Thinking about visiting Savannah, Georgia in December? You're asking the right question.
I've put together everything you need to plan a solid trip. This guide covers the weather, the best events, top things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and practical tips to make your trip smooth.
December is one of the most overlooked times to visit Savannah. And honestly, that works in your favor.
Savannah is known for its mild winters and festive holiday atmosphere, making December a popular time for travelers. I can tell you this city earns its reputation in winter.
Less crowd. Cool weather. Holiday charm. Let's get into it.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia?
Yes, December is actually one of the better months to visit Savannah. The summer heat is gone. The crowds are smaller compared to spring. And the city looks great dressed up for the holidays.
Savannah has a charm that comes alive in winter. The Spanish moss hangs over streets lined with Christmas lights. The squares feel peaceful.
The historic homes are decorated beautifully. There's always something going on, from holiday markets to ghost tours.
If you want mild weather, festive events, and fewer tourists, December works well. Prices can also be more reasonable outside of the holiday weekends.
Savannah Georgia in December Weather
Mild days and cool evenings make December in Savannah easy to enjoy without heavy winter gear.
Average Temperatures in December
December in Savannah is mild by most standards. Daytime highs usually sit around 60°F (15°C). At night, temps drop to the low 40s°F (around 5 to 7°C).
It rarely gets bitterly cold here, but you will feel the chill once the sun goes down.
How Warm Is Savannah in December?
Warmness is relative. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking tours, while evenings are cool enough for a jacket.
Afternoons can even reach the mid-60s on clear days. Mornings and evenings are a different story since it gets noticeably cooler.
Does It Rain or Snow?
Rain is possible in December, but it's not constant. Savannah gets occasional showers throughout the month. Snow is very rare.
Most winters pass without any snowfall at all. If it does snow, it's usually just a light dusting that melts quickly. Pack a small umbrella just in case.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Layers are your best option. Bring a light jacket for daytime and a warmer coat or fleece for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since Savannah is best explored on foot.
Pack a light sweater, some jeans, and a rain jacket. You won't need heavy winter boots, but closed-toe shoes are a good call.
Best December Events in Savannah
Savannah fills up with seasonal events in December, from markets and concerts to road races and fireworks.
Savannah Holly Days
Holly Days is one of the most loved holiday traditions in Savannah. It runs through most of December and spreads events across the city.
Look for caroling groups on Broughton Street, Cookies with Santa, and the Jingle Bell Block Hop party as part of the lineup.
Families enjoy it, and so do couples looking for a relaxed holiday outing. Most activities are free. Check local listings for the full schedule each year.
Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District
The Plant Riverside District hosts a Christmas market along the waterfront. You'll find vendors selling gifts, ornaments, food, and seasonal drinks.
The area is lit up well and makes for a nice evening out. It's a good spot to pick up something to bring home.
USA Today has named it one of the best holiday markets in the country. Admission to browse the market is free, though food and vendor purchases are on you.
Celebrate the Season in City Market
City Market is one of Savannah's liveliest spots year-round, and December is no different. Local shops and restaurants get into the holiday spirit.
There's often live music, and the open-air setting makes it a fun place to browse and hang out. It's free to walk around and soak it all in.
SCAD Holiday Spectacular
The Savannah College of Art and Design puts on a holiday show each December featuring the SCAD Bee Sharps, the school's vocal performance group.
Expect singing, dancing, and guest performances in a fast-paced holiday show.
Events are typically held on campus and open to the public. Tickets are usually required so check the SCAD website as December approaches.
A Christmas Tradition at the Savannah Theatre
The Savannah Theatre is one of the oldest continually operating theatres in the country.
Every December, it runs a two-hour holiday show packed with music, dancing, and classic seasonal performances. It's a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Book your tickets ahead of time since shows sell out.
Holiday Sights & Festive Nights
This is a seasonal event hosted by Old Town Trolley Tours that highlights Savannah's most decorated spots.
The trolley rolls through the Historic District past lit-up squares, grand homes, and decorated landmarks.
A Merry Market with local vendors and s'mores stations adds to the fun. It's a relaxed way to take in the holiday atmosphere without walking in the cold.
Tickets are required and can be booked through Old Town Trolley Tours.
Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run
The Savannah Bridge Run happens on the first Saturday of December. Runners and walkers cross the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which offers great views of the river and city skyline.
It's a popular local event that draws people from across the region. There are race options at different distances, including a route for kids.
Even if you're not running, the event brings a fun energy to the waterfront.
Ghost Pirates Ice
The Savannah Ghost Pirates run a public ice skating rink through the winter months. It's one of the few winter-specific activities in the city and a great option for families.
Check their weekly schedule at ghostpiratesice.com for open skate sessions and stick-and-puck times. Skate rentals are available on site.
Savannah Philharmonic Holiday Pops
The Savannah Philharmonic performs its Holiday Pops concerts at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts each December. It's a well-loved evening out with orchestral takes on classic seasonal music.
Grab tickets early since it draws a loyal crowd. The Lucas Theatre is on Abercorn Street in the heart of the Historic District.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Tybee Island
Head to Tybee Island on New Year's Eve for a fireworks show over the water at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion.
It's a laid-back way to ring in the New Year compared to crowded city events. The beach setting makes it feel relaxed and festive at the same time. Arrive early to get a good spot.
11 Best Things to Do in Savannah Georgia in December
From historic squares to holiday ghost tours, December in Savannah gives you plenty of ways to fill your days.
Quick planning note: Two days is enough to cover the Historic District, River Street, and a ghost tour. Add a third day for Tybee Island and Bonaventure Cemetery.
Four days lets you slow down, catch an event or two, and actually enjoy the food scene without rushing.
1. Stroll Through the Historic District
The Historic District is the heart of Savannah. In December, the squares and streets are lined with holiday decor.
Walking through here costs nothing and gives you a real feel for the city. Take your time. Stop at a bench, look up at the oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Admire Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations
Savannah goes all out with holiday lights in December. The squares, storefronts, and historic homes are decorated from early in the month through the New Year.
Evening walks through the city are especially nice when everything is lit up.
For a longer experience, the December Nights and Holiday Lights event at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens turns five acres of pathways into a glowing nighttime walk with food, music, and a holiday market. Bring a camera.
3. Walk Along River Street and City Market
River Street runs along the Savannah River and is one of the most popular spots in the city. In December, it's lined with lights and holiday displays.
City Market, just a short walk away up the stairs from the bluff, has shops and restaurants in a cobblestone setting.
Both areas are worth spending time in and are easy to cover in the same afternoon.
4. Visit Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is a 30-acre green space near the southern end of the Historic District, about a 15-minute walk from River Street.
The iconic fountain is a popular photo spot. In December, the park is peaceful and less crowded than in spring.
Walking through here on a cool morning feels great.
The Forsyth Farmers Market sets up on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm in the southern part of the park, so you can browse local food and goods while you're there.
5. Tour Historic Homes Decorated for Christmas
Several of Savannah's historic homes open their doors for holiday tours in December.
Places like the Owens-Thomas House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and the Mercer Williams House get dressed up for the season.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is worth noting on its own.
Low was the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and the home on Oglethorpe Avenue gives you a real look at how she grew up in 19th-century Savannah.
Each home charges a separate admission fee, so plan accordingly if you want to hit more than one.
6. Take a Savannah Ghost Tour
Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the country. Ghost tours run year-round, but December evenings add an extra chill to the experience.
Walking tours take you through dark lanes and historic squares while guides share stories of the city's past. It's a fun evening activity.
Most tours run around two hours and cost between $20 and $35 per person depending on the operator.
7. Explore the American Prohibition Museum
The American Prohibition Museum on Congress Street tells the story of the ban on alcohol in the United States.
Guests move through recreated 1920s saloons and galleries filled with real photographs and vintage objects.
It's also a great pick if the weather turns rainy.
After the tour, step into Congress Street Up, the 1920s-style speakeasy inside the museum, for a warm drink.
Note that drinks at the speakeasy are an additional cost beyond the museum admission.
8. Visit the Telfair Museums
The Telfair Museums include three locations in Savannah: Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and Owens-Thomas House. They cover art, history, and architecture.
December is a good time to visit since they often feature special holiday programming. One combined ticket covers all three and runs around $20 for adults.
It's an easy indoor activity that's worth your time.
9. Take a Day Trip to Tybee Island
Tybee Island is just 18 miles east of Savannah, about a 30-minute drive. In December, the beach is quiet and uncrowded.
You can walk along the shore, climb the 178 steps of the Tybee Island Light Station for views of the coast, or just enjoy the ocean views without the summer crowds.
It's a relaxing half-day or full-day trip. Pair it with dinner back in Savannah in the evening.
10. Enjoy Southern Comfort Food and Fresh Pralines
December is a great time to sit down for a proper Southern meal in Savannah. Think shrimp and grits, fried chicken, collard greens, and biscuits. Don't skip the pralines either.
You'll find them fresh at River Street Sweets and Savannah's Candy Kitchen, both well-known stops that have been selling the local sweet for decades.
River Street Sweets is on River Street; Savannah's Candy Kitchen is a great pick in City Market.
11. Shop for Holiday Gifts
Savannah has a great mix of local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. City Market and Broughton Street are both good areas to browse.
You'll find handmade jewelry, local artwork, Southern food products, and plenty of one-of-a-kind items that you won't find in a regular mall.
Where to See the Best Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations
Savannah lights up well in December, with several spots around the city worth walking through after dark.
Plant Riverside District
This waterfront development puts on a solid holiday light display in December. The buildings and outdoor spaces are decorated throughout the month.
It's a good spot to grab a drink or dinner and enjoy the festive atmosphere along the river.
River Street
River Street is one of the most visited spots in Savannah during December. The old cotton warehouses and cobblestone path are strung with lights.
Street performers, vendors, and restaurants add to the lively feel. Walk here in the evening for the best views.
City Market
City Market gets decked out for the holidays with lights, wreaths, and seasonal displays. The open-air courtyard is a nice spot to spend time even on cooler evenings.
Shops stay open later during the holiday season, making it a good place to shop and wander.
Historic Squares
Savannah has 22 historic squares spread throughout the city. In December, many of them are decorated with lights, garlands, and seasonal greenery.
Chippewa Square and Madison Square are two worth seeing. Walking between them in the evening is one of the best free things you can do in the city.
Historic Homes and Inns
Some of Savannah's most striking homes are dressed up beautifully for Christmas. Homes along Jones Street and Gaston Street are especially well-decorated.
Several historic inns also put effort into their holiday decor. Walking past them in the evening gives you a real sense of old Southern holiday tradition.
What to Eat in Savannah During December
Savannah's food scene is at its coziest in December, with warm meals and seasonal treats around every corner.
Classic Southern Comfort Food
Savannah has no shortage of Southern cooking. December is a great time to sit down for shrimp and grits, fried chicken, biscuits with gravy, or a bowl of she-crab soup.
Restaurants like The Grey, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, and Alligator Soul give you solid options across different price points.
Mrs. Wilkes is a communal-table experience that fills up fast, so plan to arrive before they open.
Holiday Desserts and Warm Pralines
Savannah is well known for its pralines. Sugar, butter, cream, and pecans cooked together and poured into rounds.
They're sold fresh at River Street Sweets on River Street and at Savannah's Candy Kitchen in City Market.
In December, some shops also offer seasonal desserts like pecan pie, sweet potato cheesecake, and holiday cookies.
Cozy Cafes and Festive Restaurants
When the temperatures drop, Savannah's cafes become even more inviting. Stop in for a hot coffee, a bowl of soup, or a warm drink before heading back out.
Many restaurants put up holiday decor and offer seasonal menus in December.
Savannah Coffee Roasters has been a local favorite for over a century and is a solid morning stop near the Historic District.
Where to Stay When Visiting Savannah Georgia in December
Savannah offers a good range of places to stay, from historic inns in the city center to hotels right on the river.
Historic District
Staying in the Historic District puts you within walking distance of the squares, restaurants, shops, and most of the main sights.
This is the best base for first-time visitors. Many of the hotels here are housed in restored 19th-century buildings, which adds to the experience.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park sits right on the park and is one of the more well-known luxury options in this area.
The Marshall House on Broughton Street is a solid mid-range pick with a great location and solid reviews.
River Street Area
Staying near River Street gives you easy access to the waterfront, restaurants, and Christmas markets. A few hotels sit right along the river with views of the Savannah River.
It's a lively area, especially on weekends, so it suits travelers who want to be in the middle of the action. Keep in mind it can get loud on Friday and Saturday nights.
Best Hotels by Budget
Savannah has options across all price ranges.
Budget travelers can find chain hotels like the Best Western Savannah Historic District, which offers parking and a central location at a lower price point.
Boutique properties in the Historic District tend to offer more character and personal service. For luxury, The Brice, Perry Lane Hotel, and The Mansion on Forsyth Park are strong picks.
Expect to pay more during holiday weekends in December regardless of the tier.
Tips for Visiting Savannah in December
A few practical tips can make your December trip to Savannah go much more smoothly.
- Book early. December fills up fast, especially around holiday weekends. Hotels, ghost tours, and popular restaurants can all get booked out. Try to lock in reservations at least a few weeks before your trip.
- Layer your clothing. Afternoons can feel warm while evenings get noticeably cool. A light jacket over a sweater covers most situations. You won't need heavy winter gear, but don't leave layers behind.
- Leave the car parked. The Historic District is very walkable. Once you're settled in, you can get around mostly on foot. The free DOT shuttle covers much of the downtown area if you need a lift between spots.
- Plan for parking if you drive. Downtown garages and metered street parking are available. Weekends during the holiday season can get busy, so give yourself extra time to find a spot.
- Have a rainy day backup plan. If the weather turns, indoor options like the Telfair Museums, the American Prohibition Museum, the Savannah History Museum, and the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum are all worth your time. Save Bonaventure Cemetery for a dry day since it's an outdoor site and much better explored when the weather cooperates.
Conclusion
Savannah in December is something I genuinely look forward to recommending. The cool air, the lit-up squares, the smell of fresh pralines on River Street. It just feels right this time of year.
If you've been thinking about visiting, December is a solid month to go. You'll get the holiday magic without the summer crowds.
Have you been to Savannah in December? Drop a comment below and tell me what you loved most. And if this helped, share it with someone planning a winter trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah Georgia worth visiting in December?
Yes, absolutely. The weather is mild, the holiday events are fun, and the city is less crowded than in spring or summer.
What is the weather like in Savannah Georgia in December?
Expect daytime highs around 60°F and cooler evenings in the low 40s. Light layers work well for most of the month.
What are the best things to do in Savannah in December?
Walking the Historic District, catching a holiday event, and taking a ghost tour are all great options. The Christmas markets and decorated squares are worth seeing too.
Is December a busy time to visit Savannah?
Holiday weekends can get busy, but overall December sees fewer tourists than spring. Booking hotels and tours in advance is still a smart move.
Does it snow in Savannah, Georgia in December?
Snow is very rare in Savannah. Most winters pass without any at all. If it does snow, it's usually just a light dusting that melts quickly.
