Thunderbolt's 2nd annual Christmas on the Bluff celebration doubles as fundraiser

Christmas is the giving season, but it’s also the storytelling season. Need proof? Look no further than the Town of Thunderbolt’s second annual Christmas on the Bluff, a night of festive fundraising that reminds us that our stories are all connected.

“We all seek happiness, we all seek peace, we all seek love, and I think this is one of the special times in the year when we decide to put all our differences aside and follow our hearts and choose love over hate, choose unity over division,” Thunderbolt Mayor Dana Williams said.

This year’s Christmas on the Bluff will bring the Town of Thunderbolt together to celebrate the impact created through Brightside Child & Family Advocacy, previously Savannah CASA. Since 1991, this local nonprofit has advocated for Chatham County children in foster care who have experienced abuse or neglect. In 2022, the organization’s programming also expanded to help families heal through parental coaching and case management at The Bright House.

To connect this cause with the community, Brightside Child & Family Advocacy-Savannah CASA volunteers will be onsite at Christmas on the Bluff to help distribute activity tickets for a suggested donation of $2 per ticket. Each ticket allows visitors to participate in one event, but it also provides a chance to make a difference.

“The main goal is just bringing people out and building community pride, but especially getting to know our neighbors and finding out that we are all one and the same. We’re just trying to build a connection with one another,” Williams said. “That is so important for building a strong community where everybody feels like they matter and they have input and are part of something bigger than themselves.”

And it looks like being part of something bigger can be a whole lot of fun this holiday season.

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Touch-a-truck, vintage vehicles and Thunderbolt Marine's 'Hercules'

There’s so much to do at Christmas on the Bluff, but snacking on cookies and taking pictures with Santa are can’t-miss opportunities. While you’re in the photo tent, snap a few pictures with the elves and the Grinch, too. Next, head out to play yard games, decorate some cookies or dance to nonstop Christmas music under the flurries brought to the waterfront courtesy of a snow machine.

Touch-a-truck offers a unique new holiday tradition as kids are invited to get up close and personal with local fire trucks, police cars and vintage vehicles. There’s even a chance to meet Hercules, Thunderbolt Marine’s trusty tow rig, and create memories sure to last a lifetime.

“The kids can get in there and play on the vehicles, actually touch them and experience being there with those trucks. We also have a local firefighter and police officer to talk with the kids,” owner of Simply Savannah Marketing and Event Coordinator for the Town of Thunderbolt Marianne Ganem-Poppell explained. “The kids absolutely love it. They get to sit in the seat and climb all over the vehicles and not get in trouble.”

While the kids play, the adults can get a jump start on Christmas shopping at the vendor village, where Peaches by Em, Thunderbowls, That’s Sew Southard and many other vendors will offer a variety of gift-worthy purchases. Visitors can also create handmade gifts at the ornament decorating station or take home a few coloring pages as a reminder of an evening spent helping others and having fun doing it.

There’s even something for the furriest family member. Before the event, pet owners can submit snapshots of their beloved animals decked out in their holiday best for the inaugural Holidog Contest. While the pets dress to the nines, their owners are invited to adorn their flashiest Christmas sweaters for the Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. Even if you and your pet prefer to dress a little more lowkey, stick around to see who’s crowned the champion during Christmas on the Bluff. Every story needs a few quirky characters, after all.

When it’s time to take a break, stop to enjoy live  performances from the Gretchen Green School of Dance, Shindigs and several local orchestras. While you relax, grab a bite from That Southern Slap, Donato’s or Pop’s Grillin’. Craving something sweet? Check out Donut Envy, RumRunner’s Bakery or Starship Ice Cream. You can even sip on some coconut tequila or vodka cranberry-infused tea from Sweet Tea Factory. No matter what flavors fuel your night, it’s sure to be a blast.

Around 7 p.m., things will start winding down with the Thunderbolt Christmas tree lighting. But a twinkling tree doesn’t mean the event is over. As a special surprise, Mayor Williams and the Thunderbolt Town Council invite visitors to continue the fun on the waterfront, where a lighted boat parade is sure to inspire a twinkle in every eye and drive for compassion in every heart.

“Everyone has a story to tell, and I think it takes positive people, hard-working people, caring people to stand up and make a difference,” Ganem-Poppell said.

When the holidays are over, the memories live on through the stories we share. So why not make helping others part of your story this Christmas?

If You Go >>

What: Christmas on the Bluff

When: 4-7 p.m., Dec. 9

Where: 3107 River Drive, Thunderbolt (next to River Drive CrossFit)

Tickets: Free and open to the public (donations to Brightside Child & Family Advocacy accepted)

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Thunderbolt Georgia builds community while celebrating Christmas on the Bluff