Savannah loves a good party – our legendary St. Patrick’s Day bash rivals cities like New York and Boston. We bring the same dedication to hosting other holidays, especially those that involve taking to the streets to knock back a few drinks and toast fellow revelers.
New Year’s Eve is no exception. Naturally, there are plenty of places to ring in the new year Savannah-style. You can end the decade on a riverboat, in an authentic speakeasy, or listening to the ocean waves as the clock strikes midnight. You can kick off 2020 with a crowd of party-goers or with a more civilized dinner and dancing. Whatever your party-style, Savannah has a fete to match.
These are a few of our favorite places to celebrate the new year in Savannah.
Board a Savannah Riverboat Cruise for a sumptuous dinner or a night of dancing till the ball drops. The dinner cruise returns to port at 8 pm so you can call it an early night and finish the celebration comfortably on your couch in your jammies or continue the party on River Street. The party cruise departs at 8:30 and returns after midnight so you can avoid the crowds and get the best view of the fireworks.
The New Year’s Eve celebration in City Market is free and open to the public featuring live music and a festive atmosphere. Many restaurants around City Market will be open later than usual to accommodate the crowds, but get a reservation now to nab a spot to dine before you raise a glass with all of Savannah.
On River Street
The party on River Street is also free and open to the public. And it’s the only place in the country where you can watch the cup go up instead of watching the ball go down as the clock strikes 12. That’s right, our New Year’s Eve celebration on River Street is an homage to our open container policy. Grab a frozen beverage at Wet Willie’s, watch the fireworks, and give thanks for our lackadaisical liquor laws.
Congress Street Up, an authentic 1920’s speakeasy, is hosting Straight Up, a free New Year’s Eve party with strong drinks, sinful dancing, and swanky entertainment. Get dolled up and turned out for a party the likes Gatsby would approve of.
If wasting away in Margaritaville is more your style, head out to Tybee Island for fireworks on the beach. Bring some chairs and snacks, stake out a spot on Tybee’s stretch of beaches, kick back, and watch the fireworks over the ocean to welcome 2020. You can also stave off that hangover the next day with the Tybee Polar Plunge.
