The Christmas season is a magical time of year no matter where you are, and the Myrtle Beach area is no exception. The entire Grand Strand is bustling with exciting Christmas shows, holiday lights, seasonal dinners and fun events for all including several chances to see Santa Claus himself! Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights
There are plenty of places to see Christmas lights all over Myrtle Beach and beyond. Nights of a Thousand Candles takes place at Brookgreen Gardens every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through December 31, 2023, and features over 2,500 hand-lit candles, twinkling lights, themed exhibits, refreshments, and live entertainment.
The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach is fun for all ages with a drive-through light show set to Christmas carols, a petting zoo, and train rides in Santa’s Village. Don’t miss out on your chance to tell Santa what’s on your list while you’re there! The North Myrtle Beach Christmas light show opens November 20 through December 30, 2023.
The Conway Celebration of Lights light show is another drive-through light show along the famous historic Waccamaw Riverfront. This show is $2/person this year and runs nightly from 5:30-10 p.m. through December 24, 2023. You’ll enter from 3rd Avenue closest to 501 Bypass and begin on Marina Drive. Visits with Santa will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Winter Wonderland at The Beach is one of the newest holiday events in town and walks you along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with a free walk-through lights display. The lights and fun will be held from November 17 through January 1, 2024, near the SkyWheel.
MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights is a completely free walk-through Christmas light display. Walk along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk half-mile boardwalk through a magical display of twinkling lights then make your way down Veteran’s Pier to the enormous Christmas tree! Participating restaurants will offer festive food and beverage specials as well as special family-friendly activities including pictures with Santa, holiday vendors, bounce houses, barrel racing, and plenty more fun. The event will be held from 5-9 p.m. nightly through December 31, 2023.
Myrtle Beach Christmas Shows
No trip to Myrtle Beach is complete without visiting one of the great theaters in town.
The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theater has been a Southern tradition for as long as we can remember. It showcases your favorite Christmas songs, dance numbers, and a special comedy act. Celebrate the magic of Christmas at this family-friendly show.
The Christmas Show of the South at The Carolina Opry is a real crowd-pleaser with world-class song and dance performances and special appearances from All That! clogging group. Go celebrate their 38th year this year! There’s even a real sleigh that rolls across the stage.
Pirates Voyage offers a holiday-themed dinner show during the Christmas season that tells a Dicken’s Christmas Carol with a pirate spin on it. Tickets are booked quickly for this fun-filled dinner show and there are two seatings on Saturdays. Everyone loves the live nativity scene at the end of the show to show the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Parades Around Myrtle Beach
There are plenty of exciting chances to see Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch and some of your favorite local Myrtle Beach celebrities in Christmas parades along the Grand Strand.
- A Very Broadway Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 3 starting at 11 a.m. around Celebrity Circle.
- Surfside Beach Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 9 starting at 2 p.m. on Ocean Blvd. and Surfside Drive.
- Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade is Sunday, December 3 starting at 3 p.m. from Wilcox Ave to Wachesaw Road.
- Conway Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. in downtown Conway.
- The North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade is set for 5:30 p.m. along Main Street on Saturday, December 3, 2023.
Christmas Events Near Myrtle Beach
Looking for more Christmas events in Myrtle Beach? Join downtown Myrtle Beach for Holidays on the Boardwalk with train rides, live music, a festival of lights and more each weekend from Thanksgiving through New Year’s weekend.
Ripley’s Aquarium hosts its Festival of Trees each year with one tree for all of the 50 states (and then some) positioned all throughout the aquatic exhibits. The Festival of Trees is open daily through December 31, 2023.
Hard Rock Café, Tupelo Honey, 810 Bowling, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, The Barefoot Princess Riverboat, and several other restaurants and attractions offer special meals with Santa Claus (and even the Grinch!) throughout the holiday season in Myrtle Beach. Call early for reservations as spots fill quickly!
Christmas Dinner In The Myrtle Beach Area
Several local restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day serving holiday feasts for their guests. These Grand Strand restaurants typically offer holiday meals (be sure to call for hours and reservations). This list is still evolving for 2023 and is subject to change.
- Greg Norman’s Australian Grille: Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- New York Prime: 405 28th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC
- The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro: 4269 State Rd S-26-852, Little River, SC
- California Dreaming: Surfside Beach, SC
- Carolina Roadhouse: 4617 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
- Preston’s Seafood & Country Buffet: 4530 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Thoroughbred’s Chophouse & Seafood Grille: 9706 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
- Filet’s Restaurant (Christmas Eve only): 2120 Sea Mountain Hwy., North Myrtle Beach, SC
Christmas Condos & Resorts
Myrtle Beach
Find the perfect rental for your holiday vacation in Myrtle Beach today. With a wide variety of oceanfront suites and condos with several bedrooms, there are plenty of options for any size family on every stretch of the beach. Enjoy a bevy of indoor amenities including game rooms, indoor pools, indoor water parks and so much more.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is home to a huge selection of oceanfront condos, private beach homes, and golf villas for every type of traveler this Christmas season. Whether you’re looking for a spot near all the action or a private retreat, Condo-World can help you find the perfect getaway at the best rate.
