Plant Riverside District, which is widely known as Savannah’s Entertainment District, is thrilled to host a dazzling Christmas Lighting Ceremony, awe-inspiring Gingerbread House Unveiling and heartwarming Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree Auction on Friday, Nov. 24 and to welcome guests to a special holiday kick-off celebration. All free, family-friendly events will take place at Plant Riverside District, located at 400 W. River St.
Holiday events at Plant Riverside District on Nov. 24 include:
Gingerbread House Unveiling – 4 p.m.
Generator Hall/Power Plant Building Lobby
Plant Riverside District’s award-winning pastry team will unveil a spectacular gingerbread house that will remain on display through January 1. Crafting a gingerbread house for guests to enjoy is a beloved holiday tradition that takes one month to create. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the grand reveal of this impressive culinary creation.
Plant Riverside District Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Activities – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
Ring in the holidays at the annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Plant Riverside District. This popular family-friendly event serves as the official grand opening of the fourth annual Savannah Christmas Market and will kick off the holiday season. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a live reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Roger Moss, special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and more, followed by the official tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.
Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree Auction – 8 p.m.
Along the Riverfront near District Seafood
Jack Daniel’s and Plant Riverside District will bring the Lynchburg holiday spirit back for the second year in a row with a special Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree, constructed from 50 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey barrels. Barrels from the tree will be available for purchase for $150 at a special auction, with proceeds going to Operation Ride Home to help active-duty soldiers return home for the holidays. In addition, a portion of the sale of every Jack Daniel’s specialty drink sold during the Savannah Christmas Market (through Jan. 1) will benefit New Ebenezer Retreat Center and the Treutlen Home for Boys.
Throughout the day and night, guests can enjoy live music and sample seasonal food and drink specials, including delicious hot cocoa and decadent holiday treats prepared by Plant Riverside District’s award-winning pastry team. Plant Riverside District’s fourth annual Savannah Christmas Market, a magical open-air holiday marketplace, will open at 11 a.m. on Friday and will feature dozens of curated artisan and food vendors in festive holiday booths along the Riverwalk. In addition, the Festival of Trees offers a shimmering forest of 20 ornately decorated Christmas trees representing a unique array of local businesses and organizations in the Power Plant building at Plant Riverside District.
A Kessler Collection property, Plant Riverside District is an award-winning destination in Savannah, Ga. developed by visionary and hotelier Richard C. Kessler, the Chairman and CEO of Kessler Enterprise, Inc. Plant Riverside District originally opened in 2020 and attracts visitors from across the country and around the world.