With its southern hospitality, historical attractions, and pleasant weather year-round, Savannah, Georgia is a popular location for a romantic weekend getaway or a week-long vacation. For those that prefer a less crowded, more laid-back experience, visiting Savannah in the winter is a great option. With temperatures rarely going below 40 degrees and snow nearly nonexistent, Savannah winters offer numerous opportunities for activities not available during the peak season. If you and your loved ones are planning to visit Savannah this winter, check out our list of the six best winter activities in Savannah.
Attend A Winter Festival
Savannah has great festivals year-round, but the winter festivals are some of the most diverse and engaging. From basking in the holiday spirit to watching a movie and shopping for unique trinkets, Savannah’s winter festivals have something for you and every family member.
Starting the holiday season in December is Christmas on the River, a three-day festival held along Savannah’s waterfront on historic River Street. Running from Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, the festival features family holiday activities, including Santa visits, food and shopping, live performances, and caroling. A promising option for those with younger children, the highlight is the annual Lighted Christmas Parade with holiday-decorated and lighted floats, cars, trolleys, and walking groups. This year the parade route begins at the west end of River Street at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2022.
The four-day Savannah Book Festival in February is one of the city’s more well-known festivals. It’s free of charge to the public on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, and you can purchase books and have them signed by the author, attend author presentations, and sample food and drinks from local businesses. Tickets for headlining events are also available for purchase.
Watch A Christmas Show At The Savannah Theatre
Opened in 1818, The Historic Savannah Theatre offers dozens of holiday-themed shows and live performances every holiday season. Starting the season off with fan favorite “Elf The Musical,” the theatre also hosts its annual holiday extravaganza, “A Christmas Tradition,” now celebrating its 20th anniversary. For an adventurous night out, the Savannah Theatre offers late-night paranormal investigations, through December, where you get to explore the historic theatre with high-tech equipment. Show tickets are $44 for adults and $22 for children aged 17 and younger.
Location: 222 Bull St.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Ride The Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour
Starting in November, Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour is a great activity for families. The two-hour tour, travels through Savannah with stops at Davenport House for a 19th-century holiday experience and the Plant Riverside District for a visit with Santa and a view of festive light displays, all while enjoying some holiday treats and local stories. Tickets are $31.03 for adults and $19.26 for children (ages 4 to 12).
Location: Starts and ends at the Old Town Trolley Depot at 250 MLK Junior Blvd.
Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Visit The Savannah Christmas Market
Entering its third year, the Savannah Christmas Market is a free open-air market in the Plant Riverside District that showcases a variety of wares from local vendors, such as gifts, trinkets, food, and drinks. Running from November through the new year, the Christmas Market begins with a ceremonial tree lighting in front of the First Baptist Church and offers live performances, photos with Santa, and holiday-themed events.
Location: Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St.
Hours: Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, 2022, from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Then from Dec. 21, 2022, to Jan. 1, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Take A Stroll Through The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
During the holiday season, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens’ 10 acres of flora and greenery are lit up with more than a million Christmas lights. The twinkling lights and natural beauty make walking the grounds at night a sight to behold. With hot chocolate, holiday snacks, and Santa and Mrs. Claus available, the gardens are a great option for an after-dinner activity. Tickets are $15 for anyone over the age of 4.
Location: 2 Canebrake Road.
Hours: Not yet available.
Run Across The Talmadge Memorial Bridge With The Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run
If you’re a runner or training for a marathon, the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run may pique your interest. Held on the first Saturday in December, the bridge run is a big event for more than 5000 runners. The path travels from Savannah Civic Center through downtown Savannah, across the 5.5% grade of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge from Savannah Civic Center to Hutchinson Island.
Depending on their experience, runners can run a 5K, 10K, or a “double pump.” There’s also a kids’ run, a costume contest, and a health and wellness weekend with more than 25 vendors. Walkers and strollers are welcome, making it a great family activity. Registration for runners is $45 for the 5K, $50 for the 10K, and $55 for the double pump. Watching the race is free.
Location: 5K — Hutchinson Island, 10K — Montgomery Street.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Winters in Savannah offer a unique experience of history, southern hospitality, and pleasant winter weather. We hope you find this list of six best winter activities in Savannah, Georgia, helpful in planning your next trip to the city. Did we miss one of your favorite activities? If so, email us and we’ll be sure to update our list.
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A look down one end of a Square in Savannah, GA by Sunira Moses is licensed with Unsplash License
