The 3 Best Christmas Experiences & Tours in Savannah
Savannah’s charm shines brightest during the holiday season. Unlike many cities that focus on decorated shop windows or light displays, Savannah offers a rich tapestry of festive activities rooted in its history, culture, and community spirit. Its moss-draped oaks, historic squares, and southern hospitality create a backdrop that makes holiday traditions feel authentic and personal. Whether you’re after a lively comedy show, an intimate private tour, or a Dickens-themed walk, Savannah transforms into a Christmas wonderland with something for every taste.
What makes Savannah stand out during Christmas is its ability to blend humor, history, and heartfelt community celebrations. Its imaginative tours, like the Totally Made-Up Hallmark Christmas Movie, bring holiday stories to life with improvisation and laughter. Meanwhile, more traditional options like Yuletide Charm: A Southern Christmas Journey in Savannah showcase the city’s beautiful decorations and local customs. For those looking for something with a spooky twist, the Ghosts of Christmas combines holiday cheer with ghost stories rooted in Savannah’s historic streets.
Below, we’ve broken down these three distinctive experiences to help you find the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Savannah.
1. Totally Made-Up Hallmark Christmas Movie
This comedy show from Front Porch Improv offers a holiday experience you won’t forget. Every performance is completely improvised based on suggestions from the audience, creating a new, one-of-a-kind holiday movie every time. For only $20, you get an entertaining 90-minute show that’s packed with humor, catchy songs, and enough Santa, presents, and holiday chaos to fuel Christmas cheer. The show has a perfect 5.0 rating from five reviews, with audiences praising the energy and engagement.
What sets this experience apart is its spontaneity. The award-winning cast crafts a festive story on the spot, making each show unique. You might see Santa, snowball fights, or even holiday misadventures, all improvised and filled with comedic timing. The atmosphere in the theater is warm and lively, ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a fun, stress-free night out. Keep in mind, adult language may be part of the humor.
Bottom Line: This is a fantastic choice if you love comedy, improvisation, and a holiday show that’s different every time. It’s affordable, lively, and perfect for a relaxed evening out during your Savannah Christmas visit.
2. Yuletide Charm: A Southern Christmas Journey in Savannah
If you want a more traditional Christmas experience, this private walking tour offers an in-depth look at Savannah’s holiday traditions and decorations. Priced at $220.88 per person, it’s a more personalized way to explore the city’s festive spirit. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is designed for small groups, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.
Highlights include a visit to A Coastal Christmas at the waterfront, where holiday lights shimmer along the river, and a stop at Christ Church Episcopal, beautifully decorated for the season. The tour also features a walk through the historic squares and neighborhoods decorated with Christmas cheer, along with stories and fun facts about Savannah’s traditions. The final stop at Maranatha Missional Church offers a peaceful moment to reflect on the meaning of Christmas in a warm community setting.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed pace and an intimate experience. The guide’s storytelling adds depth to Savannah’s holiday decor and history, making it a memorable, immersive experience. The tour’s flexible times and private format suit those eager to customize their holiday outing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a detailed, personal exploration of Savannah’s Christmas traditions, especially if you enjoy storytelling and cultural insights.
3. Full for the Year
For a more immersive, themed experience, the Ghosts of Christmas combines holiday storytelling with Savannah’s famed ghost lore. Led by the character of the “Fiddler of Christmas,” this small-group tour (limited to 12 people) takes you through moss-draped streets and historic sites, intertwining Dickensian Christmas tales with local hauntings.
Highlights include stops at Madison Square, the Green-Meldrim House, and the historic district’s decorated squares. The guide, “The Fiddler,” shares Victorian-era Christmas stories, Civil War tales, and ghost stories, all performed with music and theatrical flair. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and offers a unique twist on Christmas, blending history, folklore, and the supernatural.
What makes this tour special is its intimate size and storytelling approach. It appeals to those who enjoy a spooky, theatrical holiday experience with a Dickensian flavor. The review notes that while it’s atmospheric and engaging, the limited group size ensures a personal touch. Expect a mix of holiday cheer and ghostly surprises.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a festive, historical walk with a supernatural twist, especially if you’re interested in Savannah’s ghost stories and Dickensian Christmas themes.
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and priorities. If you’re looking for laughter and spontaneous fun, the Totally Made-Up Hallmark Christmas Movie offers an inexpensive, lively show. For a personalized, culturally rich experience, the Yuletide Charm: A Southern Christmas Journey in Savannah provides a detailed, scenic exploration. If you’re drawn to history with a spooky twist, the Ghosts of Christmas delivers a theatrical, haunted holiday adventure.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and whether you prefer comedy, culture, or ghost stories. Booking early is advisable for popular shows like the comedy improv, especially during the busy Christmas season.
Final Thoughts
Savannah offers a diverse range of Christmas experiences that highlight its unique blend of humor, history, and community spirit. For a lighthearted evening, the improv show is a sure-fire hit. For a more reflective and intimate exploration, the private holiday tour is ideal. And for those who enjoy a gothic festive twist, the Dickensian ghost walk adds a mysterious flair to your holiday visit.
No matter which option you choose, Savannah’s Christmas celebrations promise authentic charm and memorable moments. Be sure to reserve your spot early — holiday tours fill up fast, and you won’t want to miss out on celebrating Christmas with a true southern twist.