Savannah Holiday Events: Harbor Foundation Series and Holly Days

Thanksgiving is on the horizon.  That means it's almost time to enjoy two Savannah Traditions:  the Savannah Harbor Foundation Holiday Series, and Holly Days. Savannah's bed and breakfast inns invite you to be our guests for these long-standing city traditions for the entire family!

The Savannah Harbor Foundation is a volunteer-based, charitable organization, originally started in response to the events on September 11, 2001 to provide some enjoyable family events after the tragic attack on the United States.    Since then, the organization has expanded its support to local childrens' charities.  Each year during the weekend after Thanksgiving, the Foundation kicks off the annual Holiday Series of Events including:

• Boat Parade of Lights:  Come enjoy Savannah's unique Christmas Parade on the River!  On November 24 at 5:00pm, General James Edward Oglethorpe returns to officiate the lighting of Savannah's Christmas tree, followed by a showcase of 60 vessels decorated to the hilt with lights and holiday decorations.  A fireworks display follows.  Come to the Savannah River in front of River Street for great viewing, or you can cross the river before the festivities and watch from Hutchinson Island.
• Gingerbread Village features edible artwork by both "professional" and "amateur" gingerbread structure architects, displayed at the Westin on the north side of the river.
• Festival of Lights:  Hutchinson Island lights up each year with 60 lighted displays along the Road Course.  After driving through the displays, join in the fun in the center of the Road Course, and enjoy the bonfire, treats, music, and more.  The activities change throughout the display, so you may want to visit more than once!  A $20 per car, or $5 walk-through cost proceeds a number of childrens' charities.
• Holiday Concerts:  On Monday, December 3, Musical Mondays free family concerts begin at the Savannah Arts Academy.  Enjoy music to put you in the Holiday spirit!

Of course, other Savannah Holly Days events (both ticketed and free to the public) offer more great options to celebrate the Season:

• Downtown Holiday Tour of Homes:  Historic homeowners open their doors to the public during the afternoon and evening of December 8, 2012.  See the beauty of these southern belles, decorated for the Holiday Season.
• Victorian Tea:  Between the afternoon and evening hours of the Homes Tour, Savannah's Garden Club invites you to a formal Tea Event.  Put on your finery, select your favorite hat (long-known to be the appropriate finishing touch to any tea garb), and enjoy Victorian Tea, sandwiches, treats, and music. This year's tea location is a fully-restored Greek Revival Mansion, built in 1870.
• Inn Tour:  Area Inns invite you to tour their property on Sunday, December 9, 2012.  Among the chosen properties for this year's tour are our own Ziegler House, Presidents' Quarters Inn, Forsyth Park Inn, and Amethyst Inn!
• The Whiskey Barrel:  As an alternative option for the Adults, the city's first annual Whiskey Barrel taste experience takes place on Hutchinson Island.  Featuring a selection of both whiskies and craft beers, attendees will receive a sample glass, unlimited beer samples, and a whiskey tasting card for 6 free tastings.  Designated drivers are not only encouraged, they are afforded a substantial discount to the event so that they can come learn about the products.  A Military Discount on advance-purchase tickets also applies.
• City Market offers both the annual Open House, and Christmas for Kids Celebration.  Friday, December 8 finds the market awash with lights and candles while carolers sing, Santa listens to secrets, and treats are offered in the shops.  Then, on Saturday, December 8, 2012.  Make your own ornaments, explore the petting zoo, enjoy a Cinderella Carriage tour, hear beautiful chorale music, and so much more!  Consider bringing an unwrapped toy to donate to the Holiday Hope collection box.

There is so much to do this Holiday Season that it might require an extended stay to experience it all!  Why not choose one of Savannah's historic inns as your lodging option?  We will be happy to host your vacation to one of the most beautiful cities in the United States!

New Years in Savannah, Savannah Events

The New Year is looming, why not treat yourself to New Years in Savannah?  The annual Tybee Pier Fireworks are lit at midnight, but before that there are plenty of area events to help you say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012!  Here are just a few events to choose from.

The Westin New Year's Bash is a traditional celebration with activities for the entire family.  Beginning at 10:00 am, this family-friendly celebration features foot races, live music by Big Daddy Weave and much more!

City Market offers a free outdoor street party with live music all evening!  This free outdoor street event happens all evening, and live music will be featured between 9:00 pm and 1:00 am.  If you plan on dinner at one of the great restaurants in the Market, reservations are strongly encouraged.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers events all evening on December 31, 2011.  It all begins with a 2-hour dinner cruise complete with music and buffet at 7:00 pm.  A 4-hour New Year's Eve Gala Dinner begins at  8:00 pm with a Captains reception, gourmet dinner buffet, a bottle of house champagne or wine, party favors, live bands, and cash bar.  A New Year's Celebration Party complete with music and favors at 10:00 pm.

Jazz’d Tapas is hosting a Studio 54-themed NYE bash, complete with 70's (and modern) hits, disco lights and decorations.  Expect revelers to dress the part!  If you want to guarantee a place at this party, $75 a person buys you their famous Tapas for Two, a champagne split, party favors, and your own private table for the entire evening, even if you leave the building!  Yes, you can eat, hit the town, and then come back to your private table to enjoy the rest of the night!  However, reservations are not necessary, as the bar is open to the public the entire evening.

On New Year's Day, 2012 you can take part in the annual Tybee Polar Plunge!  Benefitting the Tybee Post Theater, the official event begins at noon at the Tybee Pier.  Find a group of 4 or more and sign up to take the plunge!  However, you're welcome to simply watch the festivities, costumes, and fun.  Who will win the coveted Le Goofs Trophy in 2012?  You can also help us break a World Record whether or not you're swimming:  The Guiness World Record™ attempt to break the Largest Gathering of People Wearing Swim Caps, will begin at 11:45 and must last at least 10 minutes (there is a $25 fee to participate).

These are just the highlights, any of our great innkeepers will be glad to suggest additional New Year's Eve options during your visit!  So make your reservations NOW at your favorite Savannah Inn for New Year's, 2011-2012!  Your room, and the entire city, will be awaiting your arrival!

Trees for Life, Holiday Event, Westin Savannah Resort

The Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you to enjoy a December getaway at any of their area inns.  While here, enjoy the continuing December festivities with the 11th Annual Trees for Life holiday event at the Westin Savannah Resort.

The Westin moves from gingerbread to Christmas Trees during this fundraiser for the Greenbriar Children's Center.  Sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation, this event features beautifully- and creatively-decorated Christmas trees on display in the hotel lobby.  Local businesses, groups, and individuals provide the trees which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder!

Holiday Trees for Life can be viewed alongside the annual Gingerbread Village through January 1, 2012.  The Westin is just a ferry ride across the river from your favorite Savannah Bed and Breakfast, and we look forward to hosting your stay!

Lighted Christmas Parade, Christmas on the River, Holiday Events

The turkey has been devoured, and family has taken their leave... just in time for Savannah holiday events for the holdays to begin!  So come one, come all to Christmas on the River, a daytime activity event, and lighted Christmas parade in the evening, on Saturday, December 3, 2011!  Activities will also continue on Sunday, December 4.

The Romantic Inns of Savannah invite you to enjoy this First Saturday on the River event, hosted by Savannah Riverfront from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday, and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.  The December event is the Christmas version of our monthly activities on, and by, the river.  Work on your Christmas shopping checklist by visitng local artisans presenting wares ranging from craft to fine art at the River Street plaza.  Not to mention the 100+ shops, open for your shopping needs, holiday entertainment, children's activities across from the Candy Kitchen, and the feel of the holiday spirit.

The 5:30 pm Lighted Parade will make its way down River, Bay, Abercorn, and Broughton Streets on Saturday evening, and will feature lights, magic, and the arrival of Santa to Savannah!

The event itself is free to the public, but bring your holiday shopping budget with you!

Choose your favorite Savannah Inn to return to after the excitement.  A warm welcome and bed await you there!

Savannah Gingerbread Village Holiday Event, Westin Savannah Resort

** Update:  Dates for the #Savannah Gingerbread Village (free viewing at the Westin) are through December 30, 2013.

Are you crazy for gingerbread?  Does the sight of gingerbread houses make you welcome Christmas into your life?   Is your holiday incomplete without creating beautiful gingerbread-and-icing  architecture?  If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, you're sure to enjoy the Gingerbread Village holiday event, held annually at the Westin Savannah Resort!

This free event, sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation, runs from Thanksgiving through December 26, 2011 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa Main Lobby.  This friendly competition challenges both amateur and professional chefs to present their gingerbread creations for all to see.  One lucky designer will walk away with the title of "Best Gingerbread Creation."

The Westin is on Hutchinson Island, but if you are staying at a romantic Savannah Inn, you can make use of the FREE water ferries of the Savannah Belles Ferry system, in front of City Hall on River Street.  Ferries run from Savannah to the island and back each day from 7:00 am to midnight, at 15-20 minute intervals.  PLEASE NOTE that no ferries run on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.

Judging takes place before the event is open to the public this year.  Prizes will be awarded to the top two Adult, Junior, and Children's Division entrants, so come by to see the gorgeous entries, view the winners, and soak up the holiday spirit!

Holiday Tour of Homes, Savannah Historic Tour 2011

Have you ever wanted to see the inside of those gorgeous houses around Savannah?  Then take advantage of your stay at a Savannah Bed and Breakfast, during the weekend of December 10-11, 2011 to enjoy the Holiday Tour of Homes.  This yearly event features a tour through some of the city's stunning homes and inns, and the 2011 historic tour of Savannah comes complete with a Victorian Tea and a stage show!

Savannah's Holiday Tour of Historic Homes and Victorian Tea is produced by the Downtown Neighborhood Association.  During this weekend the residents of Savannah's Historic District invite the public into their beautiful homes, all decked out in holiday finery!  Home owners will often have tales to tell about their residence's characteristics and past.  There are two separate tours on Saturday, showcasing a total of twelve lovely homes.

In between the two Saturday tours, there will be a Victorian tea to enjoy at the Downtown Garden Club of Savannah, complete with Victorian sandwiches and other treats!  Members of the Garden Club will be dressed in period clothing.

On Sunday, there will be a tour through a selection of area Inns, including our own Catherine Ward House Inn, and The Green Palm Inn!  The Inn Tour will be followed by "A Christmas Tradition" stage show at the historic Savannah Theatre, featuring music, comedy, and audience participation.

Tickets for each part of the Tour and Activities are available at the Tour Headquarters, but tours do sell out!  Advanced ticket purchase is recommended.  All proceeds go to the Savannah downtown Historic Landmark District.

Savannah's Tour of Homes Schedule and Prices:
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11:00 am:  Tour #1 - Self-guided tour of six magnificent homes.  Tickets are $30.
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3:00 pm:  Victorian Tea (with treats) at a mansion not on the tour.  Tickets are $20.
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5:00 pm:  Tour #2 - Tour of homes eight through twelve with trolley service until 8:00 pm.  Tickets are $30.

Sunday, Dec. 11 at 11:30 am: Self-guided tour of six majestic Savannah Inns.  Tickets are $20.
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3:00 pm:  "A Christmas Tradition" stage show.  Tickets are $30.

Boat Parade of Lights, Savannah Christmas Parade

Savannah bed and breakfasts invite you to the city's annual post-Thanksgiving activities!  One of our favorite events is the annual Boat Parade of Lights.  This is Savannah's "Christmas Parade" on the Savannah River waterfront during our "Holly Days" Holiday Series events sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation and the Westin Savannah Harbor.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on November 26 at the Westin Riverwalk, General James Edward Oglethorpe will address attendees and officiate the tree lighting, before the Boat Parade of Lights brings the Savannah River to life with boats, lights, and the holiday spirit.  Boat owners from near and far decorate their boats with decorations and lights for a Christmas Parade, Savannah-style, followed by a grand fireworks display!  The parade can be enjoyed from both sides of the river, but is best viewed from River Street, and from The Westin Savannah Harbor.

So come stay at one of Savannah's romantic bed and breakfast inns and join us in officially welcoming the Christmas Season!

Christmas Made in the South, Holiday Craft Fairs

During your November 18-20 stay at your favorite Romantic Inns of Savannah bed and breakfast, enjoy a weekend of holiday shopping at Savannah's Christmas Made in the South (one of the many popular holiday craft fairs in our area) on November 18-20, at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

During this popular event hundreds of skilled regional artists and master craftsmen present everything from popular seasonal decorations, to jewelry, pottery, blown glass, soaps, clothing, and much more!  Visit the Christmas Made in the South Facebook page to find out more about the events, and possibly win free tickets.  Whether you attend to complete your seasonal gift needs, learn more about your favorite art form from the artisans, find inspiration for your own crafts, or even just "window shop," Christmas Made in the South - Savannah is the ideal way to begin the season of giving!

Spend a day at the event, have a wonderful southern dinner, and then return to your Savannah Inn to enjoy a relaxing evening in comfort!