New Years Day 2025, staying 3 nights

Question

Planning a trip to Savannah 1/1/25-1/4/25 with my husband and two teen children. We have never been before but are excited to explore the area. Can anyone advise as to what would be open for attractions, restaurants, shopping etc? I am expecting that there will be some businesses closed during this time frame, but if lots of attractions, restaurants, etc are closed then we may postpone for a different date. Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

Answer

Planning a trip to Savannah during New Year’s can be an exciting experience, but it's important to know what to expect in terms of availability and open attractions during this time, as many businesses and attractions may have altered schedules due to the holiday. Here's a breakdown of what you can generally expect for your visit from January 1st to January 4th, 2025:

Attractions:

Many of Savannah's outdoor attractions will remain open during the New Year’s period, as they are less likely to be affected by holiday closures. Some of the key attractions that are usually open include:

Forsyth Park: The beautiful public park in the Historic District is always open and perfect for a family stroll, especially for photos with the iconic fountain.
River Street: The popular historic waterfront area with shops, galleries, and great views of the Savannah River remains open. It’s also a great place to enjoy local treats like pralines and shop for souvenirs.
City Market: This lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries is often open, but some individual businesses might close for the holiday. Check in advance for hours.
Bonaventure Cemetery: Known for its history and beautiful scenery, Bonaventure is usually open year-round and offers a peaceful and reflective experience.
Ghost Tours: Many of Savannah’s famous ghost tours run year-round, including during New Year’s, making it a fun option for teens looking for a spooky adventure.
Historical Walking Tours: Walking tours around the historic district, including those that highlight Savannah's rich architecture and history, are typically available, although some may close early on New Year's Eve.

Restaurants and Shopping:

While many restaurants and shops may close for New Year's Day or operate on reduced hours, most tourist-friendly restaurants in the Historic District will remain open, especially for lunch and dinner. Here are a few places you can consider:

The Grey: A popular fine-dining restaurant housed in a restored Greyhound bus terminal. It is likely to be open, but it's recommended to make a reservation in advance due to holiday demand.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room: A beloved Savannah institution for Southern comfort food. While they are usually closed on Sundays and holidays, they could be open during the holiday period, so check for any special holiday hours.
Leopold’s Ice Cream: A classic spot in the Historic District, perfect for a treat. They are generally open year-round, and it’s a good place for a casual family stop.
Treylor Park: A laid-back, fun restaurant with a menu offering Southern-inspired dishes. It’s often open during holidays, but call ahead to confirm.
Shops on Broughton Street: Many shops on Broughton Street remain open during the holidays, though some boutique stores and galleries may close for the holiday. Big-name stores like Macy’s and Anthropologie are likely to stay open.

Holiday-Specific Events:

Though many attractions and shops will be open, some holiday events may be limited during New Year’s. Here are a few options that may be available:

New Year's Eve Events: Savannah has a renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks display and celebrations in the Historic District, which are often followed by late-night parties. You may want to check local event calendars for specific details on how to enjoy the festivities with your family.
Savannah's Winter Wonderland: This is a seasonal event usually running until early January, offering ice skating, light displays, and family-friendly activities. It may still be open during your stay.
Holiday Lights Tours: Many of the city’s historic homes and districts are adorned with festive lights. While they may not be as extravagant as during Christmas, it’s still a beautiful time to explore the city by foot or car at night.

Things to Consider:

New Year's Day Closures: Expect a few closures on January 1st, particularly for smaller shops and some restaurants, as it’s a holiday. However, many larger, tourist-focused businesses and attractions will still be open, just with reduced hours.
Weather: Savannah can be cooler in January, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s (°F). It’s best to prepare for cooler outdoor activities, and it’s always good to bring a light jacket.
Early Closing Times: Some attractions and restaurants may close earlier than usual during the holiday period, especially on New Year’s Eve. Be sure to check hours in advance, especially if planning a later visit.

Final Tips:

If you're flexible and okay with some businesses being closed on New Year's Day, Savannah will still be a wonderful place to explore. There’s plenty of outdoor beauty and history to enjoy, and your family will find plenty to do with the right planning. If you’re concerned about closures, you might want to consider postponing to a less holiday-heavy period, but otherwise, you should have a memorable trip!

New Years Day 2025, staying 3 nights

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