Full for the Year

Introduction: What to Expect from the Ghosts of Christmas Tour

If you’re looking to experience Savannah during the holiday season with a twist of Victorian charm and ghostly intrigue, the Ghosts of Christmas: Charles Dickens Christmas walking tour might be worth considering. This tour promises a blend of holiday storytelling, Victorian traditions, and a touch of Savannah’s haunted past. However, it’s important to set expectations — this isn’t your typical Christmas carol reenactment, but a more atmospheric and paranormal story-sharing experience.

What we like about this tour: First, it’s a small-group experience, capped at just 12 guests, which means more personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere. Second, the guide, known as ‘The Fiddler of Christmas,’ brings a lively musical touch with haunting violin performances and festive singing. Third, the tour proceeds support a noble cause — tackling homelessness in Savannah by Christmas 2023. One potential drawback, however, is that some visitors have found the experience less focused on traditional Dickens scenes and more on paranormal stories, which might not suit everyone expecting a classic Victorian Christmas re-enactment. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy atmospheric storytelling, ghostly tales, and a quiet, intimate exploration of Savannah’s historic, moss-draped streets during the holidays.

Good To Know

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 12 guests for a personalized experience.
• Unique Storytelling: Focus on Victorian Christmas traditions and ghost stories rather than a straightforward Dickens re-enactment.
• Musical Performance: Enjoy live violin ghost stories and Christmas carols by the guide.
• Historic Routes: Takes you through Savannah’s charming, moss-covered squares and historic sites.
• Support a Good Cause: Proceeds help reduce homelessness in Savannah.
• Cost and Duration: $60 per person for approximately 1.5 hours, booked about 42 days in advance on average.

Exploring the Savannah Christmas Ghost Tour

Overview of the Experience

The Ghosts of Christmas tour offers a different kind of holiday outing. It’s not just a simple walk; it’s a curated experience blending history, folklore, and a little ghostly ambiance. Led by ‘The Fiddler of Christmas,’ the tour starts around 7:00 pm, a perfect time to soak in Savannah’s festive atmosphere as the city lights begin to glow.

The tour’s main selling point is its intimate nature — a small group of no more than 12 people means you’re not lost in a crowd, and you can truly learn about the stories and mood. It’s a ticketed experience with a mobile ticket, making it convenient to secure your spot. At $60, it’s a relatively modest price for what’s described as a richly atmospheric hour and a half, especially considering that all proceeds go toward ending homelessness locally.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Madison Square

Your journey begins at Madison Square, a site packed with historic charm and lush moss-draped trees. Here, the guide kicks things off with a dramatic Christmas story from Colonial Savannah, setting a festive yet eerie tone. It’s a scenic, open-air start, allowing you to take in the architecture and quiet beauty of one of Savannah’s most iconic squares. The guide often includes Christmas carols on the fiddle, adding a musical layer that enhances the holiday spirit.

Stop 2: Green-Meldrim House

Next, the tour moves to the Green-Meldrim House, a Victorian Gothic mansion steeped in Civil War history. The guide shares a Christmas story from 1864, during the war, which adds historical depth. The courtyard becomes a stage for a haunting Christmas Carol performed on the violin, and some guests have reported a ghostly presence on the balcony. While the stories and performances are engaging, reviews suggest that the experience leans more toward paranormal storytelling than traditional Dickens scenes, which is something to keep in mind if you’re expecting a classic Charles Dickens reenactment.

Stop 3: Savannah Historic District

Most of the tour takes place within Savannah’s historic district, an urban forest of moss-shrouded oaks, gas lamps, and decorated squares. This is the heart of Savannah during Christmas, and the guide’s narration weaves through the historic mansions and courtyards. The walk lasts about 30 minutes, but it’s the most atmospheric part. Here, you’ll hear ghost stories, Victorian Christmas traditions, and enjoy the ambient sounds of the city at night.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Guests have praised the guide for his friendly demeanor and lively violin playing. The ghostly scene performances and stories are meant to evoke a Victorian Christmas ambiance, though some reviews note that the references are not always accurate or detailed, and there’s only one performer, not three actors as some promotional material might suggest. The emotional tone is more haunting than festive, appealing to those who enjoy a spooky twist on holiday history.

End of the Tour

The experience concludes with a toast of Chatham Artillery Eggnog — a traditional Savannah holiday drink — and a small group gathering. This final touch offers a relaxed opportunity to reflect and mingle, making it a more personal and memorable experience.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Booking and Cost

Booking typically opens about 42 days in advance, reflecting decent demand during the Christmas season. The price of $60 per person makes it an accessible option for those wanting a holiday experience that’s a bit different from typical sightseeing tours. It’s worth noting that it’s not a theatrical re-enactment of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’; reviews indicate that references are sparse and occasionally inaccurate. Still, the violin performances and storytelling help create a festive and ghostly atmosphere.

Group Size and Duration

With a small group limit of 12, you’ll find this tour offers a more intimate experience, allowing for questions and more personalized stories. The tour lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes — a manageable length that fits into most holiday plans without feeling rushed or exhausting.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour starts and ends at convenient locations near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Since the route involves walking through historic streets with 19th-century sidewalk stones, wearing comfortable, sturdy walking shoes is advised.

Weather Considerations

Being an outdoor experience, it’s weather-dependent. If the weather is poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with the option of a full refund or alternative date.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer succinctly summed up their experience as “Not a Christmas Carol Tour,” emphasizing that the focus was more on paranormal stories rather than Dickens’ classic scenes. They also noted that only one performer was present, contrasting promotional images showing multiple actors. The violin-playing was well-received, but the storytelling may not satisfy those expecting a detailed Victorian re-enactment.

This review hints that the experience might cater more to those interested in ghost stories and Savannah’s haunted history rather than traditional Christmas festivities. Still, the cause behind the tour — supporting efforts to reduce homelessness — adds a meaningful layer to the experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Ghosts of Christmas tour suits travelers who enjoy a quiet, atmospheric exploration of Savannah’s historic streets, especially if they’re interested in ghost stories, Victorian traditions, and somewhat spooky holiday tales. Its small-group format makes it ideal for those seeking a more personalized experience, and the live violin adds a charming musical touch. For visitors expecting a Dickens-themed scene reenactment or a highly traditional holiday experience, it might fall short.

The tour’s focus on haunted tales and Victorian Christmas stories provides a different perspective on Savannah’s holiday season. It’s a great choice for those looking to combine ghostly intrigue with cultural storytelling in a charming, historic setting, all while supporting a local cause.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but consider the ghostly and spooky stories if you’re bringing very young children. The atmosphere is more haunting than frightening.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable outing during your holiday sightseeing.

What is the group size?
Limited to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 12 W Oglethorpe Ave and concludes at 14 W Park Ave, both in Savannah, conveniently located and accessible.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are recommended due to the historic, uneven sidewalk stones.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if plans change.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided storytelling, violin performances, and a toast of eggnog at the end. The proceeds help fight homelessness.

Is there any traditional Dickens re-enactment involved?
No, reviews indicate that the tour does not include re-enactments or multiple actors, focusing more on ghost stories and Victorian Christmas traditions.

This Savannah Christmas ghost tour offers a quiet, atmospheric journey into holiday ghost stories and Victorian traditions, perfect for those who enjoy a little spooky history with their seasonal cheer. It’s a meaningful experience that combines storytelling, music, and local heritage in a cozy, small-group setting.