What to see, eat and do

Historic Southern cities know how to celebrate the holidays. From admiring extravagant holiday decor to cozying up to a candlelit meal, there’s nothing better than planning a weekend getaway to celebrate the season, and Savannah is one of the cities that does it best. There’s a reason Savannah’s nickname is “The Hostess of the South”—and we think it has something to do with the way she raises a glass to the holiday season.

Want to join in on the holiday fun (and enjoy some 60’s fun?!)? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Savannah.

Where to stay

Discover the historic luxury of the Hamilton-Turner Inn

The Hamilton-Turner Inn is located right on Lafayette Square, making you the perfect place to stroll the festive streets of Savannah, browse antique shops for holiday gifts, and stroll to a cozy restaurant for dinner. This 1873 French Empire style mansion seamlessly combines historical luxury with elegant holiday decorations for the season.

hamilton-turnerinn.com, 330 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

See the pineapple tree at Marshall’s house

Marshall House is a vacation spot thanks to their take on holiday and classic Southern decor. For over 20 years, their celebrations included the unusual and beloved pineapple Christmas tree. This tradition is one of the smartest options you’ll ever see on a tree, and their website has instructions on exactly how to recreate it at home.

marshallhouse.com, 123 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

Stay in Contemporary Style at the Perry Lane Hotel

If you’re looking for an elegant and stylish getaway that combines warm Southern comfort with modern decor and unexpected art, Perry Lane Hotel is the place to be. Grab a seat at the rooftop bar to admire the sparkling lights high above the city, grab a Christmas movie-themed drink at the Wayward Bar and find yourself in the perfect spot to explore the city.

perrylanehotel.com, 256 E Perry St, Savannah, GA 31401

What to do

Catch a show at the Historic Savannah Theater

Get into the Christmas spirit with a show at the Historic Savannah Theatre, which was first founded in 1818. You can book a night at the theater with Elf from Candyland, but A Christmas Tradition is a longtime favorite of locals and visitors alike. The holiday show has been bringing the sparkling lights and colors of the holiday season to Savannah for 22 years, and audiences are always delighted with the songs, Santa and, of course, the obligatory dancing reindeer.

savannahtheatre.com, 222 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Take a Christmas Tour at the Davenport House Museum

The Isaiah Davenport House, built around 1820, is one of Savannah’s most interesting house museums, carefully telling the stories of all who lived within its walls, both free and enslaved. It’s worth a visit any time of year, but they celebrate the holiday season by offering Christmas tours that immerse visitors in the 19th-century holiday traditions that would have been common for the Davenports and other Savannah families.

davenporthousemuseum.org, 323 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401

Stroll through the most festive neighborhoods

Savannah is full of neighborhoods decked out in wreaths, bows, and sparkling lights, but some are known for their dedication to the season. The fountain at Forsyth Park is decorated with bright red bows and green garland, Broughton Street has lanterns strung along the street like something out of a Hallmark movie, and Gaston and Jones streets are known for homeowners who enjoy holly fun.

Take a look inside holiday historic homes

If you’ve ever strolled the iconic streets of Savannah and wondered what lurks inside the magnificent historic homes, then the Holiday Homes Tour is your chance to take a peek. You’ll have the opportunity to tour eight private homes decorated in the finest holiday style, as well as historic homes and museums.

dnaholidaytour.com

Plan your trip to the Savannah Boat Parade

For more than 20 years, Savannah has gathered to usher in the holiday season and fill the river with sparkling lights. Boats are decked out in festive attire for a parade down the Savannah River. This year the parade will take place on November 30th.

savannahboatparadeoflights.com, 101 Port St, Savannah, GA 31401

Where to Find Holiday Food and Drinks

Get ready for a cozy evening at the Olde Pink House

It doesn’t get cozier than the Old Rose House, which was built as a private residence for the Habersham family in 1771. Sit down to a festive dinner in the mansion or sip a candlelit drink in the dimly lit basement tavern.

theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com, 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

Toast the holiday season with fine dining at Elizabeth On 37

If there’s ever a time to treat yourself to a gourmet set menu, it’s when you’re celebrating another great year during the holiday season. Elizabeth at 37 has been serving up Southern hospitality and regional cuisine in a grand mansion for over 40 years, and it’s the perfect place to toast to the holiday season and beyond.

elizabethon37th.net, 105 E. 37th Street, Savannah, GA 31401

Check out The Wayward, a festive bar

Wayward always has something unusual, but during the holidays it goes off the charts. Now opening annually, this pop-up bar brings a quirky decor to the Perry Lane Hotel’s brasserie. Colorful lighting and the iconic foot lamp create ambiance.

waywardsavannah.com, 257 E Perry St, Savannah, GA 31401

Enjoy holiday drinks at Thompson Savannah

The seasonal holiday bar at Fleeting Restaurant in Thompson-Savannah celebrates the season with holiday trivia and holiday jazz, but the biggest draw is the holiday-themed menu. You can indulge in moments from holiday favorites like Pasta Buddy, which is a deliciously chaotic concoction of vodka, sour pineapple, coconut, matcha, and vanilla, or indulge in Pink Bunny pajamas made with tequila, amaretto, pink peppercorn orgeate, and Angostura. .

Fleatingrestaurant.com, 201 Port St, Savannah, GA 31401

Where to buy gifts

Gaze at the magnificent goods at the Parisian market and Brocante

The Paris Market and Brocante are a favorite place to shop for gifts and beautiful items, from carefully curated kitchenware to stunning home finds and jewelry. They’re known for their especially festive holiday displays, and they’re just the place to go to pick up gifts for friends with sophisticated tastes or for yourself.

theparismarket.com, 36 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

Celebrate the season at the City Market

Celebrate the season at the City Market is the name of the City Market’s holiday celebration, which includes shopping, family activities, shows, dinners and more. Throughout the season there will be everything from caroling to photos with Santa Claus.

savannahcitymarket.com, 219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401

Visit the Savannah Christmas Market

The Savannah Christmas Market brings the charm of a European-style open-air holiday market to the Plant Riverside area. There are vendors including local artisans, weekends with Santa, and a great Festival of Trees featuring trees decorated by local businesses.

savannahchristmasmarket.com, 400 West River Street, Savannah, GA