Full for the Year

If you’re visiting Savannah during the holidays and looking for an experience that combines history, ghost stories, and Victorian Christmas traditions, the Ghosts of Christmas: Charles Dickens Christmas walking tour might catch your eye. Priced at $60 per person and lasting around 90 minutes, this tour is a cozy, small-group adventure led by a guide known as The Fiddler of Christmas. The tour promises to take you through off-the-beaten-path decorated routes, sharing Victorian-era stories, ghostly performances, and festive carols.

What immediately stands out is the limited size—only 12 guests—making for an intimate experience that allows for more personal storytelling and attention from the guide. We love that this setup creates a more relaxed, engaging atmosphere where you can truly soak in the stories and ambiance. The inclusion of Victorian Christmas traditions, ghost stories, and dramatic Victorian reenactments makes it feel like stepping back into a Christmas card from the 1800s. Plus, the evening wraps up with a toast of Chatham Artillery Eggnog, adding a touch of local spirit to your holiday memories.

One potential drawback, however, is the mixed accuracy and expectations. Reviewers have noted that the tour is more paranormal-focused rather than a traditional Dickens or Christmas scene reenactment. For instance, a reviewer mentioned, “This is more of a paranormal story tour. Very little mention of Victorian Christmas or Dickens,” and that there was “only one person (not 3 actors, as shown in the photo). No egg nog. No re-enactment of any scenes,” which may disappoint those expecting a more theatrical Dickens-themed experience. It’s also worth noting that some features advertised, like multiple actors or scenes from A Christmas Carol, may not be part of every tour.

This tour would appeal most to those who enjoy ghost stories, historical storytelling, and festive ambiance in a small group setting. It’s particularly good if you’re interested in a less commercial, more atmospheric experience and don’t mind a narrative that leans more toward paranormal tales than traditional Dickens re-enactments.

Key Points

• Intimate size of 12 guests creates a personal atmosphere.
• Focus on Victorian ghost stories and Christmas traditions rather than a strict Dickens reenactment.
• Beautifully decorated historic sites like Madison Square and Green-Meldrim House enhance the mood.
• Evening ambiance with music, storytelling, and a toast adds to the festive charm.
• Some reviews suggest the experience may differ from expectations, emphasizing paranormal tales over Dickens scenes.
• Good value for those seeking a unique, small-group holiday walk with a local focus.

A Detailed Look at the Savannah Christmas Ghost Walk

Setting the Scene: A Historic Holiday Stroll

Starting at Madison Square, the tour kicks off in a classic Savannah setting—moss-draped oaks and historic architecture. This square, often called the heart of the historic district, provides a mystical backdrop for the first story. Here, your guide, The Fiddler of Christmas, spins a tale rooted in Colonial Savannah with a lively Christmas carol to set the mood. This part is quite atmospheric, especially in the evening glow, where gas lamps and historic buildings conjure a bygone era. The 10-minute stop allows you to soak in the ambiance and get a sense of the area’s deep-rooted history.

Next, the tour guides you to the Green-Meldrim House, a true Victorian Gothic masterpiece that adds a sense of grandeur and spookiness. Here, your guide shares a Christmas story from 1864 during the Civil War, and a haunting Christmas Carol is performed on the violin, creating an eerie, festive tone. The story of a ghost on the balcony lends an authentic ghost story element that many find intriguing. The setting is beautiful, but the short 10-minute stop means you’ll want your eyes and ears tuned in.

Exploring Savannah’s Historic District

Most of the tour takes place within Savannah’s historic district, a mesmerizing maze of moss-draped oaks, gas lamps, and decorated squares. As you walk between stops, The Fiddler provides a soundtrack of Victorian music, ghostly tales, and historical snippets. The 30-minute walk allows for a leisurely pace, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and absorbing the ambiance.

While some may expect elaborate reenactments of Dickens scenes, reviewers noted that this tour emphasizes ghostly storytelling and Victorian traditions rather than theatrical performances. One reviewer commented, “No egg nog. No re-enactment of any scenes from the Christmas Carol, and the few references were incorrect,” which suggests that if you’re looking for a theatrical Dickens experience, this might not meet your expectations. Instead, you’ll get a storytelling-heavy evening with musical performances, which can be equally captivating if you enjoy ghost stories and history.

The Final Toast and Reflection

The tour concludes back at 14 W Park Ave, where guests are served a glass of Chatham Artillery Eggnog. The toast feels like a fitting end—celebratory and convivial—bringing some extra holiday cheer. The proceeds go toward local initiatives to reduce homelessness, adding a meaningful touch to the experience.

Practical Details: What to Expect

• Pricing at $60 is reasonable for a small-group, 90-minute experience—you’re paying for intimacy, storytelling, and the ambiance.
• The tour operates at 7:00 pm, making it ideal for evening holiday outings.
• It’s accessible via public transportation and well-suited for most travelers since service animals are allowed.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes because the historic streets are cobblestone and bricks—tricky if you’re not steady on your feet.
• With a maximum of 12 travelers, expect a cozy but personal experience—great for those who enjoy smaller groups.

Authenticity and Value

While the tour’s price might seem steep for what is primarily storytelling and music, its small size and intimate setting add value that larger, bus-based tours can’t match. The ambiance of Savannah’s historic streets at night combined with Victorian carols and ghostly tales creates a memorable holiday atmosphere. However, if you’re expecting a reenactment of scenes from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or a multiple-actor performance, you may find this tour less theatrical than anticipated.

The mixed reviews highlight that not everyone will find the same level of historical accuracy or theatricality. Some felt the experience leaned more toward ghost stories than Victorian Christmas traditions, and the lack of re-enactments or egg nog might disappoint those seeking a more traditional Dickens holiday experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who love ghost stories and Victorian ambiance, appreciate small-group settings, and are open to a more atmospheric, less theatrical experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore Savannah’s historic district in a relaxed, festive mood. However, if your primary goal is a full Dickens re-enactment or traditional holiday scenes, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $60, you get more than just a walk—you’re treated to a storytelling concert of Victorian Christmas tales, ghostly legends, and local history in a very intimate setting. It’s a unique holiday experience that combines Savannah’s beautiful historic streets, atmospheric storytelling, and a sense of community with a good cause.

The small size and authentic ambiance make it well worth considering if you’re looking for a relaxing, festive, and slightly spooky evening that’s different from the typical holiday tour. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in the paranormal, Victorian traditions, or local history and don’t mind a narrative that’s more ghostly than theatrical.

Final Recommendations

If you enjoy immersive storytelling, historical ambiance, and festive music, this tour will delight you. However, if your expectations include theatrical Dickens re-enactments or elaborate holiday scenes, you might feel underwhelmed. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a personal, story-driven experience more than a scripted performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and since it’s a small, relaxed walk, children who enjoy ghost stories and history should find it engaging. However, it’s primarily geared toward adults or older children interested in Victorian tales.

Does the tour include any transportation?
No, this is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to stroll through historic streets and squares.

Are there any specific costumes or reenactments?
No, the tour focuses on storytelling, music, and ghostly tales rather than theatrical performances or costumes.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, especially at night, and wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camera or smartphone for photos.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour accessible?
It’s accessible via public transportation and includes walking on cobblestone streets, so good shoes and attention to footing are advised.

What makes this tour different from other Savannah ghost tours?
This tour emphasizes the Victorian Christmas atmosphere, ghost stories, and musical performances in a very small group, which creates a more intimate and authentic experience compared to larger, more commercial ghost walks.

In the end, the Ghosts of Christmas in Savannah offers a cozy, atmospheric way to celebrate the holiday season, especially if you’re a fan of ghost stories and Victorian charm. While it may not satisfy those looking for elaborate Dickens re-enactments, it delivers a unique blend of history, music, and haunting tales that can make your Savannah Christmas memorable.