Until Christmas Day near Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park rarely gets snow. It gets wreaths. Each December the 1858 fountain is framed in garland, evergreen wreaths, and bright red bows, and for a few weeks it turns into the place Savannah families go for their Christmas-card photo. The live oaks keep their leaves all winter, the Spanish moss stays, and a December afternoon is usually in the mid-60s — sweater weather for a long walk, not coat weather.
The park’s rhythm does not stop for the holidays. The Forsyth Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday of December, 9 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine, at the south end of the park where Bull Street meets Park Avenue — sixty-some growers and bakers from within 200 miles of the city. Pecans, citrus, greens, bread, and the ingredients for a Christmas dinner you cook yourself.
When the light goes, the walk north is the show. Bull Street runs from the fountain straight through the squares, with the city’s holiday lights coming on as you go, and ends at the Christmas tree at Bull and Broughton. It is a 20-minute stroll one way, and the free dot shuttle brings you back if the kids run out of legs.
One more Savannah Christmas story worth knowing on that walk: on December 22, 1864, General Sherman telegraphed President Lincoln from this city, offering Savannah as a Christmas gift. His headquarters, the Green-Meldrim House on Madison Square, is on the Bull Street route and still opens for tours on select days.
Walk the four minutes to the park before the city wakes up. The fountain is nearly empty, the wreaths catching first light, and the benches under the oaks are yours. The Sentient Bean on Bull Street is five minutes from the front door.
9 AM to 1 PM at the south end of the park, every Saturday including the ones before and after Christmas. Shop for the dinner, then carry it three blocks home to a full kitchen. Kroger is three blocks the other way for everything the market does not sell.
Thirty acres of oaks and lawn, two playgrounds, and the fountain for the family photo. Most December afternoons are mild enough for a picnic basket on the grass — we keep one in each suite.
From the fountain, walk north through the squares as the city’s lights come on. The city tree at Bull and Broughton is the finish line. Ride the free dot shuttle back, or walk it in reverse with the lights behind you.
Parade and boat-parade nights pull the whole city to the river. Leave the car in your private spot and take the free dot shuttle from the park. Our one-tap shuttle planner shows the closest stop and when to get off.
Heart-pine floors, 11-foot ceilings, a kitchen big enough for a holiday, and a host who grew up three blocks away. ★ 4.97 across 238 reviews. City of Savannah licensed.
Everything below is downtown, a free shuttle ride from the park. Dates are from the organizers as of October 2026; our Forsyth Park Concierge tracks the season live and tells you what is on tonight.
Friday, November 27, evening. The city’s tree stands at Bull and Broughton — the far end of the Bull Street walk from the park. Confirm the hour with the city before you go; it is usually around 5:30 PM.
Saturday, November 28, 7–9 PM. Decorated boats run from Eastern Wharf to the Talmadge Bridge and back, twice. Watch from the Park at Eastern Wharf, Plant Riverside, or the riverwalk at Rousakis Plaza.
November 19 – January 3. Plant Riverside District on the west end of River Street: local vendors, Santa photos, and the Festival of Trees.
Saturday, December 12, 5:30 PM. Free. Starts at Plant Riverside, climbs the East Broad ramp, then winds through downtown along Bay, Lincoln, Broughton, and Jefferson Streets.
Traditionally the second Saturday of December. The Downtown Neighborhood Association opens private historic homes and inns in their holiday decor. Tickets go on sale in September and sell out — check dnaholidaytour.com.
Thursday, December 31, midnight. Fireworks over the Savannah River close out the season. The dot shuttle stops early that night — plan a rideshare back or make a night of it downtown.
The Kitchen Island Suite
From $195 / night · 2 Bed · 1 Bath · Sleeps 4
Butcher-block island, stainless appliances, and a dedicated desk. The suite to cook Christmas breakfast in after the market.
View Suite 314A
The Haint Blue Suite
From $195 / night · 2 Bed · 1 Bath · Sleeps 4
The haint blue island, original Victorian millwork, and a private deck for a December morning coffee.
View Suite 316A
The Whole Family
From $395 / night · 4 Bed · 2 Bath · Sleeps 8
Two complete homes in one 1898 building. Grandparents in one, kids in the other, Christmas dinner in whichever kitchen wins.
Book Both SuitesWhat is Christmas like at Forsyth Park?
Green and mild, with the fountain dressed up. Each December the 1858 fountain is framed in garland, evergreen wreaths, and red bows, and it becomes the spot where Savannah families take their Christmas-card photo. The live oaks keep their leaves, the moss stays, and afternoons are usually in the mid-60s. The park is a 4-minute walk from The Wilder House.
Is the Forsyth Park fountain decorated for Christmas?
Yes. The fountain gets wreaths, bows, and garland for the holiday season, and it draws a steady line of families and couples posing for photos. Go early in the morning if you want it to yourself — before 9 AM on a weekday it is close to empty.
Is the Forsyth Farmers’ Market open in December?
Yes. The market runs every Saturday year-round, 9 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine, at the south end of Forsyth Park where Bull Street meets Park Avenue — including the Saturdays before and after Christmas. Sixty-some vendors from within 200 miles of Savannah. It is three blocks from the suites, and both suites have full kitchens to cook what you carry home.
Where can we see Christmas lights near Forsyth Park?
Walk north from the fountain up Bull Street. The route runs through the squares with the city’s holiday lights, and ends at the Christmas tree at Bull and Broughton — about 20 minutes one way. The free dot shuttle stops near the park for the ride back.
When are the big Savannah holiday events in 2026?
The city tree lighting is Friday, November 27 at Bull and Broughton. The 25th Lighted Boat Parade is Saturday, November 28, 7–9 PM on the river. The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside runs November 19 through January 3. The 34th Lighted Christmas Street Parade is Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 PM, with the Holiday Tour of Homes traditionally the same Saturday. New Year’s Eve ends with midnight fireworks over the river. All of it is a free dot shuttle ride from the park.
Is private parking included over the holidays?
Yes. Every suite includes one dedicated off-street parking spot at no extra charge — two spots when both suites are booked. On parade nights the whole city drives downtown; you leave the car at the house and take the free shuttle from the park.
Can a whole family stay together for Christmas?
Yes. Book Suite 314A and Suite 316A together for 4 bedrooms (two kings, two queens), 2 bathrooms, 2 full kitchens, and 2 parking spots — sleeps 8. The suites sit side by side in the same 1898 building, so everyone has their own door and their own kitchen, and the shared backyard with the gas grill is the common ground.
Where should we stay in Savannah for Christmas?
It depends on what you want to walk out the door into. Stay near Forsyth Park in the Victorian District if you want the park, a home with a full kitchen, and a parking spot that is yours — then ride the free dot shuttle downtown for the parades. Stay in a Historic District hotel near River Street if you want to be inside the crowds and do not mind December hotel rates plus nightly parking fees. The Wilder House is the first option: three blocks from the park, private parking included, from $195 a night.
Savannah or Charleston for Christmas?
Charleston runs the bigger, more produced holiday calendar. Savannah’s season is smaller and more walkable — the park, the squares, and the river fit into one evening on foot or the free shuttle, and the city’s holiday look is lights in live oaks rather than a staged show. If you want a big light display, pick Charleston. If you want to step out your door into it, pick Savannah. The two cities are about two hours apart by car, so plenty of people do both.
Is Christmas in Savannah good with kids?
Yes, and Forsyth Park is the reason. Two playgrounds and thirty acres of lawn are a 4-minute walk from the suites, the fountain in its wreaths is the family photo, and the Saturday market has pastries. Downtown, the Christmas Market at Plant Riverside has Santa photos, and watching the Lighted Boat Parade from the riverwalk costs nothing. Book both suites and the grandparents get their own door.
What is the weather in Savannah in December, and how early should we book?
Average highs are in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s, with about three inches of rain across the month — pack layers and one rain jacket. The parade weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s are the first dates to go, so check the live availability calendar on each suite page before you plan the rest of the trip.
Written by Travis, Savannah native, born three blocks from the park, and host of The Wilder House. Event dates checked with the organizers in October 2026 — always confirm times before you go.
Check live availability for the dates you want. One suite for a couple, both for the family — private parking either way.