THE ONGOING pandemic is causing the cancellation of many merry events that ordinarily fill historic sites around Savannah during Christmastime, but a few landmark locales are carrying on their time-honored Yuletide traditions, complete with COVID-19 precautions.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
Better known locally as the Historic Bamboo Farm, this 101-year-old horticultural haven is hosting its annual “December Nights and Holiday Lights” this year as a drive-through attraction. See over a million colorful bulbs creatively strung amid the plethora of plant life filling this 50-acre botanical garden, originally established in 1919 as an experimental bamboo grove overseen by renowned American botanist David Fairchild. Now these gardens serve as an education and research center for the University of Georgia, while doubling as a verdant winter wonderland this month. Dec. 10-24, 6-9 p.m. nightly; $25 per carload. 2 Canebrake Rd., Savannah. More details: coastalbg.uga.edu
Wormsloe State Historic Site
Forget about the Ghost of Christmas Past – you’ll see living historical reenactors getting into the seasonal spirit during this weekend’s Wormsloe Christmas Hike. Held amid the hauntingly beautiful colonial ruins of an estate built in the 1700s by one of Savannah’s first English settlers, this journey through the Wormsloe forest will feature storytellers in period dress who bring the past to life. Help these time-traveling troupers find the perfect Yule log to burn for good luck in the coming new year. Dec. 12, 9 a.m-4:45 p.m.; $4-$12 – call 912-353-3023 in advance to make required reservations. 7601 Skidaway Rd., Savannah. More details: gastateparks.org/Wormsloe
Trustees' Garden
Take a socially distant seat within a beautifully restored annex of Savannah’s Kehoe Ironworks to enjoy the “Brilliant Brass for the Holidays” concert. Happening within Trustees’ Garden – originally a colonial horticultural site before it housed forts and later a metalworking plant – this high-spirited Savannah Philharmonic performance takes place in the compound’s Metal Building, and will feature lively brass arrangements of Christmas carols and festive favorites. In order to comply with COVID-19 precautions, the audience will be limited to 100 guests, so don’t delay if you want to buy tickets. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.; $50. 10 E. Broad St., Savannah. More details: savannahphilharmonic.org
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The reason for the season will envelop music lovers during this year’s “Christmas at the Cathedral” concert being held within Savannah’s most historic Catholic church. Here the Cathedral Choir and Chamber Orchestra will enlighten listeners with their annual program of music to celebrate Christmas and Advent, all amid an inspiring setting of graceful arches, towering columns, and century-old stained-glass windows crafted by the masterful Innsbruck glassmakers of Austria’s Tyrol region. Only 200 audience members will be admitted to allow for social distancing. Dec. 20, 5 p.m.; $15-$25. 222 E. Harris St., Savannah. More details: savannahcathedral.org/friends-of-cathedral-music-concert-series
Davenport House Museum
During the eagerly awaited final days of 2020, step back in time to discover what the holiday season was like some 200 years ago. This painstakingly preserved and authentically furnished home museum on Savannah’s Columbia Square provides regular performances by historical interpreters, including during the “Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight” experience offered between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Savor light refreshments and charming live music while exploring the immersive museum and meeting merrymakers from a long-gone era. Dec. 26-30, 6-8:30 p.m.; $12-$15 per adult and $6-$8 for children. 324 E. State St., Savannah. More details: davenporthousemuseum.org
