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Christmas in Myrtle Beach

10/31/2023

Christmas in Myrtle Beach is a magical time! With festivals, markets, parades, and light shows filling the season, there is holiday spirit galore. Coral Beach has the scoop on all seasonal things to do, and we’re here to guide you through your Myrtle Beach Christmas vacation. Check out all the ways you can celebrate the holidays in Myrtle Beach during your stay at Coral Beach Resort:

Santa celebrating Christmas in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights

The Great Christmas Light Show

Load up the car for the two-mile drive through the Great Christmas Light Show in Myrtle Beach. This annual holiday event features over two million individual lights and more than 500 artfully-created displays, some of which are up to 55 feet tall! After you see the lights, park the car and head to Santa’s Village for even more holiday fun like fireside s’mores, visits with Santa, and a petting zoo. 

Light Show Dates: November 20 –December 30; closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Santa’s Village Dates: Open Thursday–Sunday November 24 through December 10, and nightly December 14 through December 30th. Closed on Christmas Day. 

Price: $15 when Santa’s Village is closed (1–15 passengers), $20 when Santa’s Village is open (1–15 passengers)

Nights of a Thousand Candles

One of the most popular Christmas activities in Myrtle Beach is Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens. The gardens, unique already in their presentation, are decorated with thousands of sparkling lights and hand-lit candles. The show also features a festival, with live music, hot cider, and tasty food to keep the holiday cheer going. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and this event always sells out – reserve your tickets ASAP! 

Tree Lighting at The Market Common

Gather with locals and vacationers alike for this exciting annual holiday event in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy family friendly live shows, visit with Santa, and indulge in delicious holiday treats from vendors lining the streets. The tree lighting kicks off an evening of live music and entertainment from 6 to 8 pm on November 18, 2023. 

The Lighting of the Menorah

Join Myrtle Beach’s Jewish community nightly during Hanukkah to experience the lighting of the menorah. Meet at Valor Park in The Market Common for this event at 5 pm every night of Hanukkah. 

Tree Lighting at North Myrtle Beach

Kick off the holiday season with the North Myrtle Beach tree lighting ceremony, happening this year on November 28, 2023. McLean Park hosts this annual Christmas event in Myrtle Beach that showcases stage performances, Christmas music, caroling, family activities, and refreshments.  

The South's Grandest Christmas Show - Alabama Theatre

Christmas Shows in Myrtle Beach

The South’s Grandest Christmas Show

Head to Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach to see this unbelievable Christmas extravaganza at the Alabama Theatre. Featuring a combination of talented artists performing Christmas classics and contemporary holiday bops, dancers, comedians, and more, this Christmas show definitely lives up to its name. 

Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2023

Price: $45.95 – $64.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

Calvin Gilmore of the Grand Ole Opry invites you to the 38th year of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special! This highly anticipated holiday event in Myrtle Beach features a star-studded cast of nearly 40 world-class musicians and vocalists, dancers, and actors, and a real horse-drawn sleigh with artificial snowfall. 

Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2023

Price: $48.30 – $75.20 for adults, $27.95 – $48.00 for kids

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Christmas Show

The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Christmas Show is a nautical retelling of the story of Christmas, featuring Captain Scrooge and his crew aboard a life-size pirate ship surrounded by deep water. Watch as toys come to life and show off their acrobatic talents, cheer on your favorite pirate, and get a special message from the live nativity scene while you dine on a delicious four-course holiday dinner. 

Dates: November 1, 2023 – January 5, 2024

Price: $69.99 for adults, $34.99 for kids

All City Christmas Cantata

The 39th annual All City Christmas Cantata will take place on the first weekend of December, Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd. Church choirs from across the Grand Strand come together to create a musical Christmas experience for all to enjoy. 

Motown Christmas Tribute Show

Give your holiday season some soul with the Motown Christmas Tribute Show at The GTS Theatre in Myrtle Beach! This two hour show showcases all of your favorite Motown hits, plus classic and contemporary Christmas songs with plenty of dancing, singing along, and merry making to go around. 

Dates: November 1 – December 23, 2023

Price: $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, $46.95 for VIP tickets (all ages

Christmas Shops in Myrtle Beach

Dickens Christmas Show and Market 

Hosting over 350 period-clad vendors, this Victorian holiday market in Myrtle Beach is a classic Christmas activity for visitors and locals alike. Step into the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and back in time as you browse the market for gifts and delicious treats. 

Dates: November 9 – 12, 2023

Price: $12 – $15 for adults, $5 – $6.50 for kids. Buy in advance, tickets are more at the door!

The Christmas Mouse

Visit this year round Christmas shop in Myrtle Beach for gifts, decor, themed and classic Christmas ornaments, and so much more. The Christmas Mouse also features seasonal decor for other holidays, including Halloween and Fourth of July. Stop by and see what’s new! 

Rivertown Christmas Celebration

Downtown Conway’s annual Rivertown Christmas Celebration is back this year beginning Thursday, November 30 and continuing each Thursday night through December 21. Enjoy candlelight shopping, exclusive Rivertown Christmas deals, and extended shopping hours at Conway’s eclectic local shops. 

Myrtle Beach Christmas Events

Breakfast with a Mermaid and Santa

Santa is making a special visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach! The aquarium will be decorated for Christmas, with dozens of Christmas trees and wreaths. Meet a mermaid, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy an elf diving show with your breakfast at this Myrtle Beach Christmas event

Breakfast with Santa at Tupelo Honey

Join Santa for breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe in The Market Common! This is one of the most popular things to do around Christmas in Myrtle Beach, with space at this one day event on Sunday December 23 going fast. Reservations are strongly recommended.

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade

It wouldn’t be Christmas in North Myrtle Beach without the annual Christmas parade! One of the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach at Christmas, this nighttime parade lights up the parade route with decorated floats and vehicles. 

Surfside Beach Christmas Parade

Join the Town of Surfside Beach for their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 9, 2023. This lively parade features floats, walkers, and exciting entertainment as it travels from Ocean Boulevard to Surfside Drive in Surfside Beach. 

Ripley’s Festival of Trees

Ripley’s Festival of Trees is a Myrtle Beach Christmas classic! See the magic of the aquarium decorated for Christmas, with over 55 Christmas trees adorned with elements that represent each US state and territory. The South Carolina tree is a special nod to the state, larger than surrounding trees for extra emphasis. 

The Polar Bus Express at The Market Common

On eight special dates in December, you and your family have the opportunity to join a ride to the North Pole of Market Common. Decorated in holiday decor and filled with the sounds of The Polar Express™, The Polar Bus Express reenacts the best scenes from the popular Christmas movie. With each ticket purchased, guests receive a souvenir golden ticket, a “BELIEVE” sleigh bell, a chocolate chip cookie and hot cocoa. 

Planning Your Myrtle Beach Christmas Vacation

Celebrating Christmas in Myrtle Beach is sure to be a joyous experience! With the help of our holiday guide, you’ll plan the perfect Grand Strand getaway. 

If you haven’t yet booked your stay at Coral Beach Resort & Suites for Christmas 2023, there’s still time! Check out our special offers with the latest deals and packages to book your holiday vacation today!