What's Happening in Savannah | 12/19

ISSUE #118

Good morning, Savannah! We’re officially in that strange stretch before Christmas where the days start to blur together. Here’s what’s going on around town.

In today’s newsletter:

  • 🎄 Christmas Market Party at Hop Atomica
  • 🎄 Celebrate the Season in City Market
  • 🎶 Christmas at the Cathedral 2025

And much more… let’s dive in!

THE DIGEST
The Surprising Savannah Connection to “Jingle Bells”

Did you know the holiday classic “Jingle Bells” has ties to Savannah? While its snowy lyrics might feel out of place in our coastal city, composer James Lord Pierpont was living in Savannah when he copyrighted the song in 1857 under its original title, “One Horse Open Sleigh.” At the time, Pierpont served as the music director for the Unitarian Church, then located on Oglethorpe Square.

EVENTS
Event Spotlight
Family Fun

🎄 Brunch with the Grinch

Saturday, December 20 | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | Perry Lane Hotel
A holiday brunch experience featuring a buffet, live music, kids activities, and a visit from the Grinch.
Learn more

🎅 Tactical Santa Claus at Nine Line HQ

Saturday, December 20 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Nine Line HQ
Take photos with Tactical Santa, enjoy free hot cocoa for kids, and write letters to deployed soldiers.
Learn more

🎄 Celebrate the Season in City Market

Saturday, December 20 | 1–3 p.m. | City Market
Enjoy holiday shopping, live music, and festive photos with Father Christmas in the heart of City Market.
Learn more

🎅 A Very Merry Avondale Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 21 | 3 p.m. | Avondale Neighborhood
A cheerful neighborhood Christmas parade filled with music, characters, and Santa himself.
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🎶 Christmas at the Cathedral 2025

Sunday, December 21 | 5 p.m. | Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
A beloved Savannah holiday tradition featuring candlelight, choir, orchestra, and classic Christmas carols.
Learn more

🎄 Festival of Trees at Plant Riverside District

Daily | 8 a.m.-11 a.m. | Plant Riverside District
Plant Riverside’s annual Festival of Trees returns, filling the Power Plant Lobby with a forest of themed Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The display is open daily from 8am–11am throughout the holiday season.
Learn more

Local Shopping & Markets

🎄 DeSoto Street Holiday Market

Saturday, December 20 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | 12 W 41st Street
A festive street market featuring local vendors, last minute holiday gifts, coffee specials, food, and neighborhood vibes.
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🌙 Island Farmers Market (Night Market)

Saturday, December 20 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | 401 Quarterman Dr
The Islands Farmers Market wraps up the year with its final Night Market of 2025, featuring local vendors, fresh food, handmade goods, and festive community vibes.
Learn more

🎄 Christmas Market Party

Saturday, December 20 | 5:30–9:30 p.m. | Hop Atomica
A German inspired holiday market with local vendors, live music, festive drinks, and seasonal shopping.
Learn more

🎄 Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District

Until December 31 | 11:00am–9:00pm | Plant Riverside District
Savannah Christmas Market brings a European style holiday celebration to Plant Riverside with Santa photos, food, shopping, and festive events all season.
Learn more

Live Music & Entertainment

🚆 Holiday Happenings: The Polar Express PJ Party

Saturday, December 20 | 11 a.m. | Trustees Theater
A pajama friendly screening of The Polar Express with cookies, cocoa, and a special holiday bell.
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🎬 Holiday Happenings: It’s a Wonderful Life

Saturday, December 20 | 7 p.m. | Trustees Theater
A holiday film screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at Trustees Theater, open to the public with a food donation.
Learn more

Game Day
Outdoor & Recreation
Education & Workshops
Business & Networking
SAVE THE DATE
NEW OPENINGS
WORDLE
Take on our Wordle challenge, inspired by either something from today’s newsletter, something Savannah related, or sometimes something completely random.