Savannah & Southern Holiday Traditions

While Savannah might evoke visions of balmy-weather touring, beach vacations and lush greenery, the coastal city has also been a holiday hotspot for more than two centuries. With its crisp red bows, flickering street lamps and Victorian London-like atmosphere, the southern city puts its own twist on the Christmas season. Forget the snow—Savannah is a winter wonderland of its own.

STAY

With a century’s of stories held within its walls, the iconic and historic Mansion on Forsyth Park, Kessler Collection is excited to announce its status as a newly independent boutique hotel. 

Dubbed as a Savannah staple, Mansion on Forsyth Park serves as a hub for both visitors and locals alike. Nestled between weeping willows and palm trees, the mansion sits conveniently across from the iconic Forsyth Park and fountain. Dressed in red brick and terracotta, and topped with a signature gray turret, the whimsical building pays homage to its Southern Gothic roots in style. The hotel plans to bring a new level of elevated service, amenities and luxury offerings as an independent boutique hotel owned and operated solely by The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of 13 artistically-inspired boutique hotels. 

Inside, guests are greeted with charming hospitality and a historic, yet modern experience. The mansion is complete with glistening chandeliers, an onsite restaurant, rooftop lounge, cooking school and spa, and an Italian-esque pool for the ultimate R&R. As a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the hotel offers a luxurious experience with the proximity, rich history and amenities for an all-encompassing stay. 

Including curated artwork, a rare Bösendorfer piano in the lounge, a historic hat collection and even a secret Carriage Wine Cellar, tucked above the restaurant 700 Drayton, which can now be reserved for private dining. Not to be missed is the afternoon tea service served in the marble garden. 

DO

Across Savannah’s cobblestone districts, there are no shortage of Christmas-themed activities. Yuletide spirit is second-nature to locals, who “deck the halls” of their historic homes and shops to provide the ultimate December experience. It’s not uncommon to spot horse-drawn carriages, decorated squares and themed storefronts enticing guests to holiday delights inside.

DON’T MISS OUT

A highlight of Savannah’s annual festivities

Historic home, ghost and Dickens-themed candlelight walking tours

Chocolate beer or spiked hot chocolate at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar

Christmas boat light parades and Savannah River cruises

The four-block Savannah Christmas Market 

Old holiday movies at the Savannah Theatre

Themed window display at the Paris Market (there’s beautiful visuals of this one)

Savannah Philharmonic's "Holiday Pops"

Christmas parade of vintage cars

CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH

Jingle Bells

The anthem, now synonymous with Christmas, has a unique tie to the coastal city. Penned in Savannah by songwriter and soldier James Lord Pierpont in 1857, the song is rumored to have been written for a Thanksgiving church service. However, due to Peirpont’s irreverent lyrics, many suggest the song was intended to be a holiday tune. It was originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh” before its amendment two years later to the now-beloved “Jingle Bells.”

Lady and the Tramp

Savannah has a long list of silver-screen credits. The 2019 live-action rendition of the classic Disney film was shot on location, utilizing current backdrops and a few era-appropriate set additions. During the film, one of Savannah’s beautiful Victorian buildings was transformed into Lady’s wintery home with fake snow and holiday décor.

Poinsettias 

With their bold crimson hue, these florals are in no shortage during the festive season. Joel Robert Poinsett, botanist and U.S. ambassador, first discovered the Southern Mexico flower in 1825. Shortly after, he introduced the poinsettia to his home—Charleston, South Carolina—as a holiday adornment. Visiting Savannah? Stop by the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist to take in the beautiful architecture and red trees inside (made entirely of poinsettias).

“Christmas Comes Twice on the Outer Banks”

When the year-shortening Gregorian calendar was adopted in England in 1752, settlers on the Outer Banks did not receive word until decades later—thus continuing to celebrate Christmas on what is now considered Jan. 6. Today, Christmas and “Old Christmas” are both acknowledged by those residing in the area...often with day-long festivities that include family, friends, music and shucking oysters. 

Pecan Pie and Magnolias

Originating in New Orleans in the 1800s, pecan pie quickly became a southern-inspired holiday staple in most households. The leaves and flowers of magnolias, grown and popularized in the south, also serve as a widely-used theme for many wreaths, centerpieces and ornaments across the country.