Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach

The holiday season is here and Myrtle Beach has come alive with twinkling lights, holiday music, and festive events. Here are a few holiday happenings you’ll want to check out if you’re visiting during November and December: 

Intracoastal Christmas Regatta

When: Saturday, November 26th

Where: Snooky’s Oceanfront North Myrtle Beach

One of the ways North Myrtle Beach kicks off the holiday season is right after Thanksgiving with the annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. From 5 pm – 7 pm, boats and yachts decorated with lights and holiday decorations cruise down the water. It truly is a festive sight to see!

A Very Broadway Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 3rd

Where: Broadway at the Beach

At 11 am on Saturday, December 3rd, a line of classic cars, decorated floats, marching bands, and stilt walkers will make their way through the streets of Broadway at the Beach. Once the parade is done, get a head start on some of your holiday shopping and find some unique gifts at the shops around the complex. And if you stick around until 8 pm, you’ll see a grand firework display over the water of Lake Broadway.

Santa Crawl on the Marshwalk

When: Saturday, December 10th

Where: The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk 

If you love an excuse to dress up in costume, you’ll be excited to hear the 8th Annual Santa Crawl is back at the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. Dress up as Santa, an elf, Scrooge, the Grinch, a Christmas tree, or any other holiday-inspired look, and enjoy sipping on cocktails and dining along the waterfront. From 6 pm – 9 pm, Secret Santas will be strolling about in search of the best Christmas attire. Make sure to register to win between 5 pm – 7 pm for a chance to win prizes. The winner will be announced on the Marshwalk side of The Claw House at 9:30 pm.

Surfing Santas

When: Saturday, December 17th

Where: Surfside Beach

Head to Surfside Beach on Saturday, December 17th and be entertained as a bunch of Santas paddle out, hang 10, and surf the waves in their Santa suits at this 5th annual holiday event. 

The Great Christmas Light Show

When: November 21st – December 30th

Where: North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex

*Santa’s Village is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ONLY from November 25 through December 11. Open Nightly from December 15 through 30 (Closed on Christmas Day).

This annual holiday light celebration is back for another year of spreading Christmas cheer. From 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, you can tune into a radio station playing Christmas music and drive along a 2-mile stretch through over 2 million lights. There are over 500 light displays, some over 55 ft tall, along with new animated figurines and holiday scenes where the lights come to life. After you drive through the lights, visit Santa’s Village for hot chocolate, s’mores, a petting zoo, photo ops, village toys, Santa’s Elf Hunt, Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Tree, and Santa’s Express Train Ride.

Winter Wonderland at the Beach

When: November 17th – December 23rd

Where: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk 

What better way to ring in the holidays than by the ocean in Myrtle Beach?! This spectacular event is back and bigger and brighter than before with a festive light display that stretches along the boardwalk. Afterward, make sure to swing by the Family Fun Zone area which will be full of holiday-themed attractions, an area to make s’mores, inflatables, a Christmas tree, and much more. If you visit on a Saturday between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a beachfront photo with Santa and his sleigh. Other events happening throughout the season at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk include:

  • Live Performances: Nightly live music and entertainment on stage at Plyler Park at 6, 7, and 8 pm
  • Carolers: Group of carolers singing along the boardwalk each night from 6 pm – 9 pm
  • Holiday Movie Night: Every Friday night there will be a holiday movie shown in the Nance Plaza
  • Holiday Market in Plyler Park: Unique vendors will be set up around Plyler Park on Thursday-Saturday nights

Ripley’s Festival of Trees

When: November – December 

Where: Ripley’s Aquarium

Each year during the holidays, Ripley’s Aquarium puts on a display of Christmas trees decorated with ornaments to represent each of the 55 great states and territories. For example, the Lousiana tree is decorated with beads and Mardi Gras masks, and the South Carolina tree is adorned with magnolias, golf balls, seashells, and even Coastal Carolina, USC, and Clemson decor. You can even put your state knowledge to the test with a customized scavenger hunt.

Nights of a Thousand Candles

When: November 26th – January 1st 

Where: Brookgreen Gardens

One of the area’s most popular annual holiday events is back at Brookgreen Gardens. Enjoy meandering through the sculpture gardens that have come alive with the glow of over 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of twinkling lights.  From 4 pm – 9 pm, you can stroll about the gardens with a cup of hot cider and listen to the sounds of holiday music. There will be nightly entertainment in various tents set up throughout the space.

Don’t miss out on these festive events happening all season long when you spend the holidays in Myrtle Beach. Be sure to check out the specials page for Atlantica to find deals on oceanfront accommodations.