Savannah Christmas Tree Decorating Contest 2017

People gather for the 2016 holiday tree lighting event on Broughton Street. In past years a tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving has officially kicked off the season, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the gathering won't take place this year.

Starting Monday workers will be hanging twinkle lights, garlands, wreaths and bows to bring some much needed cheer to the downtown streets by installing the annual holiday decorations around the Savannah Historic District.

Also back this year will be the 50-foot lighted tree at the intersection of Bull and Broughton streets. In past years a tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving has officially kicked off the season, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will be no public tree lighting ceremony.

"We've worked the last couple of years to build up the decor in the historic district, so this year again there will be holiday lighting, roping and bows on River Street, Bay Street and Broughton Street just like there has been in the past," said Visit Savannah President Joseph Marinelli.

City Hall's wreath will also be back along with decorated crossover bridges along Factors Walk, he said.

The decorations are thanks to a collaboration between Visit Savannah, the City of Savannah, the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Leadership Council. and are funded by a hotel tax of $1, which is collected when visitors check-out of their downtown hotel room throughout the year.

With the money gathered from every overnight visitor, the Historic District hotels collectively donate funds that are used for area projects, like the holiday decorations.

"We're excited about it, so all of the decor is happening, but what's not happening is the traditional programming that we've done (in the past) with choral groups and holiday dancers," Marinelli said.

While the season might be a little different than other years, there are still plenty of other Savannah holiday events both longstanding and brand new to help cure your 2020 blues.

• The Savannah Harbor Foundation's annual gingerbread house competition is back, but this year the creation's will be located at hotels, shops and other businesses around Savannah until Dec. 23. More than 500 luminaria will again line the two-block courtyard of City Market during the annual City Market Holiday Open House on Dec. 4.

• The Savannah Theater will open "A Christmas Tradition" on Thanksgiving Day and colorful lighted boats will sail up the Savannah River during the annual Boat Parade of Lights on Nov. 28.

• New this year is the Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District. The market will kick off with activities on Nov. 27 at noon followed by a tree lighting ceremony that evening. The Market will run through Jan. 3 and feature daily actives such as crafts, dance groups and movies in the park.

"They are doing a ton of decorating and it's really impressive what they're doing down there," Marinelli said.

While you're out getting in the holiday spirit Marinelli said its important to remember and support Savannah's local and area business community.

"These are our friends and neighbors that are working and we want to keep them working, so come down and enjoy the decor and get in the holiday spirit and support local and area businesses," he said.