What better way to kick off the holidays than with a Christmas parade, Savannah-style! The annual Savannah Boat Parade of Lights is just that – a Christmas parade unlike any other: 7 to 9pm, November 26th, 2016.
A visit to Savannah during the holidays is always a great idea. The quaint cobblestone streets with their canopy of moss-draped oaks and majestic architecture look fantastic bedecked in multi-colored lights.
This time of year, there’s always something festive to do in Savannah – and it all starts off Thanksgiving weekend with the Savannah Harbor Foundation’s annual Boat Parade of Lights!
The parade involves 35 or more boats, all lit up for the holidays, cruising up and down the Savannah River on both sides of the waterfront. This stunning display is accompanied by live music, a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and more!
Savannah 2016 Boat Parade of Lights Schedule
5pm to 7:30pm – Santa’s Workshop Midnight Sun Pavilion
5pm to 10pm – Holiday Concessions
6pm – Savannah Pipes and Drums
6:15pm – Proclamation Read by General Oglethorpe
6:20pm – Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:30pm to 9pm – Musical Entertainment
7:15pm – Cannon Fire to Start the Parade
9pm – Fireworks
There are a number of ways to experience the parade. Lots of folks simply join the festive crowd at River Street. Here, there will be caroling, shops and restaurants, live music, vendors, and other attractions livening up the riverfront.
Many others choose to go to the Westin to watch the parade and enjoy its annual Oyster Roast, Christmas Market, and Icebar. The Oyster Roast offers fresh oysters, peel-n-eat shrimp, and other items from the grill, while the Christmas Market is always a good place to buy some goodies. The Icebar will once again serve up hot chocolate, apple cider, s’mores, cocktails and more.
Perhaps the most stunning way to see the parade is from the river, aboard the Georgia Queen as it leads the parade! Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers a special holiday cruise every year to coincide with the parade and it is an amazing way to see the spectacle. The cruise includes heavy hors d’ oeuvres, live entertainment, and drink specials.
Tickets go very fast, however, and time is of the essence. If you hope to be aboard for this very special trip, you should reserve your spot now!
Savannah Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, November 26 – 5pm to 10pm
Savannah River, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah Boat Parade of Lights Lodging
The final way to make your Savannah Holiday getaway perfect? Accommodations at McMillan Inn! McMillan Inn offers modern amenities merged with classic style in the Landmark Historic District of Savannah – a perfect choice whether you’re staying for the week or just the night.