Things to Do in Savannah in December: The Underrated Side of the Season
Savannah in December offers a different kind of holiday getaway. Instead of relying on big-city crowds or freezing temperatures, visitors can enjoy a walkable historic district, riverfront festivities, seasonal performances, and a calendar that stays lively throughout the month. For travelers looking for things to do in Savannah, GA, in December, the city delivers plenty of Christmas atmosphere without requiring an overpacked itinerary.
Explore the Savannah Christmas Market
The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District runs from November 19, 2026, through January 3, 2027, making it an easy choice for a December visit. The European-inspired market fills the riverfront with vendors, seasonal food, entertainment, and holiday décor.
From The Douglas Hotel, the market is about a 15-minute walk, so you can browse the stalls, enjoy the riverfront, and return to The Douglas Hotel without arranging transportation. It also gives you a convenient way to experience one of the most popular Christmas events in Savannah while keeping your plans flexible.
Catch Holiday Performances by the River
On December 11 and 12, 2026, Christmas on the River brings free dance and musical performances to MLK Park at Plant Riverside District. Local dance groups, cheer squads, and bands perform during the evening, creating a festive but distinctly Savannah experience.
The venue sits roughly a 15-minute walk from The Douglas Hotel. Afterward, you can continue along River Street or head back toward the Historic District. These performances offer a particularly easy option for travelers who want Christmas activities in Savannah, GA, without committing to a full-day event.
See the Lighted Christmas Street Parade
December 12 brings the 34th Annual Lighted Christmas Street Parade, one of the signature Savannah Christmas events of the season. The parade follows River Street before continuing through downtown, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to find a viewing spot and experience the city after dark.
The parade route begins about a 12-minute walk from The Douglas Hotel, depending on where you choose to watch. Because the event takes place outdoors, comfortable shoes and a light layer make sense for Savannah, Georgia, in winter, when evenings can feel cool without the deep cold found in many northern destinations.
Make Time for a Holiday Show
For a more traditional evening, A Christmas Tradition runs at the Savannah Theatre from December 3 through 26, 2026. The holiday variety show combines music, comedy, and seasonal entertainment, making it a natural choice for visitors who want to spend an evening indoors.
The Savannah Theatre is less than a 5-minute walk from The Douglas Hotel, making this one of the easiest Christmas events in Savannah to add to your itinerary. You can also keep dinner nearby before or after the show. Lester's, The Douglas Hotel's restaurant next door, offers a convenient option when you want to make the evening simple yet savory.
Take in Savannah's Winter Pace
Not every memorable December experience needs a ticket. Savannah's historic squares, architecture, and riverfront remain appealing throughout the season, and December's milder winter weather makes walking especially pleasant. Give yourself time to wander between scheduled events, browse downtown shops, and enjoy the city's distinctive streetscape after the holiday lights come on.
For travelers planning Christmas in Savannah, these quieter stretches can become some of the best parts of the trip. They also make it easier to experience Savannah Christmas events at your own pace instead of rushing from one attraction to another. With major festivities concentrated downtown, you can build a December itinerary around short walks, seasonal entertainment, and relaxed evenings rather than spending your trip in transit.
Whether you're planning a festive weekend or a longer seasonal escape, book your stay at The Douglas Hotel for a comfortable Historic District base close to the best things to do in Savannah, GA, in December.