via firetruck. He’ll be there from noon to 2:30 p.m., along with his trusty assistant, Buddy the Elf.
Additionally, the first 250 kids to see Santa will receive a gingerbread cookie to take home and decorate.
The event is free, but you’re asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or canned items for the Deep Well Project.
Nov. 24 & 25 | Savannah Holiday Tree Lighting
The City of Savannah will begin installation of a new 40-foot decorated Holiday Tree on Wednesday, Nov. 22, on Bull Street between Broughton and Congress Streets.
The staging area will close from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 22. This area will be impacted through January 2024.
The City will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event on Friday, Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
The public is also welcome to attend a family fun event, in partnership with Savannah Holly Days, on Saturday, Nov. 25 in Ellis Square from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There, residents can enjoy Cultural Arts Center activities and special guest appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Nov. 25 | Savannah Boat Parade of Lights
The 22nd annual parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. downtown on the Savannah River.
The parade will begin its voyage on the Eastern Wharf dock at the Thompson Savannah Hotel, continue west past the Savannah Convention Center and then to the Talmadge Bridge before circling past the Plant Riverside District and River Street — then repeating for a second time.
Proceeds raised by the parade will be donated to The Greenbriar Children’s Center, which has been helping children in need in Savannah since 1949.
