There’s holiday cheer around every corner of the Grand Strand, including a variety of Myrtle Beach Christmas lights perfect for perusing this winter. From nearby seasonal concerts and shows, to Santa sightings, to a variety of impressive Christmas light shows, the coast is an excellent place to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying many winter activities. We’ve rounded up this list of Myrtle Beach Christmas light shows, displays, and parades to make your vacation merry and bright. Start planning your stay at Dayton House Resort – at the center of it all – and make your winter wishes come true.
1| THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW
Light Show Dates: November 21st–December 30th
Santa’s Village Dates: Open Thursday–Sunday November 25th through December 11th, and then nightly through December 30th.
Price: $15 when Santa’s Village is closed (1–15 passengers), $20 when Santa’s Village is open (1–15 passengers)
The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex presents The Great Christmas Light Show. This two-mile, drive-through light show near Myrtle Beach boasts more than two million lights and more than 500 displays, some up to 55 feet tall. After marveling at the light show, park the car and head over to Santa’s Village for entertainment, including a petting zoo, fireside hot chocolate and s’mores, and a visit with Santa. The attraction will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
2| BROADWAY AT THE BEACH TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Date: November 12th
Price: FREE
Head to Broadway at the Beach for the festive tree lighting celebration in Myrtle Beach. This event promises a special appearance from Santa himself plus great live performances. The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. at The Hangout restaurant stage located in The Hangout Courtyard. Live performances from the entertainers of the Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special and Legends in Concert, plus acts from the Carolina Dance District and Myrtle Beach Youth Choir get everyone in a jolly spirit. Finish your evening with the Fireworks Extravaganza at 8:00 p.m.
3| INTRACOASTAL CHRISTMAS REGATTA
Date: November 26th
Price: FREE
This floating light show in North Myrtle Beach has been a Grand Strand mainstay since 1985. The Annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta brings spectators from all over to watch the Christmas lights twinkling across the waterway. There are plenty of viewing locations along the route, which flows from Little River Inlet beginning at 5:00 p.m. and concludes at Dock Holiday’s Marina around 7:00 p.m. There’s no fee to watch, but gifts are being collected at various donation locations around Myrtle Beach.
4| WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL
Dates: November 17–December 23rd
Price: Ticket prices vary by activity, Family Fun Zone attractions start at $1 each.
For beach-themed Christmas lights in Myrtle Beach, visit the Winter Wonderland Festival. You’ll be treated to a variety of light shows through Toyland, Peppermint Valley, and the North Pole as you stroll along the oceanfront boardwalk. There’s more than 100,000 lights in this area, plus local businesses are adorned with their own twinkling decorations that add to the festive glow. For a nominal fee, kids can enjoy holiday-themed inflatables, s’mores, and other entertainment. The festival also features oceanfront photos with Santa and evening concerts on the Plyler Park stage, Thursday through Sunday. All of this holiday fun is just a 20-minute walk from Dayton House Resort.
5| CALABASH CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & PARADE
Date: December 2nd
Price: FREE
Travel a short 30 minutes from Dayton House Resort to the town of Calabash for their annual Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. at Callahan’s of Calabash and feature many kid-friendly offerings, from a visit with Santa to feeding reindeer. Watch this colorful parade that runs from Beach Drive to River Road during your stop.
6| TREE LIGHTING AT THE LANDING
Date: November 19th
Price: FREE
Usher in Christmas in Myrtle Beach at Barefoot Landing’s Lighting of the Landing show. The entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. in Dockside Village. This family-friendly event offers performances from Alabama Theater entertainers, dancers, and the Phoenix Carolers. The tree lighting is followed by fireworks and visits with Santa until 8:00 p.m.
7| MARKET COMMON TREE LIGHTING & SLEIGH RIDES
Date: November 19th
Price: FREE
This family-friendly tree lighting event at Market Common will make your holidays in Myrtle Beach extra merry! The schedule begins at 5:00 p.m. with complimentary carriage rides that depart from the corner of Howard Avenue and Nevers Street. Other fun activities include a trackless train ride, face painting, balloon art, and bounce houses. Santa makes a visit at 6:00 p.m. outside the Grand 14 Cinema, where you can take your photo in his festive sleigh. Performances follow the 6:00 p.m. tree lighting ceremony. Vendors will be serving holiday treats along Deville and Reed Streets.
8| NIGHTS OF A THOUSAND CANDLES
Dates: November–January 1st
Price: Tickets start at $35 for adults and $17 for kids
One of the most famous Myrtle Beach Christmas Light shows is at Brookgreen Gardens. This fantastic annual Nights of a Thousand Candles light show features more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and thousands of twinkling lights. Walk the illuminated sculpture gardens and grounds sipping hot cider and taking in all the festive Christmas decorations. Guests will be entertained by strolling bagpipers who give the event a boost of holiday cheer, and enjoy listening to the featured band or vocalists of the evening.
9| COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES NEAR MYRTLE BEACH
Christmas in Myrtle Beach offers several chances to join in tree lighting ceremonies put on by many communities along the coast and inland. These events feature holiday treats, shopping, and entertainment to make an evening of the occasion.
North Myrtle Beach: Christmas Tree Lighting is on November 29th at 6:00 p.m. in McLean Park and includes stage performances and refreshments.
Conway: The Rivertown Christmas Celebration begins with a city tree lighting ceremony on December 1st at 6:00 p.m. and is followed by visits with Santa and candlelight shopping.
Surfside Beach: Visit Memorial Park in nearby Surfside Beach on December 2nd at 4:00 p.m. for the annual tree lighting and enjoy festivities until 8:00 p.m.
Murrells Inlet: Head to Morse Park Landing to attend this tree lighting on December 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will feature Christmas crafts, holiday treats, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Join us at Dayton House Resort this holiday season for a Myrtle Beach Christmas you won’t forget. We deck the halls every December to make our comfortable oceanfront accommodations extra merry. Enjoy comfortable amenities, including pools, hot tubs, and dining for relaxation and entertainment between events. Catch all of the area’s holiday fun from our convenient location—there are concerts, Christmas lights, and celebrations to entertain all ages.