Savannah Lighted Boat Parade 2026: Date, Route & Best Viewing Spots

The Savannah Lighted Boat Parade is one of the easiest holiday traditions to love: it's free, it's on the river, and you can watch it with a drink in hand from River Street. The short answer: the 25th annual parade runs Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. More than 30 boats decorated in holiday lights loop twice between Eastern Wharf and the Talmadge Bridge, passing Plant Riverside District and the length of River Street.

TL;DR: Savannah Lighted Boat Parade 2026

• When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m., the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
• Where: on the Savannah River, from Eastern Wharf to the Talmadge Bridge and back, twice.
• Cost: free to watch from shore.
• Best free spots: The Park at Eastern Wharf, Rousakis Riverfront Plaza on River Street, and Plant Riverside District.
• Pre-party: the Holiday Kickoff at Eastern Wharf runs 5 to 9 p.m. the same night, with a tree lighting and Santa.
• On the water: Savannah Riverboat Cruises sells a parade cruise that sails with the boats.

When Is the Savannah Lighted Boat Parade in 2026?

The parade is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m., according to the official Savannah's Waterfront event page. This is its 25th year. It always lands on Thanksgiving weekend, so it doubles as the unofficial start of the holiday season on the riverfront.

Because it's a two-hour loop, you don't have to be in place at exactly 7. The boats pass most viewing spots more than once. Arriving by about 6:30 still gives you the best choice of rail space, though.

What Is the Parade Route?

Per Savannah's Waterfront, more than 30 captains and their crews take part, with the Georgia Queen riverboat leading the way. The boats travel from Eastern Wharf, at the east end of the riverfront, west to the Talmadge Bridge and back, and they run that loop twice.

That route passes:

• The Park at Eastern Wharf at 201 Port Street, which serves as parade headquarters.
• River Street, the full stretch of shops, bars, and restaurants along the water.
• Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, the open plaza in the middle of River Street.
• Plant Riverside District, at the west end near the bridge.

A panel of judges picks award winners among the boats, so expect some captains to go all out on lights and themes.

Where Are the Best Spots to Watch?

Every spot along the riverfront gets a view, but each one has a different feel.

The Park at Eastern Wharf

Pick this if you have kids or want the full event. The Holiday Kickoff at Eastern Wharf runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on November 28. Savannah's Waterfront lists the annual lighting of the Eastern Wharf Christmas trees, a visit from Santa, food trucks, and entertainment. The parade starts and ends here, so you see the boats at the beginning of each loop.

Rousakis Riverfront Plaza and River Street

This is the classic choice. It's central, it's free, and you're steps from food and drinks. The trade-off is crowds, since this is where most people end up. Our River Street guide covers the layout, the ramps down from Bay Street, and the cobblestones you'll want flat shoes for.

Plant Riverside District

The west end sits near the turnaround at the Talmadge Bridge. It also hosts the free Savannah Christmas Market that weekend, so you can shop before the boats arrive. Our Plant Riverside District guide covers the restaurants and bars inside the complex.

Local tip: Bring a warm layer and a small blanket. Late November nights on the river feel colder than the forecast suggests once the wind picks up off the water. If you're watching from River Street, stake out a spot by the railing early, then take turns grabbing hot drinks so you don't lose it.

Can You Watch the Parade From a Boat?

Yes. Savannah Riverboat Cruises runs a Boat Parade of Lights cruise on November 28, 2026. Its seasonal cruise page lists these details:

• Times: boarding at 6 p.m., sailing from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Price: $82.95 for adults and $49.95 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under ride free.
• Included: heavy hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, and drink specials.

The company recommends booking ahead, and this sailing is popular on a holiday weekend. Confirm current prices and any taxes or fees when you book. Our Savannah riverboat cruise guide explains what the boats are like on board.

Where Should You Eat Before or During the Parade?

A riverfront dinner table is the most comfortable way to watch, but it takes planning. Restaurants along the water fill up fast on parade night, and window seats go first.

• Vic's on the River: an upscale Southern restaurant in a restored cotton warehouse that looks out over the river. Book well ahead for a window table.
• River Street casual spots: our guide to waterfront restaurants on River Street lists more options at different price points.
• Drinks with a view: for a higher vantage point, see our guide to Savannah rooftop bars. Rooftops often fill early or limit entry on busy nights, so call ahead.

If you'd rather eat after the parade, Broughton Street and the Historic District are a short walk up the ramps.

Where Should You Park?

Parking near the river is tight on any Saturday night, and parade night is busier than most. Plan to park in a downtown garage and walk to the river, or skip the car entirely if you're staying downtown. Our guide on where to park in the Savannah Historic District compares garages, meters, and rates.

If you're heading to Eastern Wharf, confirm parking options with Savannah's Waterfront before you go. Event-night arrangements can change from year to year.

Where Should You Stay for the Boat Parade?

A hotel on or near River Street lets you walk out the door and down to the water. These directory listings sit right along the route:

• JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District: at 400 W River St, next to the Christmas Market at the west end of the route.
• Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront: on the river at 102 W Bay St, home to the Rocks on the Roof rooftop bar.
• River Street Inn: a boutique hotel at 124 E Bay St, above River Street.

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busier stretches of November, so book early.

Is the Lighted Boat Parade Good for Kids?

Yes. It's free, it's outdoors, and it's over by 9 p.m. Pair it with the Holiday Kickoff at Eastern Wharf, where Santa visits, and you have an evening most kids will remember. For more low-cost ideas, see our list of family-friendly Savannah activities under $50. For more holiday evenings, our Christmas lights guide covers the drive-thru and garden light displays.

What Else Is Happening That Weekend?

The parade caps off a busy holiday weekend. Our guide to things to do in Savannah on Thanksgiving weekend lays out a day-by-day plan, including Thanksgiving cruises and the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens light display.

Earlier that evening, South Carolina Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Johnny Mercer Theatre at 5:30 p.m. The show ends around 7:30 p.m., in time to walk to the river for the parade's second loop. Our Nutcracker Savannah guide covers tickets and timing.

If you can't make November 28, the riverfront has a second chance: the Lighted Christmas Street Parade on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Savannah's Waterfront lists it starting at Plant Riverside District on River Street, then winding through downtown on Bay, Lincoln, Broughton, and Jefferson Streets. Our Savannah Christmas events guide covers the full season.

Bottom Line

The Savannah Lighted Boat Parade is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m., and it's free to watch from anywhere along the riverfront. Go early to Eastern Wharf if you have kids and want the tree lighting and Santa. Stand on River Street or at Rousakis Plaza for the classic view, or book the riverboat cruise to sail alongside the boats. Reserve dinner, hotels, and cruise tickets early, dress warmly, and check Savannah's Waterfront closer to the date for any weather changes. Planning the whole month? Start with our Savannah in November guide.