The 33rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade arrives next weekend as part of Savannah’s Christmas on the River celebrations. Here’s what to expect.
Savannah’s Christmas on the River season is in full swing, and next weekend brings a big holiday tradition back to the waterfront. While the season includes everything from performances to riverfront festivities, one of the main events many look forward to each year is the Lighted Christmas Street Parade, happening on Saturday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m.
The parade begins at Plant Riverside District on the west end of River Street before traveling down to the east end and then looping into downtown. As always, it will feature a mix of brightly lit floats, community groups, decorated cars, trolleys, and plenty of holiday music. Parade registration closed at the start of the month, so the lineup is set and crews are now preparing to bring the streets to life next weekend.
Crowds usually gather early along the waterfront, especially near Plant Riverside where the parade steps off. With the Savannah Christmas Market running through December 31 and waterfront shops staying busy this time of year, it makes the whole evening feel like an open air holiday festival. Even if you’re not catching the parade from the front row, simply being anywhere along the riverwalk tends to be enough to soak in the holiday spirit.
Christmas on the River covers a full season of events stretching from late November through New Year’s Eve. Some parts of the celebration have already taken place, including the Lighted Boat Parade last weekend, but there’s still plenty left on the calendar. Dance and musical performances return to the waterfront December 12 and 13, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks show will close out the season on December 31.
For now, many eyes are on next Saturday as the 33rd Annual Lighted Christmas Street Parade fills River Street and downtown with lights, music, and thousands of spectators. It’s one of the most festive weekends of the year in Savannah and a tradition that brings locals and visitors together to officially kick off the heart of the holiday season.
