Overview
Holiday Events
Myrtle Beach is as good of a place as any to celebrate the holiday season. Aside from great deals on hotel rooms and the weather normally being in the not-too-cold to actually perfect range, there’s a list of things to do that could keep the busiest of families occupied for weeks. We have stage shows, lights shows, candle shows, singing Christmas Tree shows, and an almost empty beach where visitors can take a relaxing stroll and pretend that they own the joint. We think even Old Saint Nick would agree that a trip to Myrtle Beach before or during the holidays is the perfect way for the whole family to get in the spirit together.

Dickens Christmas Show & Festival
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.

Holiday Shows
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.

Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
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.

Nights of a Thousand Candles
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.

Tree Lightings
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.

Download the Monster App Today!
Download the app and save $1,000s on your next Myrtle Beach vacation!
- Browse and clip coupons, then redeem them later right from your phone
- Save your favorite attractions, restaurants, stores, and more to your clippings for easy access
- Discover upcoming events and receive push notification reminders of saved events


More Things To Do
You Might Also Enjoy...
Check out these related entries from our 102 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach guide:

11. Take a Day Trip to Charleston
Myrtle Beach is a popular year-round beach destination with plenty to see and do. Most visitors stick close to their hotel and explore within the 60 miles of coastline known as the Grand Strand. For those who want to venture a little further, another u …
Read more
68. Historic Georgetown
The third-oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown offers a glimpse of the state’s history along with great shopping, dining and scenery. Georgetown is located halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston along the Sampit River. The city embraces the …
Read more
73. Golf Stores
Known as the Golf Capital of the U.S., Myrtle Beach is home to more than 100 golf courses. It’s no surprise that USA Today Travel readers named Myrtle Beach the top golf destination for 2014. Golfers can do more than hit the links when they’re in t …
Read more
62. Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is a huge shopping, dining and entertainment complex located in North Myrtle Beach. The area is filled with things to do and is home to a pair of the top entertainment venues in Myrtle Beach. There’s the House of Blues, a large l …
Read more
16. Bowling
A classic diversion for both young and old, bowling has long been part of American culture. With a number of bowling alleys in the area, the Grand Strand offers families, friends and couples a wide variety of bowling and entertainment options. Everythi …
Read more
04. Jet Ski Rentals
Since the first Jet Skis rolled off the assembly lines in the late 1960s and into America’s lakes, rivers and oceans, watersports got a whole lot more fun. Like motorcycles on the water, jet skis, also called PWC (Personal Water Craft), are fast, fun …
Read more
29. Arcades
As old as seaside vacations themselves, arcades, originally called “penny arcades,” have a long-standing tradition of entertaining crowds of all ages. Along the Grand Strand you’ll find games of chance, games of skill, and the unique sights and s …
Read more
49. Comedy & Magic Shows
Myrtle Beach is full of unexpected fun, including talented and hilarious performers ready to entertain you after a long day on the sand. Whether you’re going out with an adult crowd or looking for something different to do as a family, these come …
Read more
02. Parasailing
“Fly through the air with the greatest of ease!” Myrtle Beach parasailing captains have made it easy to soar like a bird. And on a beautiful Grand Strand day, the views are out of this world! Let area boat captains and crews launch you slowly, and …
Read more
71. Candy Shops
Sometimes life at the beach just isn’t sweet enough — you need a sugar kick that can only come from candy! Luckily candy stores are becoming more and more popular, and they’re popping up all over town. When your sweet tooth starts aching, check o …
Read more
09. Boat Cruises
With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, the numerous boat tours in Myrtle Beach provide a range of entertainment and sightseeing alternatives. From quiet Waterway dinner cruises to exciting casino boat experience …
Read more
69. Flea Markets
Bargain hunters and collectors know that there are treasures to be found at flea markets. The main perk of flea market shopping is the variety — hundreds of vendors gather in one place selling a wide array of wares. Whether you’re looking to buy or …
Read more