Savannah is one of Georgia’s most historic and picturesque cities—a bustling hub of landmarks and attractions tailor-made for any traveler’s southern itinerary. And while many visitors like to visit during the warmer summer months, during the winter, the city is just as breathtaking and welcoming to visitors. With everything from special seasonal events to tried-and-true tourist attractions, below are some of the best ways to experience Savannah during sweater season.
10 Savannah Holiday Celebrations
Get into the holiday spirit with a visit during Savannah’s Holly Days. Complete with a parade of festive events fit for a holly, jolly holiday, the city’s sparkling lights and welcoming vibes make it the perfect place to celebrate.
- Holiday Events: Christmas on the River; Savannah Christmas Market; Lighted Christmas Parade; Old Town Trolley Holiday Tours; First Friday Fireworks
9 Savannah’s Winter Festivals
Savannah is known for its year-long festivals and events that celebrate the city’s diverse cultural heritage. However, throughout the winter, the city turns up the heat with a number of eclectic events just waiting to host visitors to the (appropriately nicknamed) “Hostess City of the South.”
- Fun Winter Festivals & Events: MountainFilm On Tour; Savannah Book Festival; Savannah Black Heritage Festival; Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run
8 Savannah House Tours
Savannah has a number of historic homes and museums that are the perfect way to learn about the city’s history. Most homes date from the early to the mid-19th century and have been restored to give guests a glimpse into Savannah’s most illustrious figures—and touring these stately spots is a great way to see the city during a winter visit.
- Must-Visit Historic Homes: Andrew Low House; Davenport House Museum; Green Meldrim House; Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace; Harper-Fawlkes House; Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
7 Tybee Island
With its laidback, beachy winter vibes and spectacular scenery, Savannah’s eclectic Tybee Island is an idyllic weekend retreat. A quaint, peaceful, and relaxing vacation just minutes from Savannah, this beach enclave is packed with a small-town charm all year round.
- Things To Do In Tybee: Annual Tybee Boat Parade; Tybee New Year’s Eve fireworks; kayaking, deep-sea-fishing, fossil-hunting, and birdwatching; shrimp and oyster season; Tybee Island Light
6 First African Baptist Church
Savannah is known for its historic buildings—and the First African Baptist Church is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. The oldest Black church in North America, this centuries-old gem was once a connection to the Underground Railroad; and is architectural—as well as historically—significant.
- Historical Features: Stained glass windows; pipe organ; Nine Patch Quilt; ornate light fixtures; the pews and their “African Hebrew” markings
5 Savannah’s Plant Riverside District
Home to a bustling waterfront and riverwalk full of shopping, accommodations, restaurants, and more, the centerpiece of the Plant Riverside District is the restored power plant (complete with smokestacks!) An intrinsic part of the city’s history, this dynamic destination is now an arts and entertainment hub that’s one of Savannah's best neighborhoods.
- Eat, Drink, And Be Merry at this sprawling riverside district home to its own luxe hotel, the JWW Marriott; live music and events; and some of the city’s top restaurants.
4 Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
Savannah’s mild(er) winters are the perfect time to enjoy the city’s picturesque natural beauty. And one of the best ways to experience it is by a visit to the city’s well-known horticultural haven, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens—a lush, sprawling landscape and year-round attraction.
- Don’t Miss: Native Plant Trail; Orchid Greenhouse; Mediterranean Garden; December Nights & Holiday Lights Celebration (select nights November 25 through December 24, 2022)
3 Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum
The perfect way to experience a historic home and marvelous museum all in one visit, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is so much more than a piece of maritime history. A local gem worthy of a winter visit to the southern city, the site is also home to the largest private gardens in Savannah.
- Explore the Museum: View the Steamship Savannah; stroll the lush gardens; explore the winter exhibit, Human Cargo: Savannah and the Oceanic Slave Trade.
- Make It A Museum Day with a visit to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
2 Jepson Center For The Arts
Undoubtedly one of Savannah’s most popular art museums, the Jepson Center for the Arts is a bastion for contemporary arts and a must-visit for any winter visitor. Packed with both permanent and traveling exhibitions housed in one of the city’s most stunning modern buildings, the site is also home to Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.
- Things To Do: Holiday Tree Lighting (December 1, 2022); Elegies: Still Lifes in Contemporary Art (through February 19, 2023)
1 Forsyth Park
Home to some of the city’s best events, Forsyth Park is a green oasis in the heart of the historic district. A famous gathering place and natural retreat, the park is also the site of one of the city’s best photo ops: the majestic Forsyth Fountain.
- Things To Do: Visit The Garden of Fragrance; explore on foot or by bike; visit the Forsyth Park Farmer’s Market; stay at the Forsyth Park Inn; catch a live show at the park’s amphitheater; attend the Georgia Day Parade