Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA for Christmas?
 

We're looking at spending the week of Christmas probably splitting our time between Charleston and Savannah, since we're not been to either. The big question is which location to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? We'd be going to midnight mass, and then needing a fairly casual place or buffet that's open for Christmas dinner (because I'm a pretty picky eater). This would be our first time traveling at Christmas, and would like to maintain the holiday spirit.

Anyone have any input?

Never been to either, but if I were you, I'd first see what you can find in the way of a Christmas dinner, because that's pretty hard to do. I've been using Yelp a lot lately for food, so that's what I'd use. Once you've found a place where you'd like to eat and that looks like it's open for Christmas, confirm it either on the restaurant website or by a telephone call before choosing the city. I think this is what will drive the decision for you.

Then Google the city's Cathedral for midnight Mass schedule.

Both cities are fine for just walking around (which is probably what you'll find to do on Christmas Day.) All else being equal, I'd choose Savannah, because there are a lot of squares that will probably keep you busy longer than walking in Charleston when everything is closed.

Should clarify that I've never been to either for Christmas. Been to both a number of times, and prefer Savannah overall.

Dreamer320

Doing a quick search of places to eat and events at that time in Charleston, I found this.

http://www.charlestoncocktail.com/event_christmas.html

Scroll about half way down to see the restaurants open. All are good.

I live near Charleston so I know it better, but most likely Savannah has a similar site.

Hope this helps in your decision.
Kathy

Just want to let you know that St. John the Baptist cathedral in Savannah is breathtaking:

http://www.savannahcathedral.org/

I was in Charleston a few days before Christmas, and it was lovely all dressed up. :)