MAGIC OF LIGHTS® brings holiday lights to Savannah for the first time this holiday season

A 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, a Prehistoric Christmas scene with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the iconic BIGFOOT® Monster Truck.

Those are just a few of the highlights @ the South Georgia State Fair debut of a new Festive Drive-Through Lights Spectacular which opens Fri. Nov. 22 2023. Address: 105 Fort Argyle Rd
Savannah, 31419

Magic of Lights is daily, 5PM to 10PM, Nov. 22 2024 through Jan. 4 2025. Tickets available now for purchase, with pricing set per vehicle at MagicofLights.com

This holiday season will shine even brighter, with Magic of Lights turning South Georgia State Fair into a dazzling drive-through light display. The festive spectacular begins on Opening Night NOVEMBER 22 and will light up the nights until Close Night JANUARY 4.

Produced by Family Entertainment Live, “Magic of Lights” will make its debut at SOUTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR in SAVANNAH GA showcasing dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animations—all crafted with millions of LED lights to create a memorable holiday experience for the entire family.

Guests can experience Magic of Lights’ beloved holiday displays from the comfort of their own vehicle, including Prehistoric Christmas, Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road. Along with the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will be new and captivating light tunnels to enhance the festive journey.

For the 2024 season, the brand-new MagicVision Selfie Filters will be unveiled featuring fun filters that will transform your selfies into festive holiday-themed images, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Other dazzling displays include the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, a Prehistoric Christmas scene with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the iconic BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. With over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights offers a nostalgic and festive experience that everyone will love.

.QUICK FACTS – MAGIC OF LIGHTS 
• 2+ million lights per Magic of Lights event
• 12.6 miles of light cord per Magic of Lights event
• 3,750 staff hours to set up each Magic of Lights event
• The steel displays are designed, bent, cut and welded into about 800 frames that are combined in different configurations to create each show’s giant winter holiday scenes. Each frame of each scene is designed using the latest CAD technology and hand built in-house from 15 pages of design specifications each.
• Each Magic of Lights show uses about 10 miles of steel to build the displays and 10 miles of LED lighting installed inside the displays, there are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used in the shows.
Scenes, such as the animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie, are as high as 32 ft. tall and as long as several hundred feet.

Magic of Lights is daily, 5PM to 10PM, Nov. 22 2024 through Jan. 4 2025. Tickets available now for purchase, with pricing set per vehicle at MagicofLights.com

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Savannah Holidays Events 2024: Candle Lantern Holiday Tours @ Fort Pulaski National Monument

Candle Lantern Holiday Tours at Fort Pulaski National Monument are back.

Experience a unique visit during this festive event by taking a night-time guided walk through historic Fort Pulaski, lit by candlelight and oil lamps. This program is a unique opportunity to learn about Fort Pulaski’s holiday history.

Learn more here & purchase tickets online here.

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Sailing with Santa Savannah Riverboat Cruise

Santa will make his grand entrance aboard the Georgia Queen Riverboat on Sunday, December 8, 2024, with help from the Savannah Fire Department.

Families can enjoy a 1½-hour narrated sightseeing cruise – Sailing with Santa – featuring Santa and his crew, crafts, sweet treats, and photo opportunities in Santa’s Workshop.

Toy Drive: Children bringing a new, unwrapped toy for Greenbrier Children’s Center’s Early Learning Program (ages 1–5) will sail for free with a paying adult.

Book your Sailing with Santa seasonal cruise online here.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024

Location: Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 East River Street, Savannah, GA

Boarding Time: 12:00 pm | Sailing Time: 1:00–2:30 pm

Book Your Seats Today: Don’t wait—spots are filling up fast! Visit www.savannahriverboat.com or call (912) 232-6404 to reserve your tickets.

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Family Christmas Events @ Savannah’s Plant Riverside District

Brunch with Santa. Gingerbread House Unveiling. Christmas Lighting Ceremony. Holiday Cookie Decorating. Letters to Santa.

Find all of Savannah’s Plant Riverside District holiday fun here.

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Fri. Nov. 29 2024

(Savannah) Free Letters to Santa, 3PM @ Plant Riverside District’s Turbine Cafe. Kids can write and decorate their very own letters to the North Pole! With specially designed stationery, colorful colors, and stickers, kids of all ages can share their Christmas wishes, draw pictures, and let their imaginations soar. Once the letters are ready, they’ll be mailed in Plant Riverside District’s special holiday mailbox for a personalized reply from Santa himself, delivered right to their home. Activity Sheets available as well. Holiday drinks available for purchase. No reservations required. Details here. 

(Savannah) Free Gingerbread House Unveiling,  4PM. Plant Riverside District, Generator Hall Lobby. Festive music, kids’ activities, and hot cocoa. Free & open to the public. Details here. 

(Savannah) Free Lighting Ceremony, 6:30-7:30PM Plant Riverside District’s MLK Park. Free & open to the public. Holiday songs and spirit by the Southeast Coast Gospel Choir under the direction of Delandrian Aikens, a reading of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas by community leader Roger Moss, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free & open to the public. Details here. 

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2PM Sat. Nov. 30, Sat. Dec. 7, Sat. Dec. 14, Sat. Dec. 21

Holiday Cookie Decorating @ Plant Riverside District’s Turbine Cafe. Freshly baked cookies provided in fun holiday shapes—snowflakes, stockings, candy canes, and more—along with all the decorating essentials, from colorful icings and sprinkles to shimmering edible glitter. This event is perfect for decorators of all ages and skill levels. Take home your creations, or enjoy a taste right away!  Cost: $25. Details here. 

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Sun. Dec. 15 2024

(Savannah) Brunch with Santa @ Plant Riverside District. A magical brunch filled with holiday cheer, delicious food, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Christmas crafts, Christmas face paint characters, classic holiday tale readings, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Details here.

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Santa Visits & Photos @ Plant Riverside District, Savannah

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Holiday Cookie Decorating @ Plant Riverside District, Savannah

Gather with friends, family to decorate festive, holiday cookies to celebrate the season with Turbine Cafe’s pastry team @ one of their annual Savannah Holiday Cookie Decorating Saturday sessions.

Turbine Cafe in Plant Riverside District will provide freshly baked cookies in fun holiday shapes—snowflakes, stockings, candy canes, and more—along with all the decorating essentials, from colorful icings and sprinkles to shimmering edible glitter.

This event is perfect for decorators of all ages and skill levels.

Take home your creations, or enjoy a taste right away! Whether you’re making treats to share or just looking to get creative, Plant Riverside District’s Holiday Cookie Decorating event is a sweet way to celebrate the season together. 

Sign up here.

2-4PM Sat. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21 2024.

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Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. @ Savannah Children’s Theatre

Here’s a holiday treat & a chance to take your kids to a festive live theater production during the holidays: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. @ Savannah Children’s Theatre.

Showtimes: Dec. 6,13 & 20 @ 7PM; Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 @ 3PM.

Purchase tickets online here.

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Thanksgiving camps & Winter Break day camps in November & December @ The Jam UAC, Savannah

The JAM Urban Athletic Club Thanksgiving & Christmas Holiday Camps are now OPEN to registration to all.

DATES

Thanksgiving Week

Monday, November 25

Tuesday, November 26

Wednesday, November 27

Christmas Holiday Weeks

Christmas Week: 12/23, 12/24 & 12/27

Winter Week: 12/30, 12/31, 01/02 & 01/03

HOURS

Full Day: 9 AM – 3 PM (Ages 4-12)

Half Day: 9 AM – 12 PM (Ages 3-4, potty-trained)

REGISTER HERE.

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Holiday Workshops for Kids @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center

Little ones can have fun in a holiday workshop this season at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center! Registration is open for visual and performing arts workshops for ages 4 – 11. View the catalog below and sign up today! 

Make a Dreidel (Ages 6-8)

Learn about the history of Hanukkah and make a clay dreidel!

Thursday, Dec. 19 | 5-6pm

Block Print Holiday Cards and Bookmarks for Families (Grades K-6)

Create block print holiday cards and bookmarks to take home! 

Saturday, Dec. 21 | 9am-12pm

Sugar Plum Fairy Ballet Camp (Ages 7-10)

Focus on the basics of ballet through imagery, props, and technique!

Monday, Dec. 16 and Tuesday, Dec. 17 | 5-7pm

Frozen Fantasy Dance Camp (Ages 4-6)

Make our frozen fantasy come to life through dance, crafts, and more!

12/30, 12/31, 1/2, 1/3 | 10-11:30am

Visit savannahga.gov/artsclasses#workshops to learn more and register today! 

Registration takes place on CommunityPass. You must create a CommunityPass account and add all family members you wish to register for classes to the account.

All classes take place at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center at 201 Montgomery St.

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Holiday Camp @ Red Gate Farms, Savannah

Red Gate Farms Equestrian Center will offer Holiday Camp 2024 during Thanksgiving Break as well as during Winter Break.

Each day children will get balance riding lessons, learn about caring for and feeding the horses, participate in team building games, and a surprise special activity.

Camp activities include: Mini Riding Lessons; Horsemanship Activities; Basic Horse Care; Games on Horseback; Team Building Exercises; Arts & Crafts

PRICE: $125 per child
AGES: 6 – 12 Years Old
TIMES: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
DATES: November 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th 2024

               December 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 30th, 31st 2024

               January 2nd, 3rd 2025

Register online here.

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Thanksgiving Week Camp 2024 @ Summit Gymnastics, Savannah

Summit Gymnastics will offer Thanksgiving week camps this year: Mon-Wed. Nov. 25, 26 & 27 2024.

Secure your spot as they are limited.

Sign up for one day or more for $40 per day.

For ages 3-12 (must be bathroom independent). Class time: 9AM-1PM.

Call  912-921-1034 or email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com.

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Thanksgiving Week 2024 @ Savannah Children’s Museum

Looking for something fun to do when kids are out of school next week?

Savannah Children’s Museum will have a SPECIAL OPEN DAY on Tuesday, November 26 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, weather permitting.

Turkey Tuesday will feature Thanksgiving-themed storytime, arts & crafts, scavenger hunt plus learning through exploration and play. We look forward to seeing you there!

(SCM will be open regular hours 9AM-3PM Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29, Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1 but will be closed Thanksgiving Day)

Learn more here.

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Pre-Registration is encouraged for the 4-mile Savannah Turkey Trot 2024

SouthCoast Health is proud to sponsor the annual United Way Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024 at Daffin Park in Savannah.

SouthCoast Health has been the title sponsor of the event since it started back in 2009. Learn more here.

Come as you are or in a Thanksgiving themed-costume and hit the 4-mile course.

Sign up here.

The Kids-K kicks off the fun-filled day at 8:00 AM. This 400-yard race is perfect for children eight years old or younger, and it’s free with no registration required. At 8:15 AM the Diaper Dash will start, with children ages two and under running 40 feet. Finally, the main run and walk of the 4-mile course begins at 8:30 AM. 

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Thanksgiving Week Family Art Making Workshops in Savannah

Join us!

Make a mark that will celebrate your family over the holiday break November 23rd-24th and 26th 2024 @ Learning Through Studio’s family/group art making workshops.

Enjoy a private family or group art sessions which includes 1 hour of artmaking led by Learning Through Studio Founder and Professional artist Jennifer Mack-Watkins.

You will learn the basics of mark-making by using printmaking techniques to create a customized mixed-media work of art. All art supplies are included. Feel free to bring your own snacks to share.

Each Family or group will leave with handmade mixed media painting on paper ready to decorate your home. Each participant will leave also with a 8×10 canvas panel to add to this memory. Framing information available by request.

Come ready to get messy and create art together ! Come create with us! 

Learn more including how to sign up here.

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Tickets Are On Sale NOW for this holiday tradition: Land of the Sweets

The holiday magic is back with Tybee Ballet Theatre’s Land of the Sweets, a 75min inclusive, relatable, and abbreviated version of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

Don’t miss out on this enchanting performance that brings the beauty of ballet to life for the whole family.

Show Date and Times: Nov. 23 2024

Location: Savannah Theatre

Times: Noon & 7PM

Whether you’re a ballet lover or just looking to start a new holiday tradition, Land of the Sweets is the perfect way to celebrate the season!

Get your tickets now here.

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Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with First Presbyterian Church in Savannah @ A Gracious Christmas, 9AM-1PM Thurs. Dec. 5 2024.

The women of FPC welcome you to the 15th annual A Gracious Christmas! Celebrate the true Christmas spirit with grace and style while meeting First Presbyterian’s mission to be a servant church in the city. The beneficiary of all funds raised will go to Over the Moon diaper bank, whose mission is to end diaper need and period poverty in our community.

The morning will include workshops, shopping in the Marketplace, a raffle, and a delicious luncheon prepared by Chef Kirk Blaine of Castaways Restaurant. Please come for a morning of fellowship and inspirations for your own gracious Christmas!

Click here for more information:

Give the Gift of Disney Magic with Two Sisters Travel

Disney World is a magical experience any time of year, but visiting during the holidays adds an extra layer of enchantment that is truly unforgettable. From dazzling decorations to special events and festive cheer around every corner, nothing is quite like Disney World at Christmas time.

DisneyWorld is offering up to 30% off of resort stays AND free park hopper ticket upgrades when purchasing a travel package!! How exciting! Not to mention, you can experience the holiday magic like never before at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! From festive parades and dazzling fireworks to special character encounters and seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone.

Make this holiday magical from start to finish by allowing Two Sisters Travel to help plan your Christmas-filled getaway! Two Sisters Travel offers personalized recommendations, handle bookings, and ensure every detail meets your family’s needs. 

Give yourself the gift of stress-free vacation planning, and your family the gift of Disney Magic by contacting Two Sisters Travel TODAY to get your FREE Quote and Consultation Call. Your perfect Disney Christmas vacation is only a click away.

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Tybee Ballet Theatre’s The Land of the Sweets Ballet Brunch

Land of the Sweets Ballet Brunch, Sun, Nov. 10, 2024, 10:30 AM & 12:30PM @ North Beach Bar and Grill – Tybee Is.

Help raise funds for Tybee Ballet Theatre’s enchanting holiday production of Land of the Sweets. Enjoy a delightful brunch by the beach, filled with delicious food and drinks to ring in the holiday season!

What to Expect:

Scrumptious brunch menu by North Beach Bar & Grill

Holiday-themed cocktails & mocktails

Auction and prizes

Photo-ops with cast

What to Know:

General seating tickets: Due to the limited amount of tables, we cannot guarantee together seating with your party. Additionally, your party may be seated with others or placed at the bar. You will be seated on a first come, first serve basis, so plan accordingly.

VIP ticketing: VIP seating guarantees priority seating with your party at a private table. Additionally, you will receive LOS swag, special attention from the LOS cast, and a complimentary cocktail (or non-alcoholic beverage) for each person at your table.

All proceeds support Tybee Ballet Theatre’s mission to keep the Land of the Sweets program accessible, free, and coming back year after year.

Questions? Email kateandbritt@tybeeballettheatre.com

Purchase tickets online here.

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Free Family Movie “Elf” Sat. Nov. 9 in the Park in Thunderbolt

Get ready for a magical evening under the stars as the Town of Thunderbolt presents a FREE Family Movie Night on 5-9PM Sat. Nov. 9, 2024 at Cesaroni Park, 2817 3rd St.

Enjoy an outdoor screening of family film, ELF.

Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Complimentary popcorn. Bring your picnic blankets, mats, or folding chairs The movie starts at 6PM. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult for safety.

Free parking will be available at designated areas around the park. Questions?Email events@thunderboltga.org or call 912.713.7406.

Give the Gift of Disney Magic with Two Sisters Travel!

Disney World is a magical experience any time of year, but visiting during the holidays adds an extra layer of enchantment that is truly unforgettable. From dazzling decorations to special events and festive cheer around every corner, nothing is quite like Disney World at Christmas time.

DisneyWorld is offering up to 30% off of resort stays AND free park hopper ticket upgrades when purchasing a travel package!! How exciting! Not to mention, you can experience the holiday magic like never before at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! From festive parades and dazzling fireworks to special character encounters and seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone.

Make this holiday magical from start to finish by allowing Two Sisters Travel to help plan your Christmas-filled getaway! Two Sisters Travel offers personalized recommendations, handle bookings, and ensure every detail meets your family’s needs. 

Give yourself the gift of stress-free vacation planning, and your family the gift of Disney Magic by contacting Two Sisters Travel TODAY to get your FREE Quote and Consultation Call. Your perfect Disney Christmas vacation is only a click away! 

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Audition Notice! This Monday Sept. 16 @7PM @ Savannah Children’s Theatre for the musical Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Here’s a fun way for the whole family to spread joy & laughter this holiday season!

Visit Savannah Children’s Theatre Audition page here for more details. Break a leg!

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Savannah’s Boat Parade of Lights 2024

Savannah’s Boat Parade of Lights and SCAD SERVE will partner to benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center as they prepare for the 2024 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights on the Savannah River on Saturday, November 30, 2024 (Thanksgiving holiday weekend).

SCAD students have submitted multiple designs for the 2024 Boat Parade of Lights T-shirt Design Contest. These designs will be available for viewing, and voting on, beginning September 14, 2024. The public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite T shirt design for only $1.00 per vote, at http://gogophotocontest.com/2024BoatParadeTShirtContest.  T-shirts with the winning design printed on them will be available for purchase on the parade website at www.savannahboatparadeoflights.com.  Proceeds from both the voting and T-shirt purchases will benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center.

The Savannah Boat Parade of Lights will be Saturday, November 30^th from 7-9 pm. The parade, traditionally held on Thanksgiving weekend, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Savannah. The Parade of Lights, led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, will begin its voyage from the dock at Eastern Wharf in front of the Thompson Savannah hotel. The parade will cross the river, pass the Convention Center, and head to the Talmadge Bridge, before circling back past the Plant Riverside District, along River Street and slowly proceed past the dock at Eastern Wharf where the decorated boats will be announced and judged for prizes. The route will be repeated, ending at the dock at Eastern Wharf. Additional events are planned before and during the parade at the park at Eastern Wharf. In addition, Thompson Savannah Hotel will be hosting their first official Boat Parade Afterparty following the parade.

The Boat Parade is free and open to the public and is staged entirely by volunteers. Boat captains, crews, judges, and volunteers donate their time and talents to make this event accessible to everyone. Although the parade is free to the public, funds from sponsorships and contributions are given to Greenbriar Children’s Center, a non-profit in Savannah which provides one of only two emergency shelters in the area for children ages 11-18 who are abused, neglected, abandoned or homeless. Greenbriar also operates three quality rated, affordable infant and early centers, for children who are from primarily low-income families. Additionally, Greenbriar provides supportive services to families in their homes, including counseling, parenting education, and life-skills training.

The Boat Parade is grateful for contributions and sponsorships to help make the parade possible and raise funds for Greenbriar Children’s Center. Deadline for sponsor recognition on t-shirts and banners is October 15. For more information on ways to help, please email SavBoatParade@gmail.com or visit www.SavannahBoatParadeofLights.com.

Greenbriar Children’s Center is a non-profit organization that promotes the healthy development of children and the strengthening of families through a multitude of services. These services include affordable and accessible infant and early childhood education programs; free family, individual counseling and support services, and an emergency shelter for children ages 11-18 who are abused, abandoned or neglected or who are runways. For more information, please visit greenbriarchildrenscenter.org or call 912-234-3431.