Savannah’s Boat Parade of Lights and Greenbriar Children’s Center are counting down the days toward the official launch of the holiday season, the 2023 Boat Parade of Lights on the Savannah River on Saturday, November 25, 2023, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“I think everyone will agree this year has flown by,” said delylah Thompson, CEO of Savannah Calla, and Chairperson of the parade.  “Christmas trees and holiday decorations are already in the stores, and we want to be sure that everyone remembers that this Boat Parade is just a few weeks away and is free to residents and tourists alike.  Boat captains, crews and judges donate their time and talents to make this event accessible to everyone.”

The Savannah Boat Parade of Lights will be held this year on Saturday, November 25^th from 7-9 pm. The parade, historically held on Thanksgiving weekend, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Savannah.  The Parade of Lights, led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, will begin its voyage on the Eastern Wharf Dock at the Thompson Savannah Hotel, the premier sponsor of this year’s Parade.  After leaving the dock, the captains will circle past the convention center to the Talmadge Bridge, continuing down the river past Plant Riverside District, in front of the crowds on River Street, and past the panel of judges at the Eastern Wharf Park. They will then retrace their journey again, ending back at the Eastern Wharf Dock, where the Eastern Wharf Dock Committee is planning additional festivities for spectators.

Individuals or businesses who are interested in learning more about the event or participating as sponsors can visit www.savannahboatparadeoflights.com

Although the parade is free to the public, funds from sponsorships and contributions are given to Greenbriar Children’s Center, a non-profit in Savannah which provides one of only two emergency shelters in the area for children ages 11-18 who are abused, neglected, abandoned, runaway or homeless.  In addition, Greenbriar operates three affordable early learning and infant centers for children, ages six weeks to 5 years.

“We are thrilled to be able to raise awareness about Greenbriar’s mission during the holiday season,” said Gena P. Taylor, Executive Director of Greenbriar. “Our community is incredibly generous, and we are thankful, once again, to return as a beneficiary of the Boat Parade. We are extremely grateful to delylah Thompson and her amazing boat captains for coordinating such a successful event on behalf of families and children in our community.”

Deadline for donation recognition on t-shirts and banners is November 6th. For more information on ways to help, please email [email protected] or visit www.SavannahBoatParadeofLights.com.  A Facebook page is also available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/43139608542831