Happy Friday, Savannah. In today’s edition: Stormwater fee vote, Savannah christmas market, Savannah Santa train, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Fire service leadership news: After a national search, Savannah has named Derik Minard to return as fire chief, citing his prior cultural transformation and focus on firefighter safety, readiness, and community protection — read the full story.

City attorney flags potential risks: Savannah weighs a stormwater utility fee amid legal uncertainty after an Oct. 15 Georgia Supreme Court ruling. Council plans a Dec. 11 vote that could generate $8 million annually — get all the details.

Georgia ports show mixed momentum: Savannah container volumes dipped 8.4% in October as year-to-date traffic rose 4%. A $127 million Blue Ridge Connector rail hub near Atlanta is expected to open next spring — get details on port trends.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate Winterfest at Hunter Army Airfield
• Sing carols with restored Wurlitzer organ
• Celebrate at the Savannah Christmas Market
• Tour Savannah’s 50th Holiday Homes and Inns
• Savannah locals get free SCAD MOA admission
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Inside a Federal home: Davenport House Museum is celebrating with Yuletide Tours now through Jan. 3, 2026, exploring 19th-century holiday traditions. Guided tours run weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Plus, Dec. 26 and 27 feature Patt Gunn and the Saltwata Players on the experiences of the enslaved community. General tours from $10, special program $50 for adults. See dates, times and pricing.

More options for Lowcountry travelers: Breeze Airways is adding a new nonstop from Savannah/Hilton Head to Akron-Canton starting May 7, 2026, with flights on Thursdays and Sundays. Tickets are already on sale through mid-September. The route competes with Allegiant and comes as the airport adds gates to handle record traffic. Get all the details.

Savannah-made sips await: Craving dessert-inspired fruited sours, dank hazy IPAs, or an easygoing classic? Hop Atomica brews in-house and keeps the taps lively. Treat yourself midweek, bring a buddy, and discover a new favorite… or two.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🌈 Artful Tales Storytime @ Jepson Center | Friday (12/5) at 10:30am – If your kid loves stories, colors, or simply asking “why?” every 30 seconds, this artsy storytime is a win. Each session blends imaginative tales with a vibrant museum setting to keep curiosity buzzing long after you leave.

🕵️ The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show @ The Kimpton Brice | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – Skip the usual ghost tour and try a Savannah murder mystery you can eat through. This interactive comedy hides actors in the crowd, no costumes, turns you into a prime suspect, and includes a full plated dinner, gratuity, and plenty of surprises.

This weekend

🚂 Savannah Santa Train @ Coastal Heritage Society | Saturday (12/6) at 9:00am – Holiday chaos, but make it charming. Savannah’s Santa Train rolls into the Railroad and Children’s Museums with a real train ride, Santa photos, crafts, the Grinch, and Leopold’s, so bribery is covered. All-day fun, tickets sell out, and everyone 18 months and up needs one.

🥁 Bluffton’s 54th Annual Christmas Parade @ Historic Bluffton | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Whether you line the route with a folding chair or ride in your best-lit golf cart, Bluffton’s 54th Christmas Parade winds through the Historic District the first Saturday in December, rain or shine. Classic small-town spectacle, cheerful chaos, and candy for miles.

🍪 Holiday Cookie Decorating @ Turbine Market & Cafe | Saturday (12/6) at 2:00pm – Bring the crew to Plant Riverside District for cookie decorating guided by talented pastry chefs, not a YouTube rabbit hole. Choose Santa cameos or a no-Santa, hands-on icing session, then take home your sugary masterpieces, proud kids, and a mess. Reservations encouraged, space limited.

🎄 Christmas on Chippewa Square @ First Baptist Church Of Savannah | Sunday (12/7) at 6:00am – Bundle up and wander to Chippewa Square for Savannah’s beloved Christmas concert, the one that sneaks up every December and makes you feel like a kid again. Carols under the oaks, twinkly lights, neighbors you actually like, and zero parking lot meltdowns.

🖌️ Making Marks Opening Celebration @ Jepson Center | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Bring your curiosity and a little extra heart to this opening event honoring creativity across Savannah. You’ll hear from participating artists, learn how Telfair’s outreach programs nurture expression in every corner of the community, and get an early look at this deeply meaningful exhibition.

🎭 The Savannah Theatre Christmas Tradition 2025 @ Savannah Theatre | Sunday (12/7) at 7:00pm – If your holiday spirit needs fewer inflatable reindeer and more real talent, head downtown to the Savannah Theatre for A Christmas Tradition, all glitz, live music, and local charm, benefiting single moms. You get the nostalgia, they get the help. Win-win.

Next week

🛍️ Savannah Christmas Market @ Riverwalk at Plant Riverside District | Monday (12/8) at 11:00am – Whether you’re shopping for that impossible in-law or just chasing the glow of the riverfront lights, the Plant Riverside Christmas market delivers. Local vendors, hot chocolate, Belgian waffles, and live entertainment, plus Santa, the Festival of Trees, and a gingerbread house unveiling. Festive, not fussy.

🎤 Motown Christmas @ Johnny Mercer Theater | Monday (12/8) at 7:00pm – If your holiday playlist is 50% Motown and 50% “turn it up,” this is your night. Legendary vocalists serve up iconic hits, festive favorites, and all the smooth choreography your soul can handle. Bring the family, bring your dancing shoes, bring your best falsetto.

🎶🏖️ Beach Glass Workshop @ Lot 9 Brewing Co. | Tuesday (12/9) at 6:00pm – Think your holiday decor could use less glitter and more shoreline charm? Craft a beach glass tree, Grinchy twist, wreath, ornaments, angels, or a flamingo-topped showpiece, no experience needed. Ages 12 and up, perfect for gifting, mantels, and smugly saying you made it.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons @ Victory North – 8:45 pm
• 12/6 Kate Willett @ The Wormhole – 8 pm
• 12/7 Cc Witt @ Zunzibar – 7 pm
• 12/9 Songs of Silver and Snow @ The Green-Meldrim House – 6:30 pm
• 12/10 Tophouse @ Victory North – 8 pm
• 12/12 A Tribute to R.E.M. @ Victory North – 8 pm
• 12/13 Ashley Daneman @ Christ Church Episcopal – 3 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Savannah edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Sarah Ross (BHHS Bay Street Realty Group)

3-bed, 3.5-bath in Savannah Yacht Club and Estates, a stroll down an oak-lined road to the club and Intracoastal. Modern luxury meets coastal charm, light filled with a new architectural shingle roof.

Renovated chef’s kitchen stars with quartz counters, custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a party friendly island. Updated baths bring vessel sinks, the primary adds a tile walk in shower. Out back, an expansive deck with retractable pergola and gas grill fuels alfresco nights. Sunny bonus room flexes as office, media, or playroom, add a closet for a fourth bedroom.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →