The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra and Savannah’s Lighted Boat Parade will headline this year’s Holiday Kickoff Event at Eastern Wharf from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at The Park at Eastern Wharf.

The free, family-friendly event will commence with the opening of Santa’s Grotto at Eastern Wharf, where the intimate “Daymark Lawn” will be transformed into a magical open-air space decked out in festive and fun holiday decor, twinkling lights and a lighted Christmas tree. Attendees can take FREE photos with Santa using their own cameras or phones from 5-7 p.m..

Beer and Wine will be available for purchase and don't miss these local food trucks:

The Big Cheese
Pie Society
Naked Dog
Slow Fire
Bayou Cafe
Jonny Boy Cookies
Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck

**Go VIP this year featuring prime Riverview concert viewing in “Tabby Point” and first come-first served seating, complimentary snacks, beer and wine.**

21+ Wristband and ID required for alcohol.

Grab your VIP tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6750249

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will perform throughout the evening with their signature “Savannah Sound” heavily influenced by their Louisiana roots. Expect Holiday Cheer, Beatles to Broadway, Motown, Gospel, and Great American Songbook presented with unique big band soul.

The parade, historically held on Thanksgiving weekend, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Savannah. Participating boats, adorned with holiday lights and decorations, are led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, and begin and end their voyage at the dock at Eastern Wharf. The Park serves as the parade’s headquarters and staging area where MC’s, dignitaries and a panel of judges welcome participants and judge the boats along the extended Savannah Riverwalk. Here is the parade's Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/4143679039203959

Schedule of Events:
5 p.m. Santa’s Grotto opens: Tree Lighting, Santa's arrival
6 p.m. The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra begins
7 p.m. Boat Parade Of Lights begins*
8 p.m. MC’s announce boats, judging continues*
9 p.m. Boats return to the dock at Eastern Wharf*
*please note parade times are approximate

Sponsors for this year’s event include Pilot & Park, Service Brewing, Archer Roose and Bike Walk Savannah.

Additional activities planned across the Eastern Wharf family of brands for the Holiday Kickoff include:

*Frosty's Social Club located at Bar Julian in Thompson Savannah, featuring signature holiday cocktails.

*Squirrel's at Eastern Wharf serving their signature pizzas, wings and full bar.

*Children’s Play area with views of the river.

Attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets and small personal sized coolers no larger than 20” x 20”; no glass of any kind is allowed in The Park. Street Parking is available on site and in the City of Savannah's Eastern Wharf Parking Garage. Please review all of The Park rules - http://theparkateasternwharf.com/park-rules.

The Holiday Kickoff weekend continues with Savannah Sunset Market’s Holiday Market at Eastern Wharf on Sunday, November 30th, from 1-4 p.m. Over 60 vendors are scheduled to participate in this ONE DAY ONLY special event.

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Please Note

Official Guides of Savannah aims to provide the most up-to-date information on events listed on The Lobby List. In the event of a change, we will do our best to make sure it is reflected in our list. However, the best source for current information is the link to the actual event included in The Lobby List posting.