Event Dates
From: Saturday, November 16, 2024
To: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Savannah celebrates the arrival of the Holiday Season with the Harbor Boat Parade of Lights & opens their beautiful Christmas market.
Each November, Savannah celebrates the arrival of the Holiday Season with the Harbour Boat Parade of Lights and opens their beautiful Christmas market.
- Stay close to the Christmas Markets at the Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside, rated “Fabulous” by guest in a stunning location located in a restored power plant offering superb views, modern decor and spacious rooms.
Event Highlights
- Enjoy a unique Christmas experience in charming Savannah with a European style Christmas Market, boat parade, tree lighting ceremony and live shows and entertainment across the holiday season.
- Temperatures during Christmas range from upper 60s to low 70s (F), and lows in the mid-40s, so it’s an altogether enjoyable Christmas experience.
- You’ll find plenty of gay owned and queer-friendly businesses throughout Savannah’s Historic District. Enjoy Christmas theme nights and drag shows at Club One, the city’s famous gay club.
The Parade
- Saturday November 30th 2024 – The Harbor Boat Parade of Lights features over 40 boats decorated in holiday cheer parading the Riverfront at 7pm culminating in an amazing fireworks show. The parade takes place on the opening night of the markets.
- Hop aboard the Georgia Queen Riverboat as it leads the parade or enjoy VIP Viewing from Plant Riverside with Fabulous Entertainment, St. Nick & a smorgasbord of holiday fare.
The Christmas Markets
- November 16th 2024 – January 1st 2025 – The Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District blends European and Southern holiday traditions in a spectacular entertainment district overlooking the Savannah River.
- Discover celebrations all season long including live holiday music, visits from Santa , street performers, seasonal food and beverage specials and exclusive holiday market vendors along the Savannah riverfront.
- The city’s second market, The Savannah’s City Market comes to life in full holiday spirit: The four-block area has been a market since the 1700s and is a popular destination for entertainment, dining, and retail therapy.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the city Christmas market.
The Holiday Pops
- Typically on the third weekend of December – A local tradition , The Savannah Philharmonic’s “Holiday Pops” concert brings the joy and warmth of Christmas with the help of a full orchestra, chorus, soloists and special guests.
Savannah’s old-fashioned Christmas parade
- Beginning at West River Street and making its way through historic downtown, Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade winds along the Savannah River and ends at City Market. Don’t miss this display of colorful floats, antique cars, walking groups, and the star of the show, Saint Nick himself.
- Stay close to the parade at The Drayton, a boutique hotel rated “Superb” by guests with spacious rooms, charming decor and excellent location.
Other Events
- Enjoy the holiday tour of Historic homes and see the museums of the city decorated in stunning Christmas lights and decorations.
- Indulge in the nostalgia with a Charles Dickens-inspired Christmas walking tour of Savannah, led by gents costumed in Victorian garb, and hear the heart-warming tales of the port city’s earliest holiday traditions, including how “Jingle Bells” was written.
- Take in the extravagant Christmas Window displays at The Paris Market. The store is filled with beautiful ornaments, unique home decor items, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
- Experience the December Nights & Holiday Lights Drive-Thru at The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens.
- Finally, check out the largest Gingerbread Village display in town at the beautiful Westin Hotel.
Recommended Savannah Hotels
The following hotels are all close to the city’s top attractions & a short ride to the Christmas markets
Hilton Garden Inn, The Marshall House, Olde Harbour Inn, The Alida Hotel
There stunning hotels in Savannah
Book now and Pay on arrival
The Alida Hotel is our editors
choice when we are in Savannah
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Boat Parade & Christmas Market Website
412 Williamson Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
This 5-star hotel is located in Savannah’s Historic District and features an outdoor pool with full-service pool deck and lush cabana seating.
Every room at The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel provides a 60-inch flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities. Private bathrooms include a rainfall showerhead and deluxe Red Flower bath products. In-room spa services are also available.
508 East Lower Factors Walk, Savannah, Georgia 31401
This historic 1812-era property is located in the heart of Savannah city centre and overlooks the Savannah River. Features free WiFi and wine with cheese reception each evening.
A small refrigerator, microwave, and flat-screen cable TV are provided in each uniquely decorated suite.
123 East Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Guests can enjoy a nightly wine and cheese reception in the library. A 24-hour business centre is available for added convenience.
A flat-screen cable TV and a small refrigerator are included in all rooms at The Marshall House. Guest rooms also feature a decorative fireplace and a private bath with a pedestal sink.
321 West Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
This Savannah hotel offers a variety of relaxing amenities, including on-site dining options, individualized keurig coffee makers, microwave and mini refrigerator in every room and suite
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Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District features free WiFi. a concierge desk for tips on the best attractions, or spend the day beside the outdoor pool. Or exercise in the on-site fitness center.
25 East Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
109 West Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
310 West Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Broughton Hideaway offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as a stovetop and coffee machine. It features a 24-hour front desk.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine and fridge.
Savannah, Georgia 31401
The air-conditioned accommodation is 70 m from Ships of the Sea Museum, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, a TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
1 Jefferson Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
multi-level night club known for dancing, drag shows & a basement video bar.
While best known to the world at large as the host of Lady Chablis’ drag shows, the truth is that Club One has quietly gained a reputation not only as one of Savannah’s most fun party and dance spots but as a center of gay culture in Savannah and surrounding area
307 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Gay Friendly
Located in a restored armory, this great cocktail bar has been designed as a Speakeasy, serving great cocktails.
Stylish clientele and sexy staff.
207 W Broughton St, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Gay Friendly
A Hip basement bar popular with gay locals, serving a wide array of cocktails in a brick-walled space with booth seating
2 W Bay St, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Gay Friendly
Located on the top floor of the Bohemian Hotel, offering stunning views of the the Savannah River in the city's historic district.
Swanky drinks and delicious small bites on offer.
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We have chosen hotels Savannah that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Highlights of the Harbor Boat Parade of Lights