Join in the holiday cheer this season with Tybee for the Holidays on Tybee Island, Georgia, a quaint seaside town located just 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah. Every year, Tybee locals and visitors pitch in to transform the island into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkly lights and holiday decorations. In addition to the decorations, Tybee hosts a number of family-friendly events to celebrate the holiday season.

“For the seventh consecutive year, families from near and far are preparing to experience the coastal charm of Georgia’s northernmost barrier island during Tybee for the Holidays,” said Chantel R. Morton, Tybee Island Development Authority/Main Street executive director. “It’s a wonderful time of year when Tybee’s distinctive culture, dining, shopping and festive small town excitement shine through with the spirit of the holidays.”

Highlights for Tybee for the Holidays 2015 include:

• The Lights On for Tybee celebration begins Friday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m., when Mayor Jason Buelterman lights the Christmas tree at the Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout. The night will include Christmas songs, dancing from students of the Gretchen Green School of Dance, extended store hours and complimentary refreshments at participating locations throughout downtown Tybee Island. Children can enjoy gently falling snowflakes from the Sea & Breeze Hotel throughout the evening. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also make a special appearance. After the lighting ceremony, the Tybee Arts Performing Society choir will lead everyone to the Historic Carbo House for more singing and holiday festivities. Tybee’s Best Decorated Business will also be announced.

• The 4th Annual Jane Coslick Holiday Cottage Tour is Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tour through classic Tybee Island beach cottages that have been restored and designed by popular Savannah interior designer Jane Coslick. Tickets are $30 with proceeds benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.

• The Tybee Island Christmas Parade kicks off Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m., running from the 14th Street beachfront lot (behind Hotel Tybee) to the YMCA on 5th Street. Get into the holiday spirit at this old-fashioned Christmas parade as Mr. and Mrs. Claus are led to the Tybee Gym for photo time & family fun!

• Dec. 18-19, Fort Pulaski will commemorate the Confederate Nog party of 1861 with the Fort Pulaski Candle Lantern Tour. Each year during the holiday season, visitors can embark on an evening tour of the Civil War fortress by candlelight and oil lamps. Hot cider, cookies, caroling and weapons firings will allow guests to relive the festive occasion of 1861. Tickets are limited for this popular event, and sell out each year.

• Tybee Island will ring in 2016 with the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration, igniting the open sky with one of the largest firework displays in the Southeast Thursday, Dec. 31 at the stroke of midnight. Enjoy the fireworks from the beach or anywhere on the eastern side of the island.  

• The 16th Annual Tybee Polar Plunge will take place at noon Friday, Jan. 1. Thousands of island residents and visitors will deck themselves out in their favorite costumes and dive into the frigid Atlantic Ocean for a brisk and refreshing way to welcome the New Year. Before the Plunge, join in the Gang of Goofs Parade and costume contest at 11 a.m. for a chance to win great prizes.

“Plan a visit to Tybee Island this holiday season and see all the island has to offer,” said Sara Lane, Visit Tybee director. “Tybee for the Holidays is the perfect time to visit and revel in the season’s festivities while enjoying easy access to local attractions, such as the Tybee Island Light Station, Fort Pulaski National Monument, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and more during the uncrowded off-season.”