Plant Riverside District – which is widely known as Savannah’s Entertainment District – is thrilled to announce a full slate of family-friendly holiday events, including the fourth annual Savannah Christmas Market, which will spread good tidings and holiday cheer from Thursday, November 16, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024. All festivities will take place at Plant Riverside District, located on Savannah’s historic riverfront at 400 W. River St.
“Every year, the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District offers a joyous, family-friendly holiday experience inspired by the beautifully illuminated Christmas markets in cities across Europe,” said Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. “We warmly invite everyone to join us for our annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony on November 24th and to make memories with us this holiday season.”
The Savannah Christmas Market blends the best of European and Southern holiday traditions in a festive celebration that makes Plant Riverside District the city’s ultimate destination for the holidays. Plant Riverside District will also offer a wide range of holiday-themed events, including a dazzling Christmas Lighting Ceremony, an awe-inspiring Gingerbread House Unveiling, a spectacular Festival of Trees, a fun-filled Brunch with Santa and much more.
Plant Riverside District’s festive 2023 Holiday Schedule of Events includes:
Savannah Christmas Market
When: Thursday, November 16, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Location: Plant Riverside District Riverwalk
Cost: Free
Experience the magic of the holidays at the fourth annual Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District! Enjoy a European-style outdoor holiday market as well as live performances, children’s activities, photos with Santa, and a wide range of holiday-themed food and drink options. You’ll find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list at the Savannah Christmas Market.
Silver Sponsors: Seabolt Real Estate, Visit Savannah
Bronze Sponsors: Georgia Southern University, Old Town Trolley, Sottile & Sottile, Southern Crown
Festival of Trees
When: Thursday, November 16, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Location: Generator Hall (Power Plant Building Lobby)
Cost: Free
Guests are invited to join the first annual Festival of Trees, which will take place in Generator Hall at Plant Riverside District. This festival will feature a forest of dazzling Christmas trees representing a unique array of local businesses and organizations.
Gingerbread House Unveiling
When: Friday, November 24, 2023 – 4 p.m.
Where: Turbine Café in Generator Hall (Power Plant Building Lobby)
Cost: Free
Plant Riverside District’s award-winning pastry team will create a spectacular gingerbread house that will remain on display through January 1. Crafting a gingerbread house for guests to enjoy is a beloved holiday tradition that takes one month to create. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the unveiling of this impressive culinary creation!
Plant Riverside District Christmas Lighting Ceremony
When: Friday, November 24, 2023 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plant Riverside District
Cost: Free
Ring in the holidays at the annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Plant Riverside District. This popular family-friendly event serves as the official grand opening of the fourth annual Savannah Christmas Market and will kick off the holiday season. Enjoy the holiday tree lighting, preceded by a live reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Roger Moss and special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree Lighting and Auction
When: Friday, November 24, 2023 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plant Riverside District Pavilions
Cost: Free
Jack Daniel’s and Plant Riverside District are bringing the Lynchburg holiday spirit back for the second year in a row with the lighting of the special Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree constructed from 50 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey barrels. Barrels from the tree will be available for purchase for $150, with proceeds going to Operation Ride Home. In addition, Jack Daniel’s will donate $1 for every Jack Daniel’s beverage sold during the Savannah Christmas Market (Nov. 16 to Jan. 1) to support New Ebenezer Retreat Center and Treutlen House, a safe place for boys.
22nd Annual Savannah Boat Parade of Lights
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Plant Riverside District Riverwalk
Cost: Free
Plant Riverside District serves as the ideal location to enjoy the 2023 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park will offer a prime viewing location. Enjoy food and drink options for the whole family before, during and after the boat parade.
Holiday Cookie Decorating
When: Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 (Every Saturday in December) - 2 p.m.
Where: Turbine Café in Generator Hall
Cost: $20
Reservations: LINK
Children of all ages are warmly invited to participate in a holiday cookie decorating class led by Plant Riverside District pastry chefs. Each participant will take home holiday cookies as well as a keepsake apron. Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited.
31st Annual Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plant Riverside District River Street
Cost: Free
Plant Riverside District serves as the ideal location to enjoy the Savannah Waterfront’s 2023 Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade. Conveniently located at the starting point of the parade, attendees can enjoy food and drink options for the whole family before, during and after the parade.
Brunch with Santa
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Salzburg Ballroom
Cost: $62++ for adults; $30++ for children ages five to 12
Reservations: LINK
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at a family-friendly brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Children are invited to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Guests will enjoy an elaborate holiday-themed buffet filled with Christmas favorites plus a full bar, special surprises and more.
Holiday Dining at Stone & Webster Chophouse
When: Thursday, December 21 - Sunday, December 24, 2023
Where: Stone & Webster Chophouse
Cost: as selected
Reservations: LINK
Stone & Webster’s accomplished culinary team will offer holiday-themed menu items showcasing Old World Christmas dishes with a special twist, in addition to the popular chophouse menu featuring premium steaks, fresh seafood and more. Private dining experiences are also available in the main restaurant or in the smokestack at Plant Riverside District.
Studio 24 New Year’s Eve Disco Celebration
When: Sunday, December 31, 7:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Salzburg Ballroom
Cost: $750
Reservation LINK
Ring in the New Year in style! Inspired by Studio 54 in New York City, the Studio 24 Disco Celebration at Plant Riverside District will let guests step back in time to the Disco Era and enjoy an exclusive New Year’s Eve party hosted by The Kessler Collection’s Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler. Enjoy an ultra-luxury open bar, creative hors d’oeuvres and a four-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings curated by Plant Riverside District’s Executive Chef Eric Fullem. Dance the night away to high-energy music by Disco Nights, featuring vocalists from American Idol and The Voice, as well as a live DJ. This incredible evening will culminate with a La Grande Dame toast at midnight and a fireworks display over the Savannah River. Reservations are required.
For more information about the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District or to view a complete entertainment schedule, visit savannahchristmasmarket.com or plantriverside.com.
A Kessler Collection property, Plant Riverside District is an award-winning destination in Savannah, Ga. developed by visionary and hotelier Richard C. Kessler, the Chairman and CEO of Kessler Enterprise, Inc. Plant Riverside District originally opened in 2020 and attracts visitors from across the country and around the world.