Things To Do In Savannah Georgia In December
Savannah in December feels like a secret the rest of the country hasn't caught on to yet. The air is crisp, not cruel, and the Spanish moss sways like it knows something you d...
Savannah in December feels like a secret the rest of the country hasn't caught on to yet. The air is crisp, not cruel, and the Spanish moss sways like it knows something you don't. Holiday lights drip from wrought-iron balconies, and every square seems to hum with a low-country kind of magic.
Stroll the Historic District After Dark
The Historic District is best experienced on foot, especially once the sun drops and the gas lamps flicker on. December evenings are made for wandering, with temperatures often in the 50s and 60s. You'll pass 22 squares, each with its own personality, from Chippewa to Calhoun.
Keep an eye out for the Holiday Tour of Homes, usually held in early December. It opens private doors to some of Savannah's most beautiful residences. Book tickets early, because this event sells out faster than pralines at River Street Sweets.
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Forsyth Park Is a Must
Forsyth Park turns into a gentle wonderland, with its white fountain and towering oaks wrapped in twinkling lights. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and claim a bench. It's a cheap date, a solo reset, or a perfect family stroll.
Ride a Trolley, Carriage, or Ghost Tour
You don't need a car in downtown Savannah, and you definitely don't want one on cobblestones. Hop on an Old Town Trolley holiday lights tour or a horse-drawn carriage for a cozy, narrated spin. Guides mix history with gossip, and the city's past is delightfully messy.
If you like a chill down your spine, book a ghost tour. December's early darkness adds extra atmosphere. Just wear layers, because the river breeze can bite after sunset.
Eat and Drink Like a Savannahian
December is peak comfort-food season, and Savannah delivers. Start with shrimp and grits, then move to fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, or a bowl of low-country boil. The Grey and Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room are iconic, but reserve ahead.
For a casual bite, head to City Market or River Street. Grab a praline, a cup of hot cider, or a local craft beer. The Savannah Bee Company also makes a lovely stop for honey tastings and gifts.
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Sweet Treats and Warm Sips
Don't skip a stop at Leopold's Ice Cream, even in December. The line is part of the experience, and the Tutti Frutti is a historic treat. Pair it with a walk through the nearby squares to burn off the sugar.
Catch a Holiday Show or Boat Parade
The Savannah Harbor Holiday Boat Parade usually lights up the river in early December. Decorated boats glide past, and the waterfront cheers them on. Check the schedule, then arrive early for a good spot near River Street.
For indoor entertainment, the Savannah Theatre often stages a holiday revue. It's cheesy in the best way, with singing, dancing, and local charm. The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens also hosts a dazzling December Nights & Holiday Lights display.
Visit Historic Homes and Museums
Savannah's house museums get dressed up for the season. The Owens-Thomas House and Davenport House Museum offer guided tours that blend architecture, history, and holiday decor. You'll learn about everything from colonial life to Victorian Christmas traditions.
Literary fans should swing by the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the founder of the Girl Scouts. And yes, you can find nods to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil all over town. The movie Forrest Gump also filmed scenes in Chippewa Square, though the famous bench was a prop.
Escape to Bonaventure Cemetery or Tybee Island
Bonaventure Cemetery is hauntingly beautiful in December, with fewer crowds and misty oaks. It's not morbid; it's peaceful, and the sculptures and Spanish moss create a gothic postcard. Guided tours share stories of Savannah's famous and infamous residents.
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If you need ocean air, drive 20 minutes to Tybee Island. The beach is quiet, the pier is breezy, and the seafood is still fresh. Just check restaurant hours, since some spots close for the season.
Practical Tips for a Smooth December Visit
Pack layers, comfortable shoes, and a compact umbrella. Savannah's December weather can swing from sunny 65°F afternoons to chilly 40°F nights. You'll walk more than you expect, so leave the heels at home.
Make restaurant reservations at least a few weeks ahead, especially for weekend dinners. Many popular spots fill up with holiday parties and tourists. Also, check event calendars early, since some festivals happen only on specific weekends.
If you're driving, park once and stay downtown. Ride shares and trolleys are easy, and the historic district is compact. Tipping tour guides and servers is standard, and a little Southern politeness goes a long way.
A Small Reflection for Any Season
December in Savannah isn't about rushing through a checklist. It's about lingering under a canopy of lights, sipping something warm, and letting the city's slow rhythm reset your own. The season asks us to notice small comforts: a shared bench, a kind hello, a square glowing at dusk.
Maybe that's the real souvenir. Not a praline or a photo, but a reminder to carry a little Savannah December into ordinary days. Slow down. Look up. Let the lights do their quiet work.
