As the holidays near, you can feel Christmas in the air along the Grand Strand. While Dayton House Resort is trimming its tree and hanging up lights, local theater stages transform into magical winter wonderlands for all to enjoy. Fill your winter getaway to Myrtle Beach with light shows, visits with Santa, Christmas concerts, and more. Explore this list of the top Christmas shows in Myrtle Beach to purchase tickets (and plan your stay) today!
Myrtle Beach Christmas Shows
The South’s Grandest Christmas Show
Located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, only 15 minutes north of Dayton House Resort, the Alabama Theatre lives up to its name in this Christmas show featuring a spectacular combination of contemporary holiday hits and classic Christmas songs, combined with dancing, comedy, and more.
The charming Alabama Theatre is decorated to the nines and offers a great place for families to snap some holiday photos. This intimate venue features excellent lighting, sound, and special effects. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house. (Check out their interactive seating chart to see for yourself.) The talented cast and crew dazzle guests year after year, but a surprise celebrity steals the spotlight with a show-stopping final entrance and very jolly ho-ho-holiday greeting.
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 Grand Ole Opry fame presents The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, a high-energy holiday showcase in its 38th year. Featuring a star-studded cast of more than 35 vocalists and musicians, plus dancers and actors, this lively Myrtle Beach Christmas show includes the melodious sounds of gospel, country, and holiday classics. The performance also features a real horse-drawn sleigh and snow to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays.
The venue is almost as spectacular as the show, with thousands of twinkling lights and mounds of Christmas snow. It takes the crew a full week to transform the space into a winter wonderland, complete with over 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, and 5 miles of string lights. The towering 30-foot tree in the lobby is the perfect backdrop for families to take Christmas card photos after the show.
Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2023
Price: $48.30 – $75.20 for adults, $27.95 – $48.00 for kids
Motown Christmas Tribute Show
Get soulful this holiday season with the Motown Christmas Tribute Show at The GTS Theatre in Myrtle Beach. The small but spirited theater provides an intimate two-hour show featuring all your favorite Motown hits plus Christmas favorites — get ready for singalongs and dancing in the aisles. Fans rave about this Myrtle Beach Christmas show for its use of soul, rhythm, and blues to tell the story of Motown while spreading Christmas cheer.
Dates: November 1 – December 23, 2023
Price: $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, $46.95 for VIP tickets (all ages
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Christmas Show
This family-friendly Myrtle Beach Christmas show is located just 10 minutes from Dayton House Resort and proves to be fun for all ages. The Pirates Voyage Christmas Special showcases the meaning of Christmas through Captain Scrooge and his crew aboard a life-size pirate ship. Watch as toys come to life and perform high-flying acrobatics, laugh at comical companions, and get a special message from the live nativity scene while you dine on a four-course holiday feast.
Dates: November 1, 2023 – January 5, 2024
Price: $69.99 for adults, $34.99 for kids
Hot Jersey Nights
This Broadway Theater special is one of the newest Christmas shows in Myrtle Beach for 2023. Spend the evening captivated by the sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as Hot Jersey Nights performs all of the 1960s greatest hits plus holiday classics. This two-hour production is a walk down memory lane for adults and a festive experience for kids.
Dates: November 1 – December 29, 2023
Price: $17.45 – $47.45, including fees
Legends in Concert 2023 Holiday Spectacular
When you’re spending Christmas in Myrtle Beach, the Legends Holiday Spectacular is a must-see show that features signature hits and holiday classics performed by amazing tribute artists. These talented musicians have dedicated their careers to replicating the performances of some of the top musical acts with impressive precision.
This year’s Christmas Show lineup includes Aretha Franklin played by Denita Asberry, The Blues Brothers played by Dan Meisner and Kenny Barret, Dolly Parton played by Karen Hester, Elvis played by Jay Dupuis, and Frank Sinatra played by Robbie Howard, all accompanied by the house orchestra. The spectacular closing number will surely put you in the holiday spirit.
Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2023
Price: $55.47 – $64.07 per person
Dickens Christmas Show and Market
The annual Dickens Christmas Show and Market in Myrtle Beach is an award-winning shopping and entertainment experience for all ages. Step into the convention center and be transported back in time at this Victorian-themed event. Kids will enjoy Punch & Judy shows and Santa Claus appearances, and everyone can shop the day away at the Victorian Shopping Village.
Hosting over 350 period-clad vendors, the market features gourmet treats, arts and crafts, imported gifts, and more. Don’t skip on browsing the silent auction which offers a host of seasonal items including 50 themed Christmas trees, table centerpieces, wreaths, and stockings. Auction proceeds benefit a variety of charities and event sponsors and it’s happening just in time to get your name on the nice list.
Dates: November 9 – 12, 2023
Price: $12 – $15 for adults, $5 – $6.50 for kids. Buy in advance, tickets are more at the door!
Broadway at the Beach Tree Lighting Festival
The Broadway at the Beach Tree Lighting Festival includes live performances from Broadway Theater, Legends in Concert, Socastee High School, Triple Toe Cloggers, and MaxLee James. The entertainment at this holly-jolly tree lighting festival begins at 6 pm at The Hangout restaurant stage located in The Hangout Courtyard. Watch the tree lighting presentation, visit with Santa, and stay for the nearby Broadway at the Beach fireworks extravaganza at 8 pm.
Date: November 11, 2023
Price: FREE
Wonders of Christmas Magic Show
Have a magical, merry Myrtle Beach vacation watching Charles Bach’s Wonders of Christmas Show at Wonders Theatre. During the show, illusionist Charles Bach will bring holiday wishes to life, create magic with milk and cookies, and make it snow! Sit back and enjoy dancing, holiday music, and an appearance by Santa himself.
Dates: November 11 – December 31, 2023
Price: $19 – $33
The Great Christmas Light Show
Visitors will delight in the two-mile, drive through Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach. The annual holiday event features two million lights and more than 500 displays – some up to 55 feet tall. Guests can park the car and head to Santa’s Village for post-light show entertainment, including fireside s’mores, a petting zoo, and a visit with Santa.
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)
Winter Wonderland at the Beach
This Myrtle Beach Christmas festival features a light display, family fun zone, and evening shows. Winter Wonderland at the Beach is a popular annual Christmas activity in Myrtle Beach, hosting a festival from December 1 – 3 in addition to the light display. Visit the stage in Plyler Park next to the SkyWheel for a variety of performances and holiday shows. Sing along with carolers roaming the boardwalk and enjoy holiday hits playing along the light trail path.
Dates: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024; closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Price: FREE
Lighting of the Landing Show
Visit Dockside Village to watch the Lighting of the Landing Show for hours of family-friendly entertainment. Performers from Alabama Theatre, dancers, and carolers will dazzle you with their holiday acts. This free Christmas show in Myrtle Beach begins at 6 pm and continues until 8 pm and includes visits with Santa, a tree lighting, and a fireworks show for all-ages fun.
Date: November 19, 2023
Price: FREE
Tree Lighting at Market Common
Enjoy family-friendly holiday performances during the Tree Lighting at the Market Common. Visit with Santa and take a photo in his sleigh outside the Grand 14 Cinema, and take part in an evening of fun, with complimentary sleigh rides, a bounce house, balloon art, face paintings, and more.
The Christmas tree lighting kicks off the holiday performances that are scheduled from 6 pm to 8 pm. Make your merry way along Deville and Reed Streets to find vendors serving up delicious holiday treats, too.
Date: November 18, 2023
Price: FREE
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
This floating Christmas parade puts a nautical twist on the ordinary on-land event. A Grand Strand holiday favorite, the 39th Annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta in North Myrtle Beach features a fleet of festive boats decked out in lights and brimming with holiday cheer. Spectators line the Intracoastal Waterway to soak in the views and cheer as this boat parade makes its way from the Little River Inlet to Dock Holiday’s Marina. The excitement starts at 5 pm. Find official viewing locations online.
Date: November 25, 2023
Price: FREE (suggested toy drive donation)
Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
The nearby town of Calabash is hosting their 28th annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade. Festivities begin at 6 pm at Callahan’s of Calabash, about 30 minutes north of Dayton House Resort.
During the event, kids can snag a package of reindeer food or write a letter to Santa that can easily be mailed to the North Pole post office from Callahan’s. Be sure to keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the jolly ol’ St. Nick. The parade runs from Beach Drive to River Road and is followed by the official tree lighting ceremony.
Date: December 1, 2023
Price: FREE
All City Christmas Cantata
Local church choruses from the Myrtle Beach area join together to put on this eventful Christmas Cantata. This annual Christmas event is a favorite for many residents and it’s a great way to kick off the holidays. The choruses will perform on Saturday at 3:30, and Sunday at 3:30 and 6:30.
Date: December 2 – 3, 2023
Price: FREE
A Very Broadway Parade
Christmas parades in Myrtle Beach are a show all their own. A Very Broadway Parade at Broadway at the Beach starts at 11 am. This event will feature special guests, stilt walkers, marching bands, classic cars, and floats from local businesses. Once you’re in the holiday spirit, kick off your holiday shopping at the many nearby stores. A Fireworks Extravaganza finishes the festivities at 8 pm.
Date: December 2, 2023
Price: FREE
Annual festivals, holiday light shows, and family-friendly Christmas shows in Myrtle Beach are plentiful all winter long. Dayton House Resort’s convenient location and comfortable oceanfront hotel rooms are perfect for relaxing and resting up for your next holiday adventure. Our generous amenities complete any winter getaway with onsite dining, and our year-round pools and hot tubs appeal to everyone in your family. Plan your Myrtle Beach holiday vacation today.