Things to Do in Savannah in December

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Stay in Savannah in December

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December in Savannah is defined by one thing above all. The Historic District's 22 remaining squares, each canopied by live oaks and Spanish moss, take on a different character entirely when wrapped in holiday lights and garland. Savannah's winter weather cooperates. Afternoons on most December days are mild enough for a light sweater, mornings cool enough that you'll want a jacket, and the thick humidity that makes the same streets difficult in July and August is largely absent. The scent of roasting pecans drifts from vendors along Broughton Street, and the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages carries through the squares after dark.

Worth noting, though, that December is no longer a quiet-season secret. The two weeks around Christmas and New Year's Eve bring noticeably larger crowds to the Historic District, and the boutique inns scattered through the residential squares tend to fill well in advance. River Street, the cobblestoned waterfront strip, gets genuinely congested on weekend evenings in late December. You'll pay a premium for accommodation compared to the shoulder seasons on either side.

That said, even during peak holiday weeks, the southern squares feel unhurried. Monterey Square, Calhoun Square, and Whitefield Square see a fraction of the foot traffic that the squares closer to the waterfront get. Time your morning walks for before 10am, and you'll likely have whole stretches of Bull Street to yourself. Savannah rewards the slow approach, and December's temperate days are built for it.

Why visit in December

Mild winter weather with comfortable afternoon temperatures for walking the Historic District, while most eastern U.S. cities are dealing with freezing rain or snow.
The 22 squares are decorated with coordinated holiday lighting displays and garland on the live oaks, creating one of the most atmospheric Christmas settings in the American South.
Georgia's wild oyster season peaks in the cold months. December is prime time for oyster roasts in Lowcountry communities like Thunderbolt, about 10 minutes east of downtown.
The Holiday Tour of Homes opens private historic residences in the Historic and Victorian Districts that are closed to visitors the rest of the year, typically during the second weekend of December.

Worth knowing

Accommodation rates in the Historic District climb well above the yearly average, with the steepest premiums landing during Christmas week through New Year's Day.
River Street and the northern squares get noticeably crowded on weekend evenings in the second half of the month, particularly between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Some smaller shops and independently owned restaurants reduce hours or close entirely between December 25 and January 2.
December daylight is limited to about 10 hours, with sunset before 5:30pm, which shortens the window for outdoor sightseeing and photography.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 18° / 8°C 83mm rain · 6 rainy days · 76% humidity rains perceptibly ~1h/day · 92% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Dress in layers. A base layer with a warm sweater and a medium-weight jacket covers most of the temperature range. Bring a compact rain jacket for the scattered wet days, and choose walking shoes with good grip for the uneven cobblestones along the waterfront. Evenings near the river call for an extra warm layer.

December in Savannah brings cool, comfortable days with average highs around 17.5°C (64°F) and lows near 8.3°C (47°F). Roughly 83mm of rainfall spreads across about 6 days through the month, so most of December stays dry. Humidity sits at 76%, noticeable in the morning air but mild compared to the saturating summer months. Morning fog along the Savannah River is common, particularly in the first two weeks, and tends to burn off by mid-morning. The live oaks remain green through winter since they're semi-evergreen, and the low-angle sun casts long afternoon shadows through the squares. You'll occasionally get a day that feels more like October, reaching the low 20s Celsius, and the odd cold front that keeps highs in single digits. That variation keeps things interesting.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Savannah
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	16	6	79
Feb	19	9	77
Mar	22	12	110
Apr	25	15	69
May	28	19	88
Jun	31	22	132
Jul	32	24	156
Aug	31	24	232
Sep	29	21	126
Oct	25	16	72
Nov	21	11	78
Dec	18	8	83

Holidays and festivals in December

Public holidays

Christmas Day(Christmas Day)25 December 2026

When is Christmas season in 2026?

27 November to 26 December 2026

Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Savannah. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.

Private Historic Christmas Walking Tour in Savannah

2 hr
Free cancellation
Private tour
Easy pace

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Headline events

Citywide

Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes

Second weekend of December (Saturday and Sunday)

Savannah's annual holiday home tour opens 6-8 private historic residences in the Historic District and Victorian District for self-guided walkthroughs. These homes are normally closed to the public. The tour offers a rare look at period interiors, original plasterwork, garden courtyards, and private collections, all dressed for the holidays. The event has run for decades and remains one of the most popular single draws on Savannah's December calendar.

#SavannahHolidayTour

Best things to do in December

Walking the Holiday-Lit Squares of the Historic District

sightseeing

Savannah's grid of public squares transforms during December with coordinated lighting displays and garland-wrapped live oaks. Start at Johnson Square near City Hall and work south through Wright, Chippewa, and Madison Squares. Each has its own canopy and bench layout, and the lighting varies from square to square. Plan for about 2 hours to cover the central grid at a comfortable pace.

The holiday lighting runs from late November through early January, peaking in mid-December when all displays are fully active.

Oyster Roast in Thunderbolt

food

The small fishing community of Thunderbolt sits on the Wilmington River about 10 minutes east of the Historic District and hosts informal oyster roasts through the winter. Georgia's wild oyster season runs October through March, and December oysters tend to be plump and briny from the cold water. Several waterfront spots along River Drive serve them freshly steamed over a fire pit, with saltines and hot sauce on the side.

Wild Georgia oyster season peaks in the cold months. December's water temperatures produce some of the best-tasting oysters of the year.

Booking tipMost roasts are casual, walk-up affairs. Weekends draw larger groups, so arrive before noon for the best selection.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

history

The 1829 masonry fort sits on Cockspur Island, about 24 km (15 miles) east of downtown. December's mild temperatures make the open-air ramparts and surrounding marshland trails far more pleasant than the summer months, when heat and mosquitoes can be punishing. The fort is famous for the 1862 Union bombardment that proved masonry fortifications obsolete. You'll hear the wind off the marsh and likely spot pelicans fishing in the moat.

Comfortable walking temperatures without the summer heat, humidity, or biting insects that make the exposed fort grounds genuinely unpleasant from June through September.

Telfair Museums Holiday Exhibition

culture

Telfair Museums, founded in 1886 as one of the South's first public art museums, typically runs a holiday-themed exhibition or event series through December. The Jepson Center for the Arts, part of the Telfair campus, often features interactive installations during the holiday season. The main Telfair Academy building on Barnard Street is a Regency-era mansion worth visiting for the architecture alone.

Holiday programming and special exhibitions that typically run only in December and early January.

Booking tipWeekday mornings see the lightest crowds. The Jepson Center tends to be less busy than the Telfair Academy building.

Bonaventure Cemetery

sightseeing

This 1846 cemetery on the Wilmington River, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is one of the most photogenic spots in Georgia. Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss create a canopy over the graves, and December's low sun angle sends dramatic light through the branches in the late afternoon. The cemetery covers about 65 hectares (160 acres) and rewards 2-3 hours of wandering.

December's cool temperatures and clear afternoon light make the long walk comfortable and photogenic. Summer visits mean contending with heat, humidity, and aggressive mosquitoes.

Booking tipVisit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience. The Aiken family plot and the older sections near the river tend to be the most atmospheric.

Evening Carriage Ride Through the Historic District

sightseeing

Horse-drawn carriage tours run year-round, but December evenings, when the squares are lit and the air is cool enough to sit comfortably without sweating, are the ideal time. Tours typically loop through 12-15 squares over about 45 minutes. The smell of woodsmoke drifting from chimneys and the sound of hooves on pavement make for a distinctly winter sensory experience.

Holiday lighting and cool evening temperatures create the ideal conditions for an open-air carriage tour through the squares.

Booking tipBook at least a week ahead for Friday and Saturday evening slots in the second half of December.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Midnight Mass

culture

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, completed in 1873, hosts its most attended service of the year on Christmas Eve. The candlelit interior, with its French Gothic nave and extensive stained glass windows, takes on a particular intensity during the Midnight Mass. The service draws visitors of all backgrounds.

Midnight Mass on December 24 is the cathedral's signature annual event and one of the most memorable experiences in Savannah's December calendar.

Booking tipArrive at least 45 minutes early on Christmas Eve to find a seat in the main nave. Standing room fills quickly after that.

What to eat in December

On menus now

She-Crab Soup
This rich, sherry-laced soup is a Lowcountry cold-weather staple that feels most fitting on cool December evenings. The warmth and creaminess suit the season, and most restaurants in the Historic District serve their own version with varying levels of heat and sweetness.
Pecan Pie
Georgia leads U.S. pecan production, and the fall harvest means December pecans are about as fresh as they get. You'll find pecan pie on nearly every dessert menu, often made with local Elliots or Stuarts from orchards south of Savannah.

Street food peaks

Savannah Pralines
Pecan pralines, a creamy sugar confection with toasted local pecans, are the city's signature candy and a popular December gift item. The smell of butter and caramelizing sugar drifts from candy shop doorways across the Historic District throughout the holiday weeks.

In markets

Wild Georgia Oysters
Georgia's tidal creek oysters reach peak flavor in the cold months, when cooler water temperatures concentrate the brine. December oyster roasts are a Lowcountry social tradition, with the shellfish steamed over wood fires and served by the bushel at waterfront gatherings east of the city.
Collard Greens
Cool-season collards are sweeter than their summer counterparts because light frost concentrates the sugars in the leaves. They're traditionally paired with black-eyed peas for New Year's, but you'll find them on Lowcountry menus across the city all month long.

Regular events in December

Christmas on the RiverFree

An evening celebration along the waterfront featuring a lighted boat parade on the Savannah River, live music, and fireworks. Thousands line the Riverwalk to watch decorated boats pass under the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

First Saturday of December

First Friday Art MarchFree

A monthly gallery walk through downtown Savannah, with galleries and studios opening for free viewings, live music, and artist meet-and-greets. The December edition often includes holiday-themed exhibitions and seasonal refreshments.

First Friday of December

New Year's Eve on River StreetFree

River Street closes to vehicle traffic for an outdoor New Year's Eve party with live music stages, food vendors, and a midnight fireworks display over the Savannah River. The cobblestoned strip fills to capacity by late evening.

December 31

Savannah Philharmonic Holiday Concert

The Savannah Philharmonic performs a holiday concert program at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts on Abercorn Street, typically featuring seasonal orchestral works and a sing-along segment that draws a mixed local and visitor audience.

Mid-December

Best places this December

Forsyth Park
park
Savannah's largest and most recognizable green space, established in 1840, stretches across about 12 hectares (30 acres) in the southern Historic District. The fountain at the park's north end receives holiday lighting in December, and the Saturday Forsyth Farmers' Market runs year-round, offering a good spot to pick up local pecans, honey, and seasonal produce.
Historic District
Starland District
neighborhood
South of the Historic District around Bull Street and 40th Street, this neighborhood has become Savannah's creative hub, driven by SCAD students and local artists. December is a good time to explore its coffee shops, galleries, and restaurants without the summer crowds. Prices tend to run lower than the tourist-facing establishments closer to the waterfront.
Starland District
Congregation Mickve Israel
landmark
Founded in 1733, this is the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. The current Gothic Revival synagogue on Monterey Square houses a small museum with colonial-era Torah scrolls and documents dating to Georgia's founding. It's a quiet, reflective stop that most visitors walk past without realizing what's inside.
Historic District
SCAD Museum of Art
museum
Opened in 2002, this museum at Turner Boulevard focuses on contemporary and emerging art with rotating exhibitions. The building itself, a converted 1853 railroad depot, is worth seeing for the adaptive architecture. December exhibitions often coincide with SCAD's end-of-quarter student showcases.
Victorian District
Tybee Island
beach
About 30 minutes east of downtown, Tybee Island is largely deserted in December. The beach is too cold for swimming but ideal for a quiet morning walk with the sound of the surf and the smell of salt air. The Tybee Island Light Station, one of the first lighthouses in North America, is open for climbing and offers clear views of the shipping channel.
Tybee Island
Wormsloe Historic Site
historic site
The avenue of roughly 400 live oaks that forms Wormsloe's entrance is one of Georgia's most photographed stretches of road. In December the oaks are still fully leafed, and the cooler temperatures make the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) tabby-ruin trail through the colonial-era property genuinely enjoyable rather than the endurance test it becomes in summer.
Isle of Hope
Mercer Williams House
historic house
The 1868 Italianate mansion on Monterey Square operates as a house museum with guided tours of the main floor rooms. December brings holiday decorations to the period-furnished interiors, and the building's ornate exterior ironwork photographs well in the soft winter light.
Historic District

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Layerable clothingTemperature swings significantly between morning and afternoon in December. A system of base layer, sweater, and jacket lets you adjust throughout the day without carrying too much. Shop
Compact rain jacketRain tends to arrive in short bursts rather than daylong downpours. A packable rain shell that fits in a day bag is more practical than a full umbrella in the squares. Shop
Walking shoes with good tractionThe riverfront cobblestones are uneven and slick when wet. Smooth-soled dress shoes are a recipe for a fall. Choose shoes you can comfortably walk 8-10 km (5-6 miles) in. Shop
Warm scarf or wrapEvening temperatures drop quickly after sunset, and a scarf adds useful warmth during nighttime carriage rides or outdoor events without the bulk of a heavier coat. Shop
SunglassesDecember's low sun angle means direct light in your eyes on east-west streets for much of the afternoon. Polarized lenses cut the glare on bright days. Shop
One dressier outfitHoliday events, candlelight home tours, and Historic District restaurants skew smarter than casual. One outfit that works for an evening out covers most situations. Shop
Small daypack or crossbody bagSomewhere to stash a peeled-off layer, a water bottle, and whatever you pick up from the shops. You'll be on foot most of the day and need your hands free. Shop
Moisturizer and lip balmThe combination of cool, dry air and wind off the river dries out skin faster than you'd expect. Worth keeping in your bag if you're spending full days outdoors. Shop

Insider tips

The squares in the southern half of the grid stay remarkably quiet even during peak holiday weeks. Start your morning walks from the south end of Bull Street and work north to enjoy the calm before the tour groups arrive from the waterfront hotels.
The City Market area between Franklin Square and Ellis Square has sit-down restaurants that rotate their menus for the holiday season. Ask about off-menu specials, particularly for game meats and seasonal Lowcountry seafood.
If you're renting a car, parking in the Historic District is genuinely difficult in late December. Use one of the garages on Bryan Street or Oglethorpe Avenue and walk. The grid of squares makes navigation on foot simple, and nothing is more than about 20 minutes away.
The Savannah Belles Ferry is free and runs between the waterfront and Hutchinson Island. An evening crossing gives you a view of the holiday lights reflected on the river without paying for a boat tour.

Avoid these mistakes

Spending all your time on River Street. It's the most tourist-concentrated corridor in the city, with marked-up prices and a limited picture of what Savannah offers. Walk two blocks south to Bay Street or deeper into the residential squares for a more representative experience.
Packing only warm-weather clothes because it's the South. Savannah's humidity amplifies the cool air, and mornings can feel colder than the thermometer suggests. At least one warm jacket is non-negotiable for early walks and evening events.
Not booking the Holiday Tour of Homes in advance. Walk-up tickets are rarely available for this once-a-year event, and procrastinating usually means missing it entirely.
Planning outdoor activities for late afternoon without accounting for the early sunset. December's shortened daylight catches visitors off guard, especially those used to long summer evenings. Front-load your outdoor sightseeing and save museums and restaurants for after dark.

Practical tips for December

Book Historic District accommodation at least 6-8 weeks ahead for any December visit, and 8-10 weeks out for Christmas week. Dinner reservations at popular restaurants should be made 3-5 days in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings in the second half of the month. Some smaller galleries and independently owned shops close between December 25 and January 2, though major attractions maintain holiday hours. The free DOT shuttle bus runs through the Historic District and remains the easiest way to travel between the waterfront and the park at the southern end without dealing with parking. Evening events and outdoor dining call for an extra layer, since temperatures drop noticeably once the sun sets. If you're driving to sites outside the city center, be aware that morning fog can reduce visibility on the coastal roads, particularly around the Islands Expressway toward Tybee.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Savannah?

December is a genuinely good time to visit. The mild weather lets you walk the Historic District comfortably for hours, the holiday decorations are a real draw, and the city has a warm seasonal atmosphere without overwhelming crowds. The trade-off is cost. Accommodation rates climb well above the yearly average, particularly during Christmas week. If the premium doesn't bother you, December is one of Savannah's stronger months, landing around 5th out of 12 in an honest year-round ranking.

What is the weather like in Savannah in December?

Expect comfortable but cool conditions. Afternoons typically reach the mid-to-upper teens Celsius (mid-60s Fahrenheit), and mornings start cool enough for a proper jacket. Rain appears on a handful of days through the month but rarely lasts all day. The humidity is moderate and far less oppressive than the summer months. It's warmer than most of the East Coast at this time of year, but not warm enough for shorts on most days. You might get one or two afternoons warm enough for short sleeves, and one or two mornings cold enough to see your breath.

Is Savannah crowded in December?

December brings elevated visitor numbers, particularly in the second half of the month around the holidays. The waterfront and northern squares are the busiest areas, especially on weekend evenings. For comparison, it's noticeably quieter than March, when St. Patrick's Day turns the Historic District into the second-largest celebration of its kind in the United States after New York's. December crowds are manageable, and the southern squares and residential neighborhoods stay peaceful even during the busiest holiday weeks.

What should I wear in Savannah in December?

Layers are your best approach. Start the day with a warm sweater or fleece under a medium-weight jacket, and you can peel down if the afternoon warms up. A compact rain layer is worth packing since scattered showers are possible through the month. Comfortable shoes with decent grip matter for the uneven cobblestone surfaces near the waterfront. For evening events or holiday dinners, one smart-casual outfit is useful since the Historic District restaurants and home tours tend to run a bit dressier than daytime exploring.