Christmas in Savannah, Georgia: A Complete Holiday Guide

Savannah at Christmas is something special. The Historic District's antebellum architecture, draped in holiday lights and greenery, creates one of the most beautiful holiday settings in the American South. The squares are decorated, the restaurants are candlelit, and the city takes on a festive warmth that is genuinely different from the rest of the year.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting Savannah during the Christmas season.

December is a popular time to visit Savannah, and the best hotels book out quickly for the holiday weekends. Compare current rates and availability before your trip.

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The architecture. Savannah's antebellum mansions and townhouses are extraordinary at any time of year — but decorated for Christmas, with wreaths on the doors, garlands on the ironwork, and candles in the windows, they are breathtaking.

The squares. The 22 public squares are decorated with holiday lights and greenery. An evening walk through the squares in December is one of the most atmospheric experiences the city offers.

The mild weather. Savannah's December weather is mild by national standards — highs in the 50s–60s°F, with occasional cold snaps. It is cold enough to feel like Christmas but warm enough to enjoy the city on foot.

The crowds are manageable. December (outside of the holiday weekends) is one of Savannah's quieter months. You can experience the city's most beautiful spots without the spring and fall crowds.

The Holiday Tour of Homes is one of Savannah's most beloved annual traditions — a self-guided tour of privately owned historic homes decorated for Christmas. The tour typically runs in early December and offers a rare glimpse inside some of the city's most beautiful private residences.

What to expect: Tickets are purchased in advance and allow access to 6–8 homes over the course of an afternoon or evening. Each home is decorated by its owners, and the variety of styles — from traditional to contemporary — is part of the appeal.

Booking: Tickets sell out. Check the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs website for current year dates and ticket information.

River Street hosts a series of holiday events throughout December, including the Christmas on the River celebration with live music, holiday vendors, and a festive waterfront atmosphere.

Several of Savannah's historic house museums offer special candlelight tours during the holiday season. The Owens-Thomas House, the Davenport House, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace all typically offer holiday programming.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist hosts Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses that are open to the public. The cathedral is stunning at any time of year — at Christmas, with the full choir and the candlelight, it is extraordinary.

River Street hosts one of the Southeast's largest New Year's Eve celebrations, with live music, fireworks over the Savannah River, and a festive crowd. It is a genuinely fun event — arrive early to secure a good spot.

Most of Savannah's top restaurants offer special holiday menus in December. Reservations are essential — book well in advance for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Olde Pink House — One of Savannah's most celebrated restaurants offers a beautiful holiday atmosphere in the 1771 mansion. Book weeks in advance for December weekends.

The Grey — Savannah's James Beard Award-winning restaurant offers special holiday menus. Book as far ahead as possible.

The Collins Quarter — A beautiful setting for a holiday brunch or lunch.

Savannah's independent shops and galleries are at their best in December. Broughton Street is decorated for the holidays, and the boutiques offer an excellent selection of gifts.

ShopSCAD — Original work by SCAD students and alumni. One of the best places in Savannah to find a unique, locally made gift.

The Paris Market — Beautiful home goods, jewelry, and curiosities. Perfect for holiday gifts.

Savannah Bee Company — Exceptional honey and beeswax products that make excellent gifts.

River Street Sweets — Pralines, fudge, and Southern sweets. Great for edible gifts and stocking stuffers.

Browse Savannah-themed gifts and merchandise →

Book early. The holiday weekends (the weekend before Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve) are popular and hotels book out quickly. Book as early as possible.

Dress in layers. Savannah's December weather is mild but variable. Layers allow you to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Walk the squares at night. The squares are at their most beautiful after dark in December, when the holiday lights are on and the city is quiet. An evening walk is one of the highlights of a Christmas visit.

Make restaurant reservations. The best restaurants fill up quickly in December, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Book well in advance.

Check event dates. Holiday event dates vary by year. Check the City of Savannah's events calendar and individual venue websites for current year information.

Compare current rates and availability for Savannah hotels during the holiday season — and lock in your stay before the best rooms are gone.

Check Savannah Holiday Hotel Prices on Expedia →

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