Best home holiday light displays, decorations 2022 in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill

Driving around Savannah, Pooler, Rincon & Richmond Hill looking at home holiday light displays and decorations is a favorite family tradition.

From colossal Santa snow globes to computerized Christmas lights animated with music, SouthernMamas.com has your guide to local home holiday light displays.

Want to add a home lights display to this list or let us know if one of the past favorites isn’t up this year? Please email us the info at anne@southernmamas.com

* The Seager family, 476 Copper Creek Circle, Pooler

* The Nowicki family, 107 Saint Andrews Way, Wilmington Is.

* The Gray Family, 782 Greenwich Dr., Richmond Hill. Lights & trains

* Going Griswold Holiday Light Show, 3 Amberwood Circle , Savannah. 95.9FM. There’s also a gingerbread house and reindeer barn for the kids

* Wells & Sparks Families @ 1437 Dean Forest Rd. & 1429 Dean Forest Rd. Savannah, Ga 31405

* The Steinhauser family, 1431 Whitfield Park Circle. Tune radio to 102.9FM

* The Fordhams, 21 Timbers Way, Savannah, (Located in the Rivers Bend neighborhood off of Whitfield Ave.)

* South Lancaster Rd. , Wilmington Park

* The Lodge Family, 701 Stuart St. Savannah (not confirmed for this year)

* The Ray Famiy, 9 Yorkshire Place Savannah

* The Jensen Family, 6A Webster Drive, Savannah

* The Schirtzinger family, 202 Blue Marlin Dr., Whitemarsh Island.

* The Simons family, 165 Bald Cypress Lane 31302 (Off of Little Neck Road) Animated and Static

* 112 Magnolia Dr., Pooler

* 29 Bostwick Drive, Pooler.

* 6 Shackleford Cv, Pooler 

* 221 Pinecrest Place, Pooler,

* The Owens Family, 111 Chinese Fir Ct, Pooler

* 39 Holly Springs Circle, Port Wentworth

* The Barratta family, 154 Lake Dr., Midway 

* The Walker family, 23 Charlie’s Rd, and Hwy 144, Richmond Hill

* The Mar family, 104 Rockingham Circle, Bloomingdale

* 106 Sandstone Dr. Bloomingdale

* The Padgett’s Christmas Lights Display, 156 Oakview Rd., Rincon

* 201 Savannah Avenue, Rincon.

* The Smith family, 419 Willowpeg Way, Rincon. (Next to Lost Plantation Golf Course)  Tune to 89.7, syncs to music.

* 126 Aquaduct Dr. in the Staffordshire Estates Subdivision off of Blue Jay, Rincon

* Pennington neighborhood, off Midland Rd, Guyton

* 105 Penny Lane, Guyton, 6-11PM nightly

* The Rockwell Family, 253 Cypress Creek Lane, Guyton

* 133 South Effingham Plantation Dr.

* The Simmons family, 439 Egypt Ardmore Rd, Springfield

* 101 Black Gum Dr., Springfield

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South Carolina

Brendlen’s Christmas Light Display
1570 Drigger’s Lane
Ridgeland SC 29936
Nightly lights display. Meet Santa, Olaf & Elsa on Sat. Dec. 10, plus train rides, facepainting, cookie & ornament decorating. Free!

Arborwood Lights display
9 Arbormeade Circle in Bluffton (Look for “Arborwood Lights” in Google Maps.)
6-9PM nightly
Decorated homes & yards off Buckwalter Parkway in sync to Christmas music.

43 Neligh Lane in Cypress Ridge off SC 170
Bluffton SC
8,500 lights in sync with music on 99.3 FM.
5:30-8PM Sunday-Thursday and until 10PM Friday & Saturday
Another home lights display @ nearby 211 Argo Circle.

Hilton Head Firefighters Christmas Lights
Fire Station 3
534 William Hilton Pkwy
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Donations of non-perishable food items are accepted

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FREE lights displays @ businesses, organizations

TMT Farms Christmas Lights Drive-Thru in Statesboro
16710 Old River Rd N
Statesboro, GA 30461
Open now until Dec. 27 2022, 6PM-1AM nightly.
Drive-thru only.
Admission is free, however, please bring non-perishable food items to donate. Cash donations are also accepted. Donated food will be distributed to needy families throughout Bulloch County and surrounding counties. Monetary contributions are used to purchase gift cards for needy families.
Details here.

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Enroll in Soccer Shots Savannah Holiday Camp & Winter 2023 Session For Ages 2-8

Enrollment for the Soccer Shots Savannah 8-week Winter Season AND their 4 week Holiday Camp Season is now open for children ages 2-8!

Soccer Shots Savannah Holiday Camp starts the week after Thanksgiving! It will feature 4 classes, 30 minutes long each, with a different holiday focus and theme each week- holiday themed prizes!

Soccer Shots is kicking off the Winter Season the week of Jan. 9 2023 and wants your child to join Soccer Shots on Soccer Island!  

Visit Soccershots.org/savannah to learn more about this program! Or go straight to the enrollment page and sign up for a location near you that meets at a time that fits your schedule at savannah.soccershots.com.

Soccer Shots has locations all throughout Savannah, Wilmington Island, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and Bluffton!.

Learn more here.

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The DeSoto in Savannah will offer fun, family-friendly holiday activities starting Dec. 12 2022 and leading up to Christmas as part of The DeSoto’s 12 Days of Christmas celebration.

Bring your kids!

Mon. Dec. 12, 4-5PM. 12 drummers drumming through The DeSoto. Bring your drums or create your own @ The DeSoto. Then join in a family-friendly drum circle. Enjoy hot cocoa & s’mores.

Tues. Dec. 13, 4-6PM. 11 pipers piping perfect pairs of gingerbread. Enjoy family-friendly cookie decorating, appetizers & holiday beverages. Reservations on Opentable.

Wed. Dec. 14, 6-8PM. 10 lord a leaping. Adopt a Renegade PAWS pet or bring your leaping lord for a pawfect night of yappy hour & treats. Grand prize for the best holiday pet costume.

Thurs. Dec. 15, 6-8PM. 9 ladies dancing at Edgar’s Proof & Provision. Come to happy hour & line dancing with Salsa Savannah.

Fri. Dec. 16, 4-6PM. 8 maids a milking @ Buffalo Bayou. Get in the holiday spirit with the whole family & enjoy The DeSoto’s holiday beverages & smoothies.

Sat. Dec. 17, 1-4PM. 7 swans a swimming @ The DeSoto pool patio. Take a shopping break & stop in for cocktails, nibbles & music.

Sun. Dec. 18, 11:30AM-2PM. 6 geese a laying in The DeSoto’s Harborview Room with the best views in Savannah. Make reservations for Holiday Champagne Brunch on the 15th floor through Opentable.

Mon. Dec. 19, 3-7PM. 5 golden rings & more. Sip and shop in The DeSoto’s main lobby with our favorite local vendors.

Tues. Dec. 20, 6:30-8:30PM. 4 calling birds. Drop in for a holiday sing-along @ Edgar’s Proof & Provisions.

Wed. Dec. 21, 5-9PM. 3 French hens. Dine in 1540 Room with Coq au Vin French hens prepared by Chef Collin & a wine selection by sommelier Andrew Noye. Reservations on Resy.

Thurs. Dec. 22, 4-5:30PM. 2 turtle doves. Participate in a pasta cooking class for two with Chef Collin & enjoy a free glass of wine in 1540 Room. Reservations on Resy.

Fri. Dec. 23. And a partridge in a pear tree. The DeSoto delivers gifts to local veteran families. Learn more about The DeSoto’s Sotherly Foundation here.

Learn more about the DeSoto 12 Days of Christmas here.

The DeSoto
15 East Liberty Street,
Savannah, GA 31401

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Jingle Bell Pajama Party & Jingle Jog

Bring all the kids downtown and let them have a blast at the Jingle Bell Pajama Party & Jog. New this year is a Jingle Bell Jog for kids 10 and under – see below for details. Don’t miss out on pictures with Santa, face painting, holiday dancers, Magic Marc, activities and games. 

When: Sun. Dec. 18 2022 @ 1-4 p.m.

Where: Broughton & Bull 

Cost:  FREE!

Jingle Bell Jog

Kids 10 and under come join our fun run and race down Broughton street in your best holiday pajamas! Jingle all the way into the Jingle Bell Pajama Party! 

• When: Sunday, Dec. 18 – first race starts at 12:30
• Ages 6-10 will start on at Barnard Street
• Ages 4-6 will start on at Whitaker Street
• Finish line runs into the festival on Broughton & Bull Streets
• Prizes awarded for top 3 finishers 

Entertainment at the Tree @ Broughton & Bull streets: 

• 1 pm Gretchen Greene School of Dance
• 1:45 pm Magic Marc
• 2:45 pm Culturally Curious 
• 3:30 Gretchen Greene School of Dance 

Activities for Kids:

• Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus w/ Pop Squad Balloon
• Letters to Santa
• Coastal Heritage Society Mobile Museum with holiday-themed STEAM activities along with Tin Soldiers and playground soft blocks 
• Face painting 
• Savannah Fire Department Truck  
• Savannah Ghost Pirates
• Jingle Bell Wreath Craft
• Balloon Art 

Free & open to the public.

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Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus 2022 tour of the Islands, Southside by fire engine

The Chatham Fire Volunteer Divisions will escort Santa and Mrs Claus around the Islands & Savannah Southside in 2022 and spread some holiday cheer. See the online schedule and routes here.

The 7th District Division begins their Santa Detail this weekend Dec. 2-3 with the other divisions to follow.

Quacco/Cottonvale Road: Fri. Dec. 2 2022, starts @ 6PM

Southbridge/Berwick: Sat. Dec. 3 2022, starts @ 5PM

King George/Chevis Road/Wild Heron: Sun. Dec. 4 2022, starts @ 5PM

Wilmington Route: 12-5PM on Sat. Dec. 10 2022 with a meet and greet @ Wilmington Island Publix, 5-6:30PM.
Whitemarsh/Talahi: 1-5PM on Sun. Dec. 11 2022 with a meet and great @ Whitemarsh Island Publix, 5-6:30PM.

Skidaway Is: Sat. Dec. 17 & Sun. Dec. 18 2022. Find times here.

Whitefield Ave: Tues Dec. 20 2022, starts @ 6PM

Ferguson Avenue: Wed. Dec. 21 2022, starts @ 6PM

Burnside: Thurs. Dec. 22 2022, starts @ 6PM.

Dates for three areas of Southside will be determined.

Tracking link will be available on the day.

See the online Santa fire engine route schedule here to see when Santa may be cruising thru your neighborhood.

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Find more kids’ Christmas 2022 events here. 

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SouthernMamas.com Weekly E-letter

This free weekly e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as school open houses & application deadlines, free events, pediatric dentists, pediatricians and more.

Read it here.

Subscribe for free here.

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A weekend of free art at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center!

Fri. Dec. 16

Friday Dec. 16 2022 celebrates all artists with the opening of Elevate! The student/instructor gallery opening and performance showcases work by artists of all ages and levels – from ceramics and watercolor, to ballet and drumming! This event is free, fun, and open to all ages.

5-7PM Fri. Dec. 16 – Gallery opening

7PM – Performance

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Sat. Dec. 17

Saturday Dec. 17 2022 is the Holiday Arts Day! Free activities for all ages. The Lowcountry Turners will be demonstrating wood turning with fun takehomes, E. Shaver Books will read Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep, the Coastal Youth Choir will sing carols, and you can try your hand at clay dreidel making!

11AM-1PM – Wood turning demos

11AM- Storytime

11:15AM – Caroling begins

11:45AM – Dreidel making begins

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Join them this weekend at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St.

FREE & open to the public.

More information here.

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Free Jingle Bell Pajama Party featuring photos with Santa in downtown Savannah, Sun. Dec. 18, 1-4PM

Bring all the kids downtown and let them have a blast at Savannah’s Jingle Bell Pajama Party Sun. Dec. 18 2022, 1-4PM @ Broughton and Bull streets.

This event will feature pictures with Santa, face painting, holiday dancers, Magic Marc, activities, games and a fun run throughout downtown.

Free & open to the public.

Hosted by Savannah Holly Days.

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Here’s a look @ 2022 holiday events. SouthernMamas.com will be adding to this list as set dates become available as well as to our Events Calendar. Check back for more.

Self-Guided Tour of Savannah-Area Home Holiday Lights Displays. Find the 2022 SouthernMamas.com list of home lights displays to drive by (or walk thru) here.

12 Days of Christmas: The DeSoto in Savannah will offer fun, family-friendly holiday activities starting Dec. 12-23 as part of The DeSoto’s 12 Days of Christmas celebration. Details here.

Ice-Skating in Savannah:  Public ice-skating returns to the Savannah Civic Center in December 2022. Details here.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer opens Dec. 2 and runs three weekends @ Savannah Children’s Theatre. There will be a Holiday shop and a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie is included with the ticket price. Tickets are available now. Tickets

See Santa & Mrs. Claus on a fire engine. The Chatham Fire Volunteer Divisions take Santa & Mrs. Claus to various neighborhoods by fire engine over the next few weeks Dec. 2-Dec. 22. Free & open to the public. Details + schedule here.

Holiday Soccer Camp with Soccer Shots Savannah. For ages 2-8. Details here.

Three, free family holiday movies @ SCAD Trustees Theater, Sat. Dec. 17 2022: The Muppet Christmas Carol @ 11AM; Elf @ 3PM; It’s A Wonderful Life @ 7PM. These movies are free to the general public with the donation of a non-perishable food item benefiting Second Harvest. Detals here.

Free Jingle Bell Pajama Party & Jingle Jog, 12:30-4PM. Enjoy pictures with Santa, face painting, holiday dancers, Magic Marc, activities & games. New this year: Jingle Bell Jog for kids 10 & younger. Join the fun run & race down Broughton street in your holiday pajamas. First race starts @ 12:30PM.. Details here.

Chanukah @ Forsyth Park, a free, community-wide Chanukah experience in Savannah’s Forsyth Park with entertainment, activities including lighting of menorah & holiday fun for all ages, 3:30PM Sun. Dec. 18 2022. Details here.

Holiday Junior Golf Camp in Savannah, Dec. 19-22, 9AM-12:30PM. All skill levels welcome. Details here. 

Holiday Theater Camp @ Savannah Children’s Theatre, Dec. 19-23: 9AM-5PM, but early drop off & late pickup is available upon request. Details here.

Special Toddler Tuesday Polar Express @ three scheduled times Tues. Dec. 20 @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah. Pre-registeration required. No walk-ups allowed. Details here.

Gymnastics Holiday Camp: Summit Gymnastics Winter Holiday Camps in Savannah are Dec. 19-23 & Dec. 27-30, 9AM-1PM. For ages 4-10. Details here. 

Sun, Surf & Santa @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is., Wed. Dec. 21 2022. Santa, entertainer Rick Hubbard, holiday arts & crafts & more. Two sessions: 10AM & 1:30PM. Details here.

Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at noon Dec. 31 + a concert by Rick Hubbard and his Kazoo Band @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. Purchase tickets online @ www.thesandbox.org. $15/person Member, active military, senior discounts. While on www.thesandbox.org, click book now, Hilton Head then Dec 31 on the calendar. Details here.

Frozen Fantasy Holiday Camp @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center. Dec 27-30 2022, 10-11:30AM. Details here.

Savannah Adventist Christian School has space in preschool & PreK

Meet Savannah Adventist Christian School’s high school facilitator, Ms. Gabby Joseph!

Check out her smart homework tip and learn more about Atlanta Adventist Academy’s TRUeConnect program on the Pooler campus by coming to Academy Day on Mon. Jan. 9 2023. Registration required.

To experience AAA from the SACS campus, register here. Register here if you want to visit the Atlanta campus in person that day.

To schedule a tour of the Pooler campus, please call 912-748-5977 or email info@sacssda.org 

Space available in the Pooler campus Preschool and Pre-K classrooms for the winter term.

The school is at 50 Godley Way, Pooler, GA 31322.

Savannah Adventist Christian School — which offers preschool starting at age 3 through 9th grade — is a small, private school with a family feel and Christian curriculum.

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Three, free family holiday movies @ SCAD Trustees Theater, Savannah at 11AM, 3PM & 7PM Sat. Dec. 17 2022.

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The Muppet Christmas Carol – FREE on Sat. Dec. 17 2022, 11AM @ SCAD Trustees Theater, Savannah. This event is free to the general public with the donation of a non-perishable food item benefiting Second Harvest. Details here.

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Elf – FREE! on Sat. Dec. 17, 3PM @ SCAD Trustees Theater, Savannah. This event is free to the general public with the donation of a non-perishable food item benefiting Second Harvest. Details here.

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It’s a Wonderful Life – FREE Sat. Dec. 17, 7PM SCAD Trustees Theater, Savannah. This event is free to the general public with the donation of a non-perishable food item benefiting Second Harvest. Details here.

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Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St. Savannah

The Trustees Theater is a fully restored 1946 movie house owned and operated by SCAD

Art Start: Stroller & Toddler Tour, Thurs. Dec. 15, 10:30-11:30AM

Bring your little ones to Telfair Museums’ final Art Start: Stroller and Toddler Tour of the year on Thursday, December 15 at 10:30am at the Jepson Center in downtown Savannah.

Register online here.

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Christmas Junior Golf Camp in Savannah, Dec. 19-22, 2022

Want to keep your kids active during winter break when school is out?

Give your child the chance to try golf without wasting time and money to play.

The A-SWING Junior Golf Academy in Savannah is hosting a Christmas Junior Golf Camp 2022, Dec. 19 – 22 2022. Cost: $100 Time: 9AM- 12:30PM.

Register for the Golf Camp by here or contact Coach Paul at 912-655-9119 for additional information.

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Savannah’s teeming with iconic, beautiful schools. We captured a few of our favorite landmark schools and are working on adding more. The goal: creating special, local gifts for school teachers, staff and administrators (or for your child to have as a keepsake.)

Celebrate your beloved school with a 10-pack of postcards portraying your Savannah school. These make sweet frameable keepsakes or fun, unique notecards.

See the SouthernMamas.com Savannah school cards collection and links to purchase here.

For City of Savannah residents, we offer same-day delivery on orders placed Monday-Thursday.

Questions? Want to request a school not pictured here? Email anne@southernmamas.com.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Savannah

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer opens Dec. 2 2022 and runs three weekends. There will be a Holiday shop and a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie is included with the ticket price. Tickets are available now. Tickets.

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Auditions

Mr. Popper’s Penguins: Ages 7(& in 2nd grade) through adults of all ages. Auditions Dec. 6 2022 at 7PM. Shows March 3-5, 10-12 2023

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: Ages 18+. Auditions: Jan. 9 2023 at 7PM. Shows March 24-26, March 31-April 2 2023.

The Wizard of Oz: Ages 7 (& in 2nd grade) through adults of all ages. Auditions: Feb. 6 & 7. Shows May 19-21, May 26-28, June 2-4 2023.

Learn more here.

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Holiday Theatre Camp 2022, Dec. 19-23 9AM-5PM

Savannah Children’s Theatre is hosting a 5-day musical theatre camp December 19-23: North Pole’s Got Talent!. This full-day camp for youth will have students playing theatre games, singing songs, creating dances & putting on a holiday musical for the final day. Camp hours are 9AM-5PM, but early drop off & late pickup is available upon request.  

Register online here.

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Youth Drama Classes @ Savannah & Pooler locations of Savannah Children’s Theatre

Savannah Children’s Theatre’s Savannah location has opened Winter registration for their classes. Register HERE.

The next session of Pooler Drama/Theater Youth Classes starts Jan. 9 2023 and they will be doing Aladdin. Register HERE.

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Oatland Island Wildlife Center Enrichment Saturday – Wolves

This event allows the public to see some of the special work that often goes on behind-the-scenes at Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.

Adults and children will participate in creating enrichment material for our resident wolves and will watch the wolves experience their special creations.

Enrichment Saturday is an opportunity to witness how the Animal Care Staff provides special treats and activities to help hone the animals’ natural behaviors. Adults and children will participate in creating enrichment material for Oatland’s resident wolves and will watch the wolves experience their special creations.

Sat. Dec 10 2022, 9:30–10:30AM

Oatland Island Widlife Center animal care staff will take various natural non-toxic oils or other non-toxic scents like vanilla extract, lemon, cinnamon, mustard, etc. and place a few dabs around on the trees, on logs, on rocks, or inside boxes and watch the wolves try and roll on the objects.

Buy tickets online here.

What is included in the Enrichment Saturday Program?

This program allows you to get early entry to Oatland Island, work directly with Animal Care staff to create unique enrichment items specific to the animal chosen for the month, and then walk with the Animal Care staff to the animal enclosure to watch the animal get your enrichment items! Our Animal Care staff have chosen one animal per month for the program, so if you have a particular animal you love the most, you can sign up for that month’s Enrichment Saturday Program.

• Tickets are limited to 10 people per session
• $20.00 per person, for all ages.  All attendees must have a ticket. 
• All participants must be at least 4 years of age.  Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.
• Your ticket price includes admission to Oatland for the day, so feel free to stay and see the other animals after your program.

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Art Start & Stroller Toddler Tour @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, Savannah

On Thurs. Dec. 15 2022 10:30-11:30AM, Telfair Museums’ youngest patrons are invited to the Jepson Center for story time, a special tour, and an art activity.

Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome @ this monthly Art Start & Stroller Toddler Tour event.

Cost: $5 per child
Adults: members free | non-members $12.

Sign up here.

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The holiday tree will be on view @ the Jepson Center until January 9, 2023.

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Come to Savannah Christian Preparatory School for a trail run while chasing Santa 

SCPS welcomes the Savannah area community to come out and run the campus trails. 

The first runner to beat Santa across the finish line wins $100!  Holiday costumes are welcome and there will be a Costume Contest. Due to the natural terrain of the trails, strollers are not encouraged.  

There will be a fun 1/4 mile kids fun run on the school track!  Each child that completes the 1/4 mile will receive a medal.

Stay around after the race for food and fun holiday activities for the family. 

All proceeds will benefit SCPS PTF. 

REGISTER ONLINE HERE.

Location Street Address: 1599 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31408

Pricing: $30 until Nov 30 2022 and $35 until Dec 9 2022

Race Day Registration until 8:45 am

Frequently asked questions:

Walkers are allowed
T-shirt is included – 5k only
Anyone can pick up packets with confirmation email

Packet Pick-Up:

Packets will be available for pick up on Fri. Dec. 9, noon- 5PM at the Eckburg Building at Savannah Christian Preparatory School.  It is the first building on the right when you turn into the main entrance of the campus off Chatham Parkway.  

REGISTER ONLINE HERE.

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Savannah Christian Preparatory School,  www.savcps.com, On Facebook here. Follow SCPS on Instagram at savannahchristianprep   Savannah Christian Preparatory School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

New 11AM Wednesday Family Kindermusik Class

Set aside some special together-time with your 0-7 year old, and watch your child blossom before your eyes.

Kindermusik develops a love for music, all while growing social skills, cognitive abilities, physical development, and so much more!  

For more info, text FREE TRIAL to 912-432-5885.  Visit kindermusikwith88keys.com.  
Kindermusik…Music now, Skills for life.  

Kindermusik…Uniting families in the Coastal Empire through music since 2002!

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Toddler Tuesdays nature programs @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of our animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion​ and will include singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of ​our furry, feathered or scaly​ residents.

Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is called for,​ attendees will be emailed at the address you registered your child with.

​Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10 – 10:30AM & 11-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps us speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know. 

​Find registration forms links here.

Program Cost:

$5 for adults / free for adult members

$3 for military adults/ free for adult members

$5 for children participating in the program (members and non members must pay program fee)

$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)

​You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime! Find out more information here!

If you are a preschool or day care you will need to call 395-1510 or click here to book a private program as this program is designed for the general public. 

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Oatland Island Wildlife Center Polar Express 2022, Savannah

Join Ms. Seashell on an adventure to the North Pole.

Three special Toddler Tuesday Polar Express sessions available: December 20, 2022
9AM, 10AM & 11AM @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah.

Special fundraising fees apply: $8 for children, $5 for adults
No Toddler Tuesday Punch Cards will be accepted for this special event. No walk-ups can be accomodated.

In this annual event, participants will take an imaginary ride on Oatland’s very own Polar Express to meet some very special animals. Treats and craft activities are included in the cost of registration.

Learn more and reserve your spot here. 

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Become a Friends of Oatland member

This Member November 2022 save $5 when you give the gift of Oatland. When you gift a Family Membership between November 15 – December 15 2022, you’ll receive a $5 discount off the regular membership rate.

Check out the full list of member benefits and join today online here.

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Savannah Santa Train 2022, Dec. 10 @ Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah

Savannah Santa Train, one of the largest annual holiday family events in the Lowcountry, returns on Sat. Dec. 10, 2022, 9AM-5PM @ Georgia State Railroad Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah.

Festive activities and entertainment include a holiday-themed diesel locomotive train ride experience, Tin Soldier training, crafts and historic children’s games. Enjoy a performance by the Gretchen Greene School of Dance, see and purchase hand-crafted artisan spinning tops made in front of you by the Lowcountry Turners, and celebrate the season with festive holiday dancing with Minick Family Music, and share your Christmas wishes during a visit with Santa Claus.

Complimentary donuts and coffee will be shared by The Salvation Army’s mobile Canteen. The Big Cheese food truck and Jonny Boy Cookies will serve gourmet grilled cheese and sweet dessert treats available for purchase at the event.

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 age eighteen months and up and online pre-registration is required here

CHS Members will receive a discounted ticket rate of $12 per person. Find info on becoming a member here.

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

Get tickets here.

Reminder: Did you know that your scheduled train ride is NOT your start time for the event? You can begin your day at Santa Train at any time – come as early and stay as long as you like for a full day of holiday cheer!

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Coastal Heritage Society Member Apprecation Day

Saturday Dec. 10 is also a SPECIAL Coastal Heritage Society Members Appreciation Day?! Active CHS members will receive a 25% off discount at all CHS gift shops this Sat. Dec. 10 2022.

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How to teach your kids to practice gratitude

Below is a guest post by Savannah pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander @ Coastal Care Partners’ new Concierge Pediatric Clinic 

Practicing gratitude is a great way to bring joy into our lives! With the busyness and craziness of the world around us, it is helpful to look to find the things we are most grateful for each day. David Steindl-Rast, a Jesuit Priest, once said, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” Even after Thanksgiving season passes, here are ways your family can practice gratitude!

Keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude journals are an easy and inexpensive way to remind ourselves of everything we have to be grateful for. Writing down 1-3 things each day is a quick positive way to start or end each day. Even kids can do it! If they aren’t able to write, try having them draw what they are thankful for. 

In my personal life, I have two gratitude routines I practice with my own children. First, in the car on the way to school, I ask them to say one thing they are grateful for that morning. Oftentimes, I have to cut them off at about three things so that everyone can have a turn. But it’s often simple things like, “I am grateful for the sunshine… the rain… for momma taking me to school…for soccer…Friday dance parties at school.”

The second routine I use to introduce gratitude into my kids’ daily routine is during dinner. At dinner every night, everyone takes turns saying the following:

1. Best part of their day

2. Worst part of their day

3. Funniest part of their day

4. What they are thankful for

My kids will often use the worst part of their day to tell on each other, for example, “when so and so hit me,” but getting it out in the open makes it less of a big deal and also normalizes that everyone has bad parts of their day. Talking about what we are thankful for at the end helps to redirect the focus.

Another great way to put gratitude into action is to talk about random acts of kindness that kids can do during the day like saying “Hello!” to someone new, opening the door for someone, or getting involved in the community. One of my favorite kid-friendly ways to get involved in the community is P.A.C.K. (People of Action Caring for Kids).

P.A.C.K. is a local organization that helps to feed children in Savannah, and kids can volunteer to help pack food and toiletry bags, or make homemade cards for children. 

I hope that as this season of thankfulness passes you will continue to find ways to encourage gratitude in your family’s daily lives. By making a routine of it, it will become easier to do and be a source of joy throughout the day.

Coastal Care Partners, 4B Skidaway Village Walk, Savannah, GA 31411, 912.598.6312. Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Free Family Jam this Sat. Dec. 10, Forsyth Park, Savannah

Savannah Music Festival invites the entire community to a free musical event in Forsyth Park on Sat. Dec. 10 2022, 11:30AM – 2PM.

The SMF Musical Explorers program will present bluegrass recording artists the Foreign Landers, operatic tenor Timothy Miller, and Savannah’s own Huxsie Scott. This will be a family-friendly and educational event with live musicians leading the audience on a musical journey.

SMF Jazz Academy students will open the show. Come prepared to enjoy food trucks, Savannah Music Festival giveaways and games, as well as information about the SMF 2023 festival!

Savannah Music Festival Musical Explorers Concert in the Park

Saturday, Dec. 10 2022, 11:30 AM – 2 PM

Schedule (tentative): 11:30 AM – 12 PM Dance Party with DJ Precisa; 12 – 12:30 Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy; 12:30 – 1:30 Musical Explorers Concert; 1:30 – 2 Dance Party with DJ Precisa

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Find more kid-friendly local events here.

Kindermusik Savannah Wintry Playdates Sat. Dec. 10

Two times! 10 & 11AM

The bells are ringing, the snow is falling, and the cold wind is blowing, but inside the Kindermusik Savannah classroom all is warm as they celebrate their December 2022 musical playdates: Sleigh Bells! 

Come with your newborn to 7-year old  for this cozy, wintry playdate you won’t want to miss this Sat. Dec. 10 2022. Two sessions: 10AM & 11AM.

Parents and children together will engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more delightful activities in this exciting one-time Kindermusik class.

Limited spaces! Claim your child’s spot before it fills.  NOTE: 10AM class is nearly full; still spaces left for 11AM.

Enroll at kindermusikwith88keys.com or text 912-432-5885 for more info  

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends. 

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Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser