Savannah Holidays 2014: Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour, Tybee Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade,
On December 19-20, Fort Pulaski National Monument will commemorate the Confederate Nog party of 1861 with the night-time Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour.
Hot cider, cookies, caroling and weapons firings will allow guests to re-live the festive occasion of 1861.
Fort Pulaski commemorates the Confederate Nog party of 1861 each year during the holiday season. The long-lived Savannah tradition provides night-time tours of the historic fort by candlelight and oil lamps.
The original party, held at Christmas time in 1861, gave the Confederate garrison at Fort Pulaski a respite from the tension of impending battle. The fort casemates, armed with cannons, were decorated with holiday garlands. As one soldier commented, tables groaned under the weight of fine delicacies sent down from the city. With song and good cheer, the men celebrated a light-hearted moment as the dark clouds of war gathered over Savannah.
Guests will have the unique experience of a guided tour for the fort by moonlight. Hot cider and cookies, music, caroling and night-time weapons firings will allow guests to re-live the festive occasion.
Advance reservations are required for this year’s event. The fort begins taking reservations in November. Reservations can be made in person or by phone at 912-786-5787, extension 109. The cost of the program is $5 per adult. Children 15 and under are free, but reservations must also be made for children. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/fopu or call (912) 786-5787.
Other holiday events on Tybee Island
*The Lights On for Tybee Celebration begins on Fri. Dec. 5 at 6:30PM, when Mayor Jason Buelterman lights the Christmas tree downtown at the Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout. The evening will include a variety of live entertainment, extended store hours, specials and complimentary refreshments at participating locations throughout downtown Tybee Island. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also make a special appearance. Children can also enjoy gently falling snowflakes from the Sea & Breeze throughout the evening.
*The Tybee Island Christmas Parade, 1 PM Saturday, Dec. 6 Runs from the 14th Street beachfront lot (behind Ocean Plaza) to the YMCA on 5th Street. Mr. & Mrs. Claus then are led to the Tybee Gym for photo time & family fun.
*Tybee Island New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration, Wed. Dec. 31 at the stroke of midnight. Enjoy the fireworks from the pier, the beach or anywhere on the east side of the island.
* Tybee Polar Plunge at the Tybee Pier & Pavilion, noon Thursday, Jan. 1 2015 thousands of island visitors and residents decked out in their favorite costumes will dive into the frigid Atlantic Ocean for a brisk and refreshing way to start the New Year.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah en route to Tybee Is. For more information, click here or call (912) 786-5787.
FOR MORE SAVANNAH AREA HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.