Full for the Year

If you’re browsing holiday experiences in Savannah and come across the Ghosts of Christmas: Charles Dickens walking tour, it’s worth knowing what you’re getting into. This tour is marketed as an immersive Victorian Christmas experience, but it’s important to go in with the right expectations. We’ve looked into it thoroughly to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your holiday plans.

What makes this tour appealing are a couple of standout features: it’s very small, capped at just 12 guests, which promises a more intimate experience, and the tour combines storytelling, Victorian traditions, and ghostly tales — a mixture that could be charming, especially if you’re into history and ghost stories. On the flip side, some reviews suggest it may not fully meet the Dickens-themed or Christmas-specific expectations some might have.

If you’re after a family-friendly, Dickens-specific reenactment or a festive eggnog toast, this tour might fall a little short. But if you enjoy historic storytelling, atmospheric walks, and ghostly tales with a Christmas twist, it could still be worth considering. Those looking for a more theatrical or scripted Dickens experience should keep in mind that this tour is more narratively driven and less theatrical.

Key Points

• Intimate group size offers a more personal atmosphere.
• Focus on Victorian Christmas traditions and ghost stories rather than detailed Dickens reenactments.
• Beautifully decorated historic Savannah districts are the backdrop for the walk.
• The tour is more paranormal and storytelling-oriented than strictly Dickens or Christmas-themed.
• At $60, it’s a moderate price for a 1.5-hour guided walk, but the value depends on your interest in ghost stories and history.
• Limited reviews make it harder to gauge overall satisfaction, but the one review hints at mismatched expectations.

An Honest Look at the Savannah Ghosts of Christmas Tour

If you’re thinking about signing up for this Ghosts of Christmas tour, we want to share what you can realistically expect. Based on available info and a review, it’s clear that the experience is more paranormal story tour than a traditional Dickens or Christmas scene reenactment. While the marketing emphasizes Victorian Christmas traditions and scenes from A Christmas Carol, some travelers found the delivery to be a bit different.

The Itinerary: What’s on the Agenda

The tour kicks off at Madison Square, a historic spot with moss-draped trees, which sets a lovely, atmospheric scene for storytelling. Here, your guide, known as ‘The Fiddler of Christmas’, will regale you with a Christmas story from Colonial Savannah, accompanied by a spirited Christmas carol. The environment is perfect for setting a Victorian mood—moss hanging from ancient oaks, gas lamps glowing in the evening.

Next, you’ll head over to the Green-Meldrim House, a Victorian Gothic mansion that adds a Gothic, almost haunted feel to the experience. Here, the guide shares a Christmas story set during the Civil War, accompanied by a haunting violin performance and a ghostly scene on the balcony. While the setting is impressive, some visitors might find the storytelling less about Dickens specifically and more about general ghostly Christmas tales.

Most of the tour’s stops and walking happen within the Savannah Historic District, known for its charming, moss-covered streets, decorated squares, and historic buildings. Throughout the walk, the guide supplies a soundtrack of Victorian Christmas music, adding to the overall atmosphere. The entire route is about 30 minutes of walking through this scenic district, making it a pleasant stroll but limited in scope.

The final stop involves a toast of Chatham Artillery Eggnog—a nice touch in theory, but some reviews note that this wasn’t actually served, or at least not for all guests.

The Experience: What You’ll Get

The tour’s highlights include storytelling, ghostly scene performances, and Victorian carols. However, one review pointed out that it’s not a reenactment of scenes from A Christmas Carol, nor is there much detailed Dickens content. Instead, it’s more of a paranormal storytelling tour with Christmas themes. The guide’s violin playing was noted as a positive aspect, offering a peaceful, haunting musical backdrop.

Price and Value

At $60 per person, the tour isn’t overly expensive for a small group experience. For 1 hour and 30 minutes of storytelling, music, and walking, it’s a reasonable price if you’re a fan of ghost stories or Victorian ambiance. However, if you’re specifically looking for a Dickens-themed reenactment or a traditional Christmas experience, you might find it lacking. The limited reviews suggest that the actual experience might not fully match the promotional hype, especially regarding the Dickens aspect.

Group Size and Accessibility

With only 12 guests maximum, it’s designed to be cozy and personal. This is a plus if you prefer avoiding large crowds. The tour takes place starting at 7:00 pm, so expect an evening walk after sunset, which enhances the atmospheric feel but could be chilly or slippery, so comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended.

Considerations and Drawbacks

The biggest point of concern is the expectation mismatch. One reviewer mentioned that the tour isn’t really a Christmas Carol reenactment but more of a paranormal story walk. If you’re expecting detailed Dickens scenes or a festive eggnog toast, you might be disappointed. Also, the review notes that only one performer runs the show, contrary to the advertised three actors, which could affect the dynamic and storytelling richness.

On top of that, the focus on ghost stories might not appeal to everyone, especially if your main goal is a deeply Victorian or Christmas-centered experience. Also, the limited number of reviews makes it harder to gauge overall satisfaction, so you’re essentially relying on descriptions and one review for your expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is most suited for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or those looking for a quiet, atmospheric walk through Savannah’s historic district during the holidays. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy storytelling and live music and are okay with a less theatrical or scripted Dickens experience. It’s also good for small groups who value intimacy and a personal touch.

If your main goal is to see traditional Dickens reenactments, taste Christmas treats, or experience a lively Victorian Christmas scene, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re curious about the haunted side of Savannah’s Christmas history and enjoy music, storytelling, and a cozy evening stroll, this could be a charming, if somewhat unconventional, holiday activity.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
This experience is generally accessible to most travelers, but it’s more focused on ghost stories and Victorian traditions. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but older children interested in ghosts and history might enjoy it. Just keep in mind the walking and the dark evening setting.

Are there any age restrictions?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but since it involves walking outdoors in the evening, it’s best suited for older children and adults.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
There’s no specific mention of accessibility, but since it involves walking on historic sidewalks and streets, it might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Does the tour include any food or drinks?
The description mentions a toast of Chatham Artillery Eggnog, but one review indicates it was not served to all guests. It’s best to treat this as a storytelling and atmospheric walk rather than a food-focused experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking on 19th-century sidewalks, which can be uneven or slippery.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including stops and walking.

What is the group size?
Limited to 12 guests, providing a more intimate experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
Starts at 12 W Oglethorpe Ave and ends at 14 W Park Ave in Savannah.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Savannah during the Christmas season and want a small, atmospheric walk that combines ghost stories, Victorian charm, and a bit of music, this tour might be a cozy choice. However, if you’re looking for an authentic Dickens reenactment or a lively holiday celebration, you might leave a bit underwhelmed.

It’s a quiet, reflective experience that can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy storytelling and historical ambiance, rather than theatrical performances. Just keep your expectations in check, especially regarding the Dickens angle, and you’ll likely find it a charming way to spend an evening in Savannah’s historic district.

This tour offers a gentle, slightly haunting stroll through Savannah’s festive streets with a Victorian twist. Whether it’s worth it depends on your particular interests—if ghost stories and historic scenery appeal to you, it’s a niche experience that could add some charm to your holiday trip.