Many of us have friends and family visiting for Thanksgiving and you might be looking at something fun to do with your gang for the weekend. How about a trip to Savannah? Savannah is always a beautiful city to visit with its many squares, hanging spanish moss and charming Riverstreet and City Market. During the holiday season there’s a lot going on. This weekend it’s the kick off weekend for the Savannah Holly Days as well.
Just take a look at this list.
Savannah Harbour Festival of LightsÂ
Nov 23, 2012 – Jan 1, 2012Â
The Road Course at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island will become a twinkling winter wonderland, with over 60 larger-than-life lighted, holiday-themed displays. This holiday lights event is destined to become a Savannah holiday tradition for years to come.Â
The light displays will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6 – 9 pm, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Park at the Pit and Paddock at the end of the drive-through and partake in a variety of festive family-friendly activities, snack on tasty treats, warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate and a s’more and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the holidays. Walk-through, trolley and horse-and-carriage rides are also available.Â
Special weekend programming is scheduled throughout the season to enhance this experience and includes an opening ceremony with the arrival of Santa who will illuminate the lights, live scenes from A Christmas Carol, exotic animal shows and entertainment from Staples Safari and the second annual Alive in Savannah on New Year’s weekend.
Admission:Â $20 per car (which includes a $5 food and beverage voucher); $5 per person in commercial vehicles.
Call 912.220.6108 for more information or visit SavannahHarborFestivalofLights.com
Savannah Harbor Foundation Gingerbread Village
Nov 22 – Dec 21, 2012Â
Take a trip to the Westin to see not just a house, but an entire Village! This is a popular destination for the younger kids. This display of culinary delights is created anew each year by local chefs, students, community groups. This is a can’t-miss for anyone with a sweet spot for candy delights and holiday cheer! Viewing November 22 through December 21, 2012.
Aqua Star at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. call  912.201.2000
Georgia State Railroad Train Rides
Nov 23 – Dec 25, 2012Â
Come to the Georgia State Railroad Museum, which features diesel locomotive rides with admission to the museum. The train rides schedule and locomotives are subject to change, please call ahead. Call  912.651.2338 or visit www.chs.org
Fort Pulaski Grand Thanksgiving Fete and Festival
Nov 24, 2012Â
Fort Pulaski National Monument will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Grand Thanksgiving Fete and Festival of 1862 on Saturday, November 24, 2012. The event will recreate the field day offered by the 48th New York Infantry to celebrate their first Thanksgiving in Fort Pulaski.Â
Everyone is encouraged to participate in foot races, sack races and wheelbarrow races. Amusements of the day will include guided tours of the fort and historic weapons demonstrations.
The event will also be an opportunity to try on clothing of the Civil War era. All are encouraged to participate in the “burlesque dress parade.” There will be clothing for men, women, and children, as well as accessories for the proper period look. Call 912.786.5787 or visit http://www.nps.gov/fopu for more info. $5 per person, 15 and under free.
Savannah Harbor Foundation’s Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Nov 24, 2012Â
A Christmas Parade – Savannah Style! A Christmas parade, Savannah style! About 50 lighted vessels parade both sides of the waterfront, accompanied by live music performances, tree lighting ceremony and a fireworks extravaganza.  912.201.2201
has helped decorate this beautiful house with creative arrangements, using only live plant materials that would have been available in the Lowcountry during the 19th century. The theme for this year is “Celebrating the Holidays with the Manigault Family.” Visitors may view the holiday decorations as part of the regular public tour.
