Santa sightings, Mardi Gras mayhem and seafood savoring highlight a few of the events visitors can enjoy, all with coastal Georgia small-town flare
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–NOVEMBER 2025–On Georgia’s Southern coast, St. Marys is the epitome of small-town charm surrounding a centerpiece of waterfront beauty. Community spirit and coastal character are strong here and celebrations of each bring a diverse mix of events throughout the year. From Mardi Gras frolicking to seafood tasting to Christmas caroling, the calendar is filled with ways to celebrate in St. Marys.
This year, the Christmas season will light up the streets and parks, as well as the eyes of excited youngsters. The celebrations begin the evening of Tuesday, December 2, with St. Marys Annual White Lighting Processional Parade. This free, fun night starts with a walking procession just after dusk that winds through town toward the waterfront. Carolers, bands and dancers entertain as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their way to the giant Christmas tree at St. Marys Waterfront Park (100 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558). The tree lighting will be followed by time to visit and get a photo with Santa.
The park is also the location for the Christmas in the Park celebration on Saturday, December 6, at noon. Festivities begin with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Clause, who will hand out stockings full of goodies to all the girls and boys. The celebration continues until 3:30 p.m. and includes Christmas-themed carnival games, free refreshments and photo opportunities with Christmas characters.
Set Sail with Santa Lighted Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, December 13. Locals and visitors can gather to view the boat parade from the Waterfront Park or anywhere along the waterfront. The Lighting of the Tinsel Trail is planned for 6:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park and this is also the night for the Christmas Tour of Homes. It’s a great night to celebrate the season and stroll through downtown restaurants and businesses, sharing holiday cheer.
The new year brings even more ways to celebrate in 2026. The good times roll in St. Marys and nearby Kingsland as they celebrate the Mardi Gras season. And the Mardi Gras spirit isn’t confined to events. St. Marys hosts a citywide Mardi Gras window and porch decorating contest, encouraging residents and businesses to showcase their creativity and festive flair. The festivities begin in Kingsland with the two-day K-BAY Mardi Gras Festival, February 6 and 7. The festival includes live music Friday, and a full day of activities on Saturday that culminates with a rousing concert performance by a chart-topping musician.
St. Marys’ family friendly Mardi Gras celebrations begin with the St. Marys Mardi Gras Jubilee at the St. Marys Waterfront Park on Sunday, February 15. The St. Marys Mardi Gras Jubilee, held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Waterfront Park, is a delight for visitors of all ages. There is a Kids Court featuring a Mardi Gras mask-making station, face painting and a slate of fun games, along with activities in the St. Marys Pirates Buccaneer Fun Zone. Parents will enjoy the entertainment from a lively DJ pumping up the energy all afternoon. And, of course, there is King Cake, along with goodies from a variety of food trucks. Tuesday, the 17th, Mardi Gras Day, brings Fat Tuesday Fest to downtown St. Marys. As the sun sets, this illuminated parade and party in the park begins. The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a parade that lights up the streets, starting at Church Street and ending at the waterfront park. The parade is followed by a concert in the park, as the flashy fun continues.
In July, the St. Marys Independence Day Festival begins with a parade and concludes with fireworks over the St. Marys River. The day also includes a 5K and 10K Run, arts and crafts vendors and entertainment throughout the day at the St. Marys Waterfront Park. The small-town fun includes a watermelon eating and seed spitting contest.
Fall brings the St. Marys Seafood Festival, to be held on October 3, 2026. This day of family fun features a 10 a.m. parade, a Kids Fun Zone, arts and crafts vendors and an afternoon of free concerts. Of course, the food is the highlight of this celebration of the harvests from local waters. Restaurants, food trucks and the Kiwanis Club all have tasty seafood along with other selections, as well. The festival is held along the riverfront in St. Marys’ historic district, with its small-town atmosphere and idyllic setting.
St. Marys loves to celebrate its culture and its characters all year long. On the 2nd Saturday of each month from April through September there’s a free Music in the Park Series at St. Marys Waterfront Park. The series brings locals and visitors out to enjoy free concerts and the fare of local food trucks. Throughout the year, performances by St. Marys Little Theatre (954-290-9873) and Saltwater Performing Arts (912-510-9700) bring stories, many filled with local lore, to life. And a walk with Molly’s Old South Walking Tours (904-735-8243) invites visitors to explore the streets and hear the stories of fugitives, murder, mayhem and more, that is all a part of St. Marys rich history.
Where to stay
St. Marys has a host of independent lodging options, each with a personality of its own.
At the historic Riverview Hotel (105 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3242), there’s a veranda overlooking the ferry dock and St. Marys River.
There are bed and breakfast homes like the Spencer House Inn (200 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-1872), built in 1872 and the Goodbread House Inn (209 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-7490), circa 1870.
There are also a mix of vacation rental homes, including Borne 605 (605 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-674-1632), that honor the unique character and history of St. Marys. Located in the heart of downtown, Borne 605 offers the vibrancy and convenience of urban living with design inspiration taken from Cumberland Island.