Savannah Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour

If you’re visiting Savannah during the holiday season and enjoy stories that shiver your spine, the Savannah Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour offers a uniquely atmospheric way to soak in the city’s charm. This two-hour walking tour isn’t your typical holiday event; it revives the Victorian tradition of telling Christmas ghost stories—a cozy, spine-tingling way to celebrate the season, inspired by Dickens’ spirits and Savannah’s own ghostly legends.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s rooted in true local history and authentic hauntings, not staged scares. Second, it combines the warmth of holiday lights with the mystery of old-world ghost tales, creating a truly festive yet eerie atmosphere. The tour’s focus on real stories, not fictional frights, appeals to those who prefer their ghost stories rooted in truth and lore rather than Hollywood clichés.

A possible consideration? The tour is somewhat dependent on the weather and the guide’s punctuality, with a few reviews mentioning scheduling issues or guide cancellations. Still, for most, the experience offers genuine insight and a cozy walk through Savannah’s historic squares during the most enchanting time of year. This tour is perfect for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a memorable, atmospheric addition to their holiday itinerary.

• Authentic stories: The tour features real ghost stories and local legends tied to Savannah’s history.
• Seasonal charm: It combines Christmas lights and festive atmosphere with spooky storytelling.
• Guided expertise: Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Walking convenience: The route covers historic squares, making it easy to follow and enjoy.
• Limited group size: The tour caps at 30 participants, keeping it intimate and engaging.
• Cost-effective: At $25 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to experience Savannah’s haunted holiday spirit.

When considering a holiday activity in Savannah, the Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour offers a distinctive blend of history, supernatural tales, and seasonal cheer. We’ll take you through what to expect at each stop, why it matters, and how the experience shapes up overall.

What the Tour Is All About

This tour is set apart by its focus on Christmas ghost stories rooted in Savannah’s history—not just spooky tales but stories that echo the city’s long past and Victorian traditions. Unlike the more general ghost tours, this one specifically channels the festive spirit, with tales of winter spirits and Christmas apparitions woven into the walk. It’s designed to evoke the feeling of Christmases long gone, mingled with whisperings of ghostly presence.

Tour Duration and Pricing

At about two hours, the tour is a manageable length for most travelers, giving enough time to absorb stories without fatigue. The price is $25 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the quality of storytelling and the intimate group size—booking most often occurs six days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

Meeting Point and Tour Route

Meet in Monterey Square, a beautiful, historic spot decked out with holiday lights, moss-draped oaks, and Victorian charm. The tour begins here, setting a cozy, atmospheric tone. From there, it weaves through three key sites:

Stop 1: Monterey Square (20 minutes)

Your journey starts amidst the glow of holiday lights and old buildings. Here, your guide sets the scene by sharing Victorian traditions of telling ghost stories at Christmas—a practice once common during the winter months when spirits and stories were shared around fires. This opening segment introduces you to Savannah’s haunting history, making you feel part of a long-standing holiday custom.

Stop 2: Calhoun Square (40 minutes)

Next, you move to one of Savannah’s most whispered-about corners. Beneath the moss-covered oaks, stories unfold of winter tragedies and long-lost souls. A common theme here is ghostly energies lingering from past events, which adds a layer of somber authenticity to your experience. One reviewer mentioned that the stories about long-ago winter tragedies remain vivid, creating a haunting connection to the city’s past.

Stop 3: Forsyth Park (25 minutes)

The tour concludes at the expansive Forsyth Park, where holiday lights shimmer softly. Here, tales of duels, disappearances, and restless spirits are recounted. The open-air setting amplifies the spooky yet festive mood, and the stories often involve wanderers and spectral figures that supposedly roam the park during winter nights. The atmosphere here is especially memorable in winter, with the crisp air and holiday glow enhancing the storytelling.

The Value of the Tour

What makes this experience worthwhile? For one, the guides are highly praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, which is crucial in a ghost tour. One review noted, “Adam was pleasant and had a fun way of telling the history of some of Savannah’s ghosts,” highlighting how a good guide transforms the experience. Another mentioned that the nighttime setting really enhances the paranormal feel, making stories come alive.

Secondly, the cost of $25 is quite reasonable given the rich local lore, atmospheric settings, and the unique holiday theme. Considering that most of the stops are free to enter and that the tour provides a cohesive narrative weaving history and hauntings, it’s a good value.

However, a few reviews flagged potential scheduling issues, including a guide cancellation or a switch to a standard ghost tour without notice. While this is a rare occurrence, it underscores the importance of booking early and confirming your reservation. The small group size (max 30) ensures an intimate experience, but it also means punctuality matters.

What to Expect During the Tour

From the moment you meet in Monterey Square, you’ll step into a different world—one where history and hauntings are intertwined, bright holiday lights flicker against dark shadows, and stories are shared with enthusiasm and respect for Savannah’s traditions.

Expect to walk through moss-laden streets, stopping at significant historic squares, with the guide sharing tales that are often based on true events or local legends. The stories might include disappearances, duels, and spirits said to linger in Savannah’s parks and squares. The stories are not staged scares but genuine legends rooted in the city’s past, which appeals to those who prefer authenticity over theatrics.

The tour’s pacing allows you to rest, listen, and absorb, with pauses at each site to take in the surroundings—especially during the final stop at Forsyth Park, where the outdoor ambiance makes the stories more tangible.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The combination of holiday lights, historic architecture, and ghost stories creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. In winter, Savannah’s cooler evenings and the glow of Christmas lights provide a perfect backdrop, making the stories seem even more alive. As some reviewers pointed out, the night setting really enhances the paranormal experience, so dressing warmly is advised.

The guides’ ability to blend history, folklore, and seasonal cheer keeps the atmosphere light enough to enjoy the stories without feeling overwhelmed—unless you’re especially sensitive to ghostly tales, in which case, this could be quite the memorable winter walk.

This tour appeals most to travelers who appreciate authentic storytelling and historical ambiance. It’s ideal for those seeking a seasonal, atmospheric experience that combines history and supernatural tales, especially if they’re interested in local legends rather than staged horror. It’s also well-suited for families, couples, or groups who want a relaxed, engaging activity in Savannah’s historic heart.

Keep in mind that the tour involves walking and standing outdoors, so dress warmly, particularly during winter evenings. If you enjoy guides with knowledge and personality, you’ll find the tour both informative and entertaining.

The Savannah Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour offers a charming, atmospheric way to experience Savannah in the winter months. It balances true ghost stories rooted in local history with the festive glow of holiday lights, making it a memorable, authentic activity. The tour’s focus on real legends and knowledgeable guides provides genuine value, especially at just $25 per person.

While scheduling hiccups have occurred, most travelers agree that the experience is worth it—offering a cozy, eerie stroll through one of America’s most haunted historic cities. The combination of history, ghost stories, and holiday spirit creates a distinctive atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy stories rooted in truth, atmospheric settings, and a touch of seasonal magic. Whether visiting with family, friends, or your partner, it’s a wonderful way to add a spooky, festive flavor to your Savannah adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the stories are based on true local legends, they are generally suitable for older children and teens. Keep in mind that some stories about tragedies or disappearances might be intense for very young children.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately two hours, making it a manageable activity for most travelers without feeling rushed or too long.

What is the cost?
The tour costs $25 per person, offering good value for the storytelling and unique experience in Savannah’s historic squares.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Monterey Square, 11 W Gordon St, Savannah, GA, making it easy to combine with other activities in the area.

Are reservations necessary?
Yes, most bookings are made about six days in advance, and booking early is recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour, ensuring accessibility for all guests.

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story lover, or simply seeking a different way to celebrate the season, the Savannah Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour offers a memorable mix of history, mystery, and holiday cheer that’s worth adding to your Savannah itinerary.