Holiday Events

This award-winning, four-day event features the Victorian Holiday Marketplace, which is packed with hundreds of period-costumed vendors selling jewelry, toys, gifts, arts and crafts, holiday decor, gourmet foods, and a bunch more. The festival also features Victorian musicians, tea leaf readers, an exhibit about life-sized Santa throughout history, and, of course, Santa Claus himself. 

For those who enjoy a night of high-quality live entertainment, Myrtle Beach has several venues that put on must-see holiday shows every year. Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, Legends in Concert, and GTS Theatre each present their own unique specials that visitors can’t seem to get enough of. Be sure to book your tickets in advance as these shows tend to sell out.

This boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway takes place on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, and features some of the area’s best boats decked out with Christmas decorations. The best places to view the procession from dry land is in one of the numerous restaurants that line the Waterway, or at a marina or landing along the route. Attendees are also strongly encouraged to bring a toy for disadvantaged children.

More than 5,000 candles illuminate the grounds of Brookgreen Gardens, which is one of the most beautiful properties on the Grand Strand. In addition to the candles and bulbs, last year’s event featured an 80-foot Fir Tree draped with over 60,000 lights! Visitors will also be treated to the sounds of handbells and carolers throughout the grounds, making this a special way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends.

There are different tree lightings that are held across the Grand Strand during the holidays. These including the Lighting of the Landing at Barefoot Landing, a tree lighting at The Market Common, and a tree lighting in Surfside Beach.