Savannah Christmas Market &
Harbour Boat Parade of Lights 2023

Savannah Christmas Market & Harbour Boat Parade of Lights 2023

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 25th, 2023 – 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

• 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