Moving trains. Free activity tables. Free crafts and remote control trucks. And at certain hours, free photos with Santa – all at Santa’s Wonderland inside Bass Pro Shop @ Savannah Mall.

At Santa’s Wonderland inside Bass Pro Shops, families can:

Visit Santa and get a photo FOR FREE
Reserve a virtual spot in line while playing games and making crafts as a family

Santa’s Wonderland 2019 at Bass Pro Shops is already underway and runs through Dec. 24 2019. See hours here.

Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn Street, www.savannahmall.com , 912-927-7467.

Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade will be 5:30PM Sat. Dec. 7 2019. The parade starts at 5:30PM.

The parade will wind through downtown Savannah featuring a Grand Marshal, community floats, cars, trolleys, walking groups and more.

Free & open to the public.

Christmas on the River in Rousakis Plaza on River Street will be Fri. Dec. 6-Sun. Dec. 8 2019. Kids’ activities include creating ornaments in the Waterfront Kidz Zone. See the Christmas on the River schedule here. 

FREE Christmas For Kids Celebration in Savannah’s City Market
Sat Dec. 7, 2019, 11AM-2PM

Make ornaments! Decorate cookies! Get Grinched (with hair and makeup)! Meet Father Christmas and take a Cinderella carriage tour.

All of this, plus face painting, choir music and more add up to a day of fun the whole family can truly enjoy.

City Market is in downtown Savannah
Start at the corner of Jefferson and West St. Julian Streets.
Savannah City Market stretches a full block in each direction, with Ellis Square to the east and Franklin Square to the west, from Bryan (North) to Congress (South).

You’re invited to the 11th Annual Tybee Lighted Boat Parade on Sun. Dec 8 2019 at The Original Crab Shack on Tybee Is.

The event begins at 4:30PM with a Hot Dog & Chili Bar. The Hot Dog & Chili Bar is FREE for EVERYONE with a Second Harvest canned food donation.

Boats depart Crab Shack docks at approximately 5:30PM (Tybee Time). Boats return around 6:30PM

Braggin’ Rights Awards will be given out after the parade. Want to decorate your boat and participate in the parade? Learn more here.

Sun. Dec. 8 2019 at 4:30 – 7PM
The Crab Shack
40 Estill Hammock Rd
Tybee Island, Georgia 31328

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Lights on for Tybee Christmas Tree Lighting & Tybee Christmas Parade 2019

Tybee Island Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting 2019
Fri. Dec. 6 2019, 6:30PM
Line the streets and share your holiday joy.  The parade steps off at 6:30PMat the corner of Butler Avenue and 8th Street and follows an illuminated trail from Butler to Tybrisa, ending at the beachfront pier and roundabout where Mayor Buelterman will light the 18-foot Christmas tree. Following the lighting ceremony, enjoy Christmas caroling, dancing, a snowfall selfie station, refreshments served by local businesses and awards for the best decorated homes and businesses on Tybee.

Learn more here.

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12th Annual Tour de Lights Bike Parade on Tybee Island

A fun event on Dec. 14, 2019 6:30-8:30PM where everyone lights up their bikes and golf carts with Christmas themed decorations.

Registration starts at A-J’s that day from 3-6 pm. $25 participation fee will get you appetizers and select drink specials at A-J’s. It also allows you to be judged and a chance to win prizes and bragging rights for best-decorated bike or golf cart.

Bikes and golf carts will be judged for best decorations at A-J’s around 6:30PM. We will then head off for a parade from A-J’s to Tybrisa so that everyone can show off their lights and decorations. After the bike ride, we head back to A-J’s for door prizes, raffles.

You’re invited to the Richmond Hill Christmas Parade, Sat. December 7, 2019 at 10 AM-12 PM

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Bring your kids to Richmond Hill Fire Department’s Breakfast with Santa, Sun. Dec. 8, 2019 at 7-10 AM @ Richmond Hill Fire Department, 9964 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324

Breakfast with Santa, Photos with Santa, Crafts, Letters to Santa, Bouncy House and more!

SPOTLIGHTED EVENT: Sailing & Photos with Santa with Savannah Riverboat Cruises. Kids sail for free with a donated, unwrapped toy Fri. Nov. 29 & Sat. Nov. 30. Details here.

SPOTLIGHTED EVENT: Table Top Turkey Workshop for all ages @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 9:30-11:30AM. Cost: $10 per person. Tues. Nov. 26. Details here.

SPOTLIGHTED EVENT: FREE showing of “Freebirds” @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 12-3PM Tues. Nov. 26. Details here. 

SPOTLIGHTED EVENT: 11th Annual United Way Turkey Trot (including a free 400-yard race for kids) @ Daffin Park in Savannah on Thanksgiving Nov. 28.  Details & registration link here. 

Coming soon: SouthernMamas.com BEST SAVANNAH-AREA HOME HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS 2019 Guide

(Savannah) Skatefest. Savannah Civic Center turns into giant indoor ice rink. Skate rentals available. Skatefest is daily Fri. Dec. 13 2019-Sun. Jan. 5 2020. Details here. 

(Savannah) Gingerbread Village Display @ The Westin Savannah. Free & open to the public. Nov. 24 through the holidays. Please call ahead to confirm the display is up as scheduled . Details here. 

(Savannah) Free holiday kids’ activities & photos with Santa @ Bass Pro Shop, Savannah Mall daily through Dec. 24. Details here. 

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(Savannah) Holiday Tree Lighting & live performances, 7-8:30PM Fri. Nov. 29. Free & open to the public. Details here. 

(Tybee Is) Tybee Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting. 6:30PM Fri. Dec. 6. Details here. 

(Savannah) FREE Kids’ Holiday Making Station @ the Savannah Clay Spot’s Merry Art Market, 10AM-6PM Sat. Dec. 7. Details here. 

(Savannah) Savannah Santa Train 2019 @ Georgia State Railroad Museum, 9AM-5PM Sat. Dec. 7. Order tickets online. Details here.

(Savannah) Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade, 5:30PM Sat. Dec. 7, starts on River Street & travels through downtown Savannah. Details here. 

(Savannah) FREE Christmas for Kids celebration in Savannah’s City Market. 11AM-2PM Sat. Dec. 7. Make ornaments. Decorate cookies. Get Grinched (with hair and makeup). Meet Father Christmas & take a picture in the Cinderella carriage tour. Plus face painting, choir music. Details here. 

(Savannah) Jingle Bell Hop @ Ellis Square, 2-4PM Sat. Dec. 7. Free & open to the public. Live performances, singing, dancing activities. Free & open to the public. Details here. 

(Richmond Hill) Richmond Hill Christmas Parade, 10AM-Noon Sat. Dec. 7.  Details here. 

(Tybee Is) Tybee Lighted Boat Parade, Sun. Dec. 8.Details here. 

(Richmond Hill) Richmond Hill Fire Department’s Breakfast with Santa. 7-10AM Sun. Dec. 8. Details here. 

(Savannah) Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. Enjoy performances by various choir groups & local musical artists in front of Savannah’s Christmas tree at Broughton & Bull street. Free & open to the public. 7-9PM Sat. Dec. 14. Details here. 

(Tybee Is) Tybee Tour de Lights Holiday Bike Parade, Sat. Dec. 14. Details here. 

(Savannah) FREE holiday movies @ Trustees Theater all day starting at 11AM Sat. Dec. 21 with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Admission is FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest. Details here. 

(Savannah) Christmas Festival @ Trustees Garden. 11AM-7:30PM Sat. Dec. 21. Fake Snow, Snow Tubing, Rock Climbing, Trackless Train, 23ft Christmas Tree, Bouncy House, Portraits with Santa, Food Trucks/Vendors, Musical Performances, Home Alone (1990) on Giant Screen in Kehoe Square. $15 All Day Pass (all ages); $45 Family Pack of 4 All Day Passes. Details here. 

(Hilton Head Is) Cookies, Cocoa, Santa @ Sandbox Children’s Museum, Sun. Dec. 22. Details here. 

(Hilton Head Is) Noon Year’s Eve @ Sandbox Children’s Museum, Sun. Mon. Dec. 31,  10AM-2PM. Celebrate the New Year without staying up to midnight. Special games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, picnic lunch, a balloon drop @ noon. Details  here. .

(Tybee Is) Tybee Island New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Dec. 31, 2019 @ 11:55PM-Jan. 1, 2020 @ 12:30AM. Launches from the Tybee Pier

(Tybee Is) Tybee Polar Plunge, Jan. 1, 2020 @ the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. Join more than 1,000 as they plunge into the chilly Atlantic. Register online here. 

(Midway, Ga) 1st Day Hikes on Jan. 1 2020 @ Fort Morris State Park. Details here. 

Take your Christmas photo on board with Santa!

Kids sail FREE with the donation of a new unwrapped toy!

Join Savannah Riverboat Cruises, Santa and his North Pole crew as they cruise the Savannah River during this one and a half hour Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise.  Join Santa and his North Pole crew on board for pictures and a treat for kids while you cruise the Savannah River during a Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise.

All toys will be donated to WSAV’s Holiday Hope Toy Drive for the Salvation Army.

TO RESERVE YOUR FAMILY’S SPOT, CLICK HERE. 

Sailing Dates: 
Nov. 29 & 30 2019

Boarding begins at 12:30 | Sailing @ 1PM. Returning @ 2PM

Ticket price: Adults: $24.95* | Child(ages 5-12) $15.95*

Savannah Riverboat Cruises is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Bring your family and friends for a free day of movies that are free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest and open to the public @ Trustees Theather, Savannah. 

Sat. Dec. 21 2019
11AM, Trustees Theater
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Admission is FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest.

Sat. Dec. 21 2019
3PM, Trustees Theater
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Admission is FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest.

Sat. Dec. 21 2019
7PM, Trustees Theater
It’s a Wonderful Life
Admission is FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest.

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Trustees Theater
216 E Broughton St.
Savannah, Georgia 31401

Your kids can make a special centerpiece for your family holiday table by creating their own fabric sculpture turkey @ a Tabletop Turkey Workshop @ the Savannah Cultural Arts Center  on Tues. Nov. 26 2019, 9:30-11:30AM

For all ages. Cost: $10 per person

Register online here.

Tabletop Turkey Workshop
Tues. Nov. 26 2019, 9:30-11:30AM
Savannah Cultural Arts Center
201 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401

After this event, plan to attend the free showing of a holiday matinee “Freebirds” @ Savannah Cultural Center, Noon-3PM. Details here. 

City of Savannah Cultural Resources Department is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

14TH BIRTHDAY BASH | AT THE SANDBOX ON HILTON HEAD, 10AM-2PM Wed. Nov. 27 2019

Come celebrate The Sandbox Museum’s birthday at The Sandbox on Hilton Head Is. with the family!

The Sandbox’s parking lot will be turned into a carnival, complete with bounce house, “corn hole”, and other carnival games with prizes, popcorn station, holiday crafts including decorating sugar cookies and ornaments, and of course, birthday cake.

To get everyone in the holiday spirit, kids of all ages can play in fake snow.

Cost: Event admission is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Military and senior discounts are available.

First come, first serve.
Space and activities limited in the event of rain. Sorry, coupons not valid for special event.

Learn more here. 

Sandbox Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is.
18A Pope Ave
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

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BLACK FRIDAY ADMISSION SPECIAL | AT THE SANDBOX AT TANGER 2 on Fri. Nov. 29 2019

Take a break from Holiday shopping and find time to play @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum at Tanger 2  in Bluffton.

Admission on Fri. Nov. 29 2019 is only $5 per person for everyone over the age of 12 months.

Cost: $5 All Day

The Sandbox at Tanger 2
Tanger Outlets Hilton Head
1414 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910

Learn more here. 

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Cookies & Cocoa, Santa on Dec. 22, 2019 @ The Sandbox Museum’s birthday at The Sandbox on Hilton Head Is. 

Come join for some spirit of the season.

Elf Workshop (holiday craft)
Sugar Plum Stop (cookie/treat decorating)
Hot Cocoa on the porch
1-4PM, Sun. Dec. 22 2019

Event admission is $5 for Adults, $10 for Children, up to 12 months is free.
MEMBERS are FREE.

First come, first serve. Space and activities limited in the event of rain
(Sorry, coupons not valid for special event)

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FREE Family Fun Night, Dec. 6 2019

First Friday of the month
5:30-7:30PM
Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head  FREE Family Fun Nights .

This is a community event designed to bring families together for a cost-free evening of creativity and play.

Weather permitting, the Bounce House and Big Blue Blocks will be available for play outdoors, or you can explore our exhibits and enjoy a craft indoors. Light refreshments will also be served free of charge.

In addition of collecting canned goods for Deep Well,  participants also will make kindness rocks for the museum’s garden.

FREE & FUN for all ages.

Free Family Fun Night
Fri. Dec. 7, 5:30-7:30PM

Supported by The Bargain Box

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Noon Year’s Eve @ The Sandbox, Dec. 31, 2019

Want to celebrate the New Year without staying up to midnight? Then ring in 2019 with your family at The Sandbox.

Festivities include special games and activities both indoors and outdoors. In addition to scavenger hunts, games, fun arts & crafts and a picnic lunch, attendees will ring in 2019 with party favors and a balloon drop at 12 noon.

Noon Year’s Eve for kids
10AM-2PM Tues. Dec. 31 2019

Event admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Military and senior discounts are available.

First come, first serve. Space and activities limited in the event of rain.

(Sorry, coupons not valid for special event)

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Sandbox Children’s Museum
The Sandbox Children’s Museum
18 Pope Ave
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah Santa Train, one of the largest annual holiday events in the Lowcountry, will take place Sat. December 7, 2019, 9AM-5PM @ Georgia State Railroad Museum at 655 Louisville Rd. in Savannah.

Buy tickets online here. 

Tickets are $15 per person for all guests eighteen months and older.

CHS Members will receive a discounted ticket rate of $12. Become a member here.

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To celebrate the 2019 event, there will be more workshops and special programming than ever before. Guests can build a holiday wonderland with Snapology of Savannah, enjoy caroling by Savannah Stage Company, learn about holiday traditions around the lowcountry including Gullah-Geechee cultural celebrations, see and purchase handmade holiday spinning tops created by the Lowcountry Turners, enjoy performances from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Savannah Children’s Theatre and design holiday cards for hospital patients with Savannah Children’s Museum’s “Carts with heART” program.

Other activities for visitors: learning how to shoulder a musket during Toy Soldiers Training, festive holiday dancing with Minick Family Music, snowball-themed STEM activities, taking a holiday-themed ride on a diesel locomotive and sharing a Christmas wish with Santa Claus. The The Salvation Army Savannah GA will also be bringing their mobile Canteen with free donuts and coffee.

In addition to the many workshops and activities, visitors can purchase a gourmet grilled cheese from the Big Cheese food truck, a delicious taco from Dark Shark – Taco Attack food truck, and have a sweet treat for dessert from Leopold’s Ice Cream.

Savannah Santa Train is hosted each year by Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum. Tickets are $15 per person for all guests eighteen months and older. Pre-registration is required online here. 

CHS Members will receive a discounted ticket rate of $12. Become a member here. 

Train rides are available every twenty minutes, so please select a time to reserve your spot.

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Free Kids’ Holiday Making Station @ the Savannah’s Clay Spot Merry Art Market 2019

Your kids can make something special while you shop for locally made pottery.

Merry Art Market
Dec. 7 2019
10AM-6PM
Savannah’s Clay Spot
1305 Barnard St.
Savannah 31401

Savannah’s Clay Spot is at 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401. The studio sits on the SW corner of Barnard and Henry Street with the front door facing Henry St. There is parking right in front of the studio facing Henry Street. Look for the fun red fence.

Savannah’s Clay Spot, www.savannahsclayspot.com, 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401, tel. 912-509-4647 or e-mail lisa@savannahsclayspot.com

Lots of creative kids’ happenings going on during November 2019 @ Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe in Savannah. 

Time to spend some time with your little one while you enjoy a cafe treat and your child creates.

November 2019 Art Programs for Kids

Play Doh Playdates Tuesdays, 10AM-5PM. For all ages. Cost: $5.

Homeschool Meet-Up Wednesdays for all ages, Noon-5PM. Cost: $5. Special rate for Savannah’s wonderful homeschool community.

Mommy & Me Wednesdays, 10AM-Noon. For all ages. Cost: $5.
Nov. 20 theme: Hedgehog Art
Nov. 27 theme: Pretend Pumpkin Pie

Play Doh Playdates Thursdays 10AM-5PM. For all ages. Cost: $5.

Petite Picassos Fridays, 10AM-5PM. For all ages. Cost: $5.

Craftnoons Weekdays, 3-5PM. For all ages. Cost: $5.

Animal Portraits Saturdays & Sundays, 10AM-5PM. For all ages. Cost: $7.

Open Studio Projects

Henny Penny also has open studio projects for all ages, daily 10AM-5PM.

Find more Scribble Art Studio at Henny Penny kids’ activities & programs here. 

Henny Penny Cafe, 1514 Bull St., Savannah Henny Penny is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There are a few spots available for mini-photo sessions with three professional Savannah Photographers.

The photographers have generously donated their time to shoot a limited number of Holiday Family Photos at a scenic Savannah spot to support the Montessori Education Society of Savannah.

That means you get a great deal on professional portraits just in time for your holiday cards & holiday gifts.

These portrait sessions are open to the public, but spaces are limited so please sign up now.

Professional photographers John Alexander of John Alexander Photography ; Rich Burkhart of Photos by Rich Burkhart and Yanir Yakabovits of YY Images will offer 10-minute mini sessions for families.

$100 session gets you digital delivery of all images taken during the shoot AND 100% of proceeds support of the Montessori Education Society of Savannah.

Portrait times are available Sat. Oct. 26 and Sat. Nov. 16 2019 and all photo shoots will take place at the grassy circle park at the intersection of Battey and 50th streets in Savannah’s Ardsley Park neighborhood.

Book your photo session online here. 

Enter Savannah’s 19th Annual Gingerbread competition

Do you have a classroom or club that is looking to participate in Savannah’s annual Gingerbread Village Competition at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa?

All entries will be on display beginning Sun. Nov. 24 2019 with a grand reveal; during the annual Boat Parade of Lights on Nov. 30 2019; and through the holidays until Jan. 1 2020.

ENTRY DEADLINE: NOV. 15 2019. 

Due to space, only a limited number of entries will be accepted into the competition. You are encouraged to submit your entry form early and before the deadline to ensure participation.

Learn more about entering the competition here. 

For additional information email
Gingerbread@savannahharborfoundation.com or call 912-604-6852.

Three professional Savannah Photographers have generously agreed to donate their time to shoot a limited number of Holiday Family Photos at a scenic Savannah spot to support the Montessori Education Society of Savannah.

That means you get a great deal on professional portraits just in time for your holiday cards & holiday gifts.

These portrait sessions are open to the public, but spaces are limited so please sign up now.

Professional photographers John Alexander of John Alexander Photography ; Rich Burkhart of Photos by Rich Burkhart and Yanir Yakabovits of YY Images will offer 10-minute mini sessions for families.

$100 session gets you digital delivery of all images taken during the shoot AND 100% of proceeds support of the Montessori Education Society of Savannah.

Portrait times are available Oct. 25 & 26 and Nov. 16 2019 and all photo shoots will take place at the grassy circle park at the intersection of Battey and 50th streets in Savannah’s Ardsley Park neighborhood.

Book your photo session online here.