6 Top-Rated and Popular Winters Things To Do In Savannah (2024)
Winters in Savannah are exceptionally beautiful. The average winter temperature here ranges between 39° Fahrenheit to 67° Fahrenheit. Winters in the ‘Hostess of South’ are mild, which draws a number of tourists every year. For someone who is already in a snow-capped western city, there is nowhere better to head than Savannah. It is when the crowd is less thus every facility provide great discount and compensation on their offers. Besides that, Savannah winters are the ideal time to observe seasonal decoration, attend events and be a part of festivals.
Winters in Savannah are irrefutably romantic and engaging. There is something poetic and lyrical about the wild winter winds that make everyone feel special, loved, and beautiful. You can expect to walk through phenomenally decorated streets and enjoy the warm winter sun during the day hours. The Winter sky here is mainly clear, though a little rainfall once in a while is an exception. With that said, here is the Ultimate Winter Guide to Savannah, Georgia.
6 Top-Rated And Popular Winters Things To Do In Savannah
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1. Go Ice Skating at the Savannah Civic Center
Savannah, though, does not receive any snowfall, but one can still enjoy winter adventures in the city. Every year during winters, the Savannah Civic Center transforms into a giant ice rink. During the rest of the year, it behaves as an entertainment venue featuring multiple engaging programs. Though once the temperature starts dropping down, it operates for family entertainment and fun via Ice Skating adventure. Whether you are a professional ice skater or a novice, everyone here can enjoy their fair share of adventure. Individuals of all age groups can spend 1.5 hours in the ice rink, and the session includes skating gear and rentals as well.
2. Explore the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
Since winters in Savannah are mild, it is the best time to explore any outdoor attraction in the city, for instance, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. It is basically a former USDA plant introduction station now turned into a 51-acre botanical garden. The garden is home to trees and farm buildings from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Its collection contains 60 bamboo taxa (the largest American bamboo collection open to the public east of California), 40 winter-hardy palm species, and 36 different plant species. It also houses one of the largest collections of camellia species (anywhere else than China). Other popular features of the facility include a 50,000-gallon water garden, a Mediterranean-style garden, a Woodland Shade Garden, a Georgia Trustees Garden replica, and the Sun Garden.
Gardening enthusiasts can also join multiple events that are organized here throughout the year. Or, during winters, do attend the December Nights and Holiday Lights, featuring about 600,000 lights that glitter the darkness of night. During the harvest season, the site also offers to pick your own strawberry and blackberry activities.
3. Enjoy the Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas on the River.
Held each year along the River, the Light Christmas parade is one popular winter activity to attend in Savannah. This annual tradition falls every year during winter on the 3rd of December. The parade begins at the official arrival of St. Nick at 5:30 pm, comprising vehicles, car clubs, colorful floats, and walking groups. From West River Street, the parade goes all the way through the Historic Downtown and finally ends up in the City Market.
Right next day of the Lighted Christmas parade comes the Christmas on the River alive. On 4th December, this multi-cultural event brings local entertainment, music, and seasonal treats along with regional arts and crafts. It is another great event to attend if you are looking to learn about local culture and diversity.
4. Hop on for the Winter Holiday Trolley Tour
One of the most beloved winter traditions in Savannah is the Holiday Trolley Tour. Presenting beautiful southern hospitality, the tour stretches from the Thanksgiving weekend all the way to Christmas bring-in. The tour facilitates on a beautifully decorated trolley with a climatically controlled environment inside. Besides that, it features an entertaining guide that helps learn about all the landmarks and destinations that come on the way. The tour stops at the historic Isaiah Davenport House, where guests can learn about the Christmas of the 1800s. Further, it transports to the Gingerbread Village at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort, where guests get to enjoy a special Christmas treat. Next is the Plant Riverside District stop, which is a truly magical winter wonderland. The tour departs every 30 minutes between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm and lasts for 2 hours. Tickets for the same prices as $25.70 for adults and $14.95 for children 4 to 12 years. It is better to book in advance since finding slots, later on, becomes difficult due to high demand.
5. Opt For Joining The Magnificent Savannah Riverboat Cruise
The Savannah Riverboat Cruise is a year-round affair where one can step on a paddle-wheel riverboat and enjoy the elegance of waterways. These boats are basically a replica of paddle-wheeler boats which were once cruising the great American rivers. Participants can choose from multiple options, including Thanksgiving Cruise, Boat Parade of Lights, Sailing with Santa, Christmas Eve Cruises, New Years Eve Gala Cruise (Dinner Cruises and Party Cruises), Holiday Gospel Dinner Cruise, and more. Most of these rides depart at 6:00 pm (or once it begins to get dark all around) and return back by 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. All their boats operate under United States Coast Guard regulations and ensure participants’ safety at their utmost. Prices for the same range from $15.95 to $67.95 depending upon participants’ age and the type of tour cruise tour they choose to go for.
6. Enjoy the Christmas Fun at the City Market With Kids
City Market in Savannah, though, is a popular year-round destination, but its true colors and glory come out during the festive year-end season. It is when the entire marketplace turns into a beautiful Christmas block featuring art, entertainment, retail, and dining. What makes it a fun place for kids are the different engaging activities. From face painting to cookie decorating, ornament making, and clicking pictures with Father Christmas in the Carriage Tours, there’s so much to do. The market even features a small petting zoo that allows individuals to get up close and personal with small wildlife. The City Market host numerous events, including a Holiday Open House on 6th December, Christmas for Kids Celebration on 7th December, and New Year’s Eve Celebration on 31st December.