Savannah's 34th Lighted Christmas Street Parade is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The boat parade and Eastern Wharf tree lighting are Saturday, Nov. 28.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. This page is updated each year. Dates and times come from Savannah’s Waterfront, which organizes the parades as part of its Christmas on the River season. Questions: hello@savannahswaterfront.com.

Savannah’s holiday season on the river runs from the Saturday after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. The two big free events are the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Nov. 28, when the trees at Eastern Wharf are lit, and the Lighted Christmas Street Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The dates

  • Thursday, Nov. 19, to Jan. 3: Savannah Christmas Market, Plant Riverside District
  • Saturday, Nov. 28, 5 to 9 p.m.: Holiday Kickoff and tree lighting, The Park at Eastern Wharf
  • Saturday, Nov. 28, 7 to 9 p.m.: 25th Annual Savannah Lighted Boat Parade
  • Dec. 11-12: dance and music performances, Plant Riverside District
  • Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.: 34th Annual Lighted Christmas Street Parade
  • Thursday, Dec. 31, midnight: New Year’s Eve fireworks on the waterfront

The Christmas street parade

The 34th Annual Lighted Christmas Street Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and is scheduled to end at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Route: the parade begins at Plant Riverside District on the west end of River Street, runs east to the East Broad Ramp, then winds through downtown along Bay, Lincoln, Broughton and Jefferson streets. Savannah’s Waterfront posted a route map from last year’s parade; check it again for any changes before you go.

Community floats, cars, trolleys and walking groups take part, and every entry must be completely covered in Christmas lights. Groups can enter until Thursday, Nov. 19, through the organizer’s entry form.

The tree lighting and boat parade

The Holiday Kickoff at The Park at Eastern Wharf, 201 Port St., runs 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. It includes the annual lighting of the Eastern Wharf Christmas trees, a visit from Santa Claus, food trucks and entertainment, according to Savannah’s Waterfront.

The 25th Annual Savannah Lighted Boat Parade follows at 7 p.m. More than 30 boats covered in holiday lights, led by the Georgia Queen riverboat, loop twice from Eastern Wharf to the Talmadge Bridge and back. It is free.

Where to watch, from the organizer:

  • Eastern Wharf, where the boats leave and return
  • Plant Riverside District, where the Christmas Market is open
  • Rousakis Riverfront Plaza and anywhere along the riverwalk

Christmas Market and more

The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District is a European-style outdoor market open for 45 days, from Nov. 19 to Jan. 3, with live performances, Santa and holiday food and drink. Savannah’s Waterfront also schedules dance and music performances at Plant Riverside District from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, before the parade.

Getting there

Downtown garages are open 24 hours and take cards only; rates may change for special events, according to the Savannah’s Waterfront FAQ. The free Savannah Belles Ferry runs between River Street and Hutchinson Island from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. See our getting around guide for parking rules.

What this means for you

  • Two free Saturdays to plan around: Nov. 28 on the river and Dec. 12 downtown.
  • Arrive early for the street parade; the route covers River, Bay, Broughton and Jefferson streets.
  • Want to be in the parade? Enter by Nov. 19, and light up every inch.

More: things to do this month and trick-or-treat hours.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Savannah Christmas parade 2026?

The 34th Annual Lighted Christmas Street Parade is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. It starts at Plant Riverside District on River Street and winds through downtown. Admission is free.

What is the route of the Savannah Christmas parade?

It begins at Plant Riverside District at the west end of River Street, goes to the East Broad Ramp, then winds through downtown along Bay, Lincoln, Broughton and Jefferson streets.

When is the Savannah lighted boat parade?

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. More than 30 lighted boats loop twice from Eastern Wharf to the Talmadge Bridge and back. It is free.

Where is the Christmas tree lighting in Savannah?

The Christmas trees at The Park at Eastern Wharf are lit during the Holiday Kickoff, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, with Santa Claus, food trucks and entertainment.