The holidays are upon us, and that means it’s time to gather with family and friends once more! For those of you who reside in Savannah, your home has probably become a landing place for that beloved time together. And if not, it should be! With such lovely scenery (cityscape and riverfront, plus beaches, forests, and mountains in driving range) and ample things to do, the Hostess City lives up to its name. Today, we’re going to help you be the consummate host, with the help of your city … when loved ones visit your Savannah home, entertain them with one of these three itineraries!
For All the Holiday Cheer
Photography Courtesy of Savannah Morning News
If you celebrate Christmas and your vibe is to fully embrace the festivities, Savannah will not disappoint! The Christmas lovers in your circle will certainly want to congregate here. We recently published a blog post sharing a quite comprehensive list of Holiday Season Events in Savannah, Georgia, but here is the itinerary we’d recommend for cheer aficionados.
December 24:
On Christmas Eve, see a showing of the famous A Christmas Tradition at The Historic Savannah Theatre! After, visit the James Beard Award-winning Elizabeth on 37th for the most delicious egg nog you’ve ever had. If you’ve got some energy left afterwards, you could stroll the streets of downtown for some last-minute present shopping.
December 26:
After you’ve enjoyed a day of opening gifts and sharing company on Christmas itself, you can still embrace the holidays on Boxing Day! Explore downtown and grab a decadent lunch at one of the city’s best restaurants (see some of our favorites here) before spending the evening at Plant Riverside District’s Savannah Christmas Market. Open through January 3rd, it promises music and performances, children’s activities, photos with Santa, and more.
For Time in Nature
Photography Courtesy of Tybee Island
Alternatively, if spending time in the wild world is more your speed, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy just outside of Savannah proper.
December 24:
Here’s an idea for an unusual (and very memorable) Christmas Eve: Go to the beach! It’s Tybee Island time! If you want to don wet suits and brave some chilly water, be sure to bring a bucket and shovels. Scoop some water up, prep the ultimate building sand, and instead of the traditional castle, craft yourself a Santa or snowman! You could also make snow angels and, for a real festive treat, bring a drone to capture a photo of all of you next to a “Happy Holidays” written in the sand. That said, if you love ocean time but think the water will be too cold, consider Tybee Island’s other offerings. From jet skis to dolphin cruises and ecology tours, the possibilities are aplenty. After, warm up with a tasty meal at one of Tybee Island’s acclaimed restaurants. The official website has a list of spots that are open on Christmas Eve.
December 26:
Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and some yummy festive snacks (Taste of Home has a fun list of recipes that you could create together after opening presents on Christmas Day!), and take your bikes or walking sticks to Skidaway Island. We’d also recommend bringing a camera, as there is plenty of exciting wildlife to be viewed here, from deer (reindeer, as far as the littles are concerned) to fiddler crabs, egrets and more. In fact, speaking of the egrets, birders will rejoice in this activity, as it’s home to the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. After your journey, head back into the city for a hearty comfort meal at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room.
For Cozy Vibes
Photography Courtesy of The Coffee Fox
Hygge is “a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment,” as Wikipedia puts it. And for many, the concept has come to embody the essence of wintertime and the holidays. If you are one such lover of comfy cozy vibes, we have an itinerary to take from your Savannah home, too!
December 24:
Instead of bundling up and venturing out on Christmas Eve, we think you would like to stay in. Prepare the day before with a trip to River Street Sweets for some yummy goodies, the grocery store to pick up ingredients for some beloved traditional dishes, and Savannah Perfume + Candle Co. for a product to make the whole house smell delightful. Grab some lovely new pillows and blankets from Brown Dog Market at Cohen’s Retreat. Then, bring it all home and on the 24th, create the most Hygge-worthy environment! Your Savannah home will be more inviting than ever, and now you and your loved ones can play board games or watch beloved Christmas movies in a state of cozy bliss!
December 26:
Now, the day after Christmas, we do think you should leave the loveliness of your Christmas cozy Savannah home. But only because there are some comfy places to be found throughout Savannah! Bundle up in your favorite chic, yet soft outfit and head over to The Coffee Fox on Broughton for a warm cup of joe. From there, head down Whitaker and turn on Liberty to visit The Book Lady Bookstore, before taking Whitaker back to Harris for a stop at E. Shaver Bookseller. Browse best sellers and rare finds alike while sipping your delicious drink.
We sincerely hope these itineraries have given you ideas for the ultimate Christmas weekend with family and friends. When those loved ones visit your Savannah home, they’re sure to be wowed by the beauty of the Hostess City. And if they’re so impressed that they decide to relocate, you know where to send them! 😉 Give us a call at 912-800-1885 or visit our contact page.
