Celebrate the Holiday Spirit on Tybee Island with These Festive Winter Events
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season near Savannah? Tybee Island, Georgia’s northernmost barrier island, is transforming into a festive wonderland this winter. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, Tybee offers unique and heartwarming events to brighten your holiday spirit. It’s also a place of inspiration for holiday stories, as seen in the charming novel Tybee Holiday Homecoming by Laura Brighton. Here’s a look at Tybee’s must-attend celebrations and its role in holiday literature.
Tybee Island: A Holiday Haven and Literary Inspiration
Tybee Island’s magical holiday atmosphere doesn’t just draw visitors; it’s also inspired authors like Laura Brighton. Her novel Tybee Holiday Homecoming, the first in the Tybee Island Series, captures the essence of a Tybee holiday.
The story follows widow Julep Tucker as she relocates to Tybee Island, hoping to create the perfect Hallmark-style Christmas for her family. From the Christmas Parade of Lights to the Boat Parade, Brighton vividly portrays Tybee’s events as a backdrop for rediscovering hope, joy, and family connections. Like the Tucker family, you, too, can embrace the island’s warm and welcoming spirit during the holiday season.
1. Annual Christmas Parade of Lights
Kick off the season with the island’s beloved Christmas Parade of Lights. This magical event features a glowing procession of festive floats and cheerful participants, all culminating with Santa’s arrival at the beach. The twinkling lights, set against Tybee’s coastal backdrop, create a dazzling spectacle you won’t want to miss.
2. Tybee Island Holiday Market
Get your holiday shopping done at the Tybee Island Holiday Market! Local vendors offer unique gifts, crafts, and treats, while live music and family-friendly activities, like a corn hole tournament, keep the holiday spirit alive. Stick around afterward for the Tybee Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where carolers and festive treats will have you singing “Jingle Bells” in no time.
3. Tour de Lights Bike Parade
Add a little holiday flair to your ride at the Tour de Lights Bike Parade. Decorate your bicycle or golf cart with sparkling lights and festive ornaments to join this whimsical parade. It’s a fun and active way to spread cheer across Tybee’s charming streets.
4. New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks display. Sponsored by Visit Tybee, this annual tradition lights up the night sky, offering breathtaking views from anywhere on the island. Gather your loved ones for a dazzling start to the new year.
5. Tybee Island Polar Plunge
Ready for a cool adventure? Dive into the Atlantic Ocean at the Tybee Island Polar Plunge! This iconic New Year’s Day event includes the wacky Gang of Goofs Costume Contest and a refreshing way to embrace new beginnings. Don’t forget to register online to secure your commemorative t-shirt.
6. Tybee Restaurant Week
Foodies, rejoice! Tybee Restaurant Week serves up a week-long celebration of culinary delights. Enjoy prix fixe menus at participating restaurants, showcasing the best of Tybee’s coastal flavors. It’s a delicious way to indulge and explore the island’s vibrant food scene.
7. YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest
Wrap up the season with the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest, a weekend of fitness and philanthropy. Featuring a variety of runs, from a kids’ dash to a half marathon, this event supports local youth programs while treating participants to stunning island views.
Plan Your Tybee Island Holiday Adventure
Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the Christmas tree, biking through the streets, or taking a daring plunge into the ocean, Tybee Island’s holiday events are a unique way to celebrate the season. Just 20 minutes from Savannah, Tybee offers a perfect winter escape filled with joy, community, and unforgettable coastal charm.
Much like the Tucker family in Tybee Holiday Homecoming, you’ll find that Tybee’s holiday traditions bring people closer together. From the bright lights of the Parade of Lights to the shared laughter during the Polar Plunge, Tybee captures the true meaning of the holidays.
Looking to Make Tybee Island or Savannah Your Home?
Contact Savannah Realtor David Wright to explore your dream property near this enchanting coastal destination.
Happy Holidays!
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