800.367.6515
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Office Closed
north myrtle beach weekly forecast
Leave this field empty
Menu

Your Guide to Christmas in North Myrtle Beach (2025)

When celebrating Christmas in North Myrtle the phrase “white Christmas” has a totally different meaning. To most, it is said to refer to snow falling on Christmas day. However, it’s not impossible here, but it is very unlikely. So, white Christmas to us in North Myrtle Beach is a reference to the beautiful white-sand beaches.

Whether you are escaping the cold, enjoying a holiday vacation, or just visiting family or friends, North Myrtle Beach has plenty of Christmas activities to keep you busy. 

Once you've booked a great place to stay, here are a few of our favorite Christmas activities.

 

Holiday Shows

Myrtle and North Myrtle Beach have several different theaters and dinner show venues that offer holiday shows. With the most beautiful imagery, talented singers, dancers, and performers, the award-winning Christmas shows will definitely kick off your Christmas vacation.

Choose from shows like The Christmas Show of The South in the Carolina Opry, or the South’s Grandest Christmas Show in the Alabama Theatre. For a more unconventional Christmas show, check out Pirates Voyage Christmas Dinner & Show for a jaw-dropping and mouth-watering experience.

Most of the shows run from the beginning of November until the beginning of January, but don’t hesitate to book your seats, as they tend to sell out fast.

 

 

Tree Lightings

Photo by Sergio Photone

Feel like you are in a Hallmark movie with a small town tree lighting, except instead of being in a remote town, you are at the beach. There are several different areas and atmospheres that will hold tree lighting, so schedule a dinner in one of the outdoor/ indoor dining restaurants located nearby and get ready for a magical evening.

You can choose from a variety of tree lightings, such as: 

If you are a real lover of the lights, you can go to all of them to see the Grand Strand all lit up. Attending a tree lighting ceremony is a must on vacation during the holiday season. 

 

Brookgreen Garden

For years, Brookgreen Gardens has been known for its amazing Thanksgiving Day and Christmas decorations. Its "Nights of a Thousand Candles" sees more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and thousands of lights that illuminate the garden and the sculptures throughout Brookgreen.

This is one of the most popular events in Murrells Inlet or even the Grand Strand. Tickets include access to a variety of different entertainers and performances throughout the season. Though it is not all outside, there are a few areas inside where you can admire all of the Christmas trees while grabbing a cup of hot chocolate or a bite to eat.

 

The Great Christmas Light Show

Located in the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, the Great Christmas Light Show is a family-friendly event that starts at the end of November and lasts through the month of December. The park is decorated with almost two million lights this holiday season.

Take a 2-mile drive through the park to see the giant light displays, featuring 30 new animated figures and holiday scenes specifically made for this event. Once you finish the drive-through magical light displays, hop out of your car and head towards Santa’s Village for hot chocolate, s’mores, and the Santa’s Express Train Ride. This will be an event everyone in the family will enjoy.
 

Ripley’s Aquarium

Every year the aquarium hosts the Ripley’s Festival of Trees. Enjoy the lighting of and beautifully decorated trees, while sitting underneath the sea life. There are trees to represent all of the 50 states and a few trees with eye-catching decorations. There are trees to represent Mardi Gras with masks and beads to a Las Vegas-style tree with a feather headdress.

The tree to represent South Carolina is over 18 feet tall and is decorated with seashells, magnolias, golf balls, and of course USC and Clemson memorabilia. Try out the free scavenger hunt the Aquarium offers that will test your knowledge about each state’s tree.

 

Inlet Christmas Weekend

Photo by Ground Picture 

Murrells Inlet hosts a weekend packed with holiday festivities. Starting at 4 PM on December 6, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will kick off the night with a tree lighting ceremony in Morse Park. Enjoy Christmas music, hot chocolate, crafts for kids, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.

On December 7, head down to Highway 17 for a spectacular Christmas Parade, which kicks off at 3 PM from Beaver Bar. With smiles, candy, and entertainment, the parade will leave you feeling the true spirit of the season.

 

You'll Love Christmastime in North Myrtle Beach

Photo by Hattie-Cane

No matter what you decided to do during your time in North Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of lighted celebrations, marshmallows, and Christmas trees to go around. Come with your friends, family, or even alone and experience the holiday cheer at the beach.

From Little River to Conway, and Surfside Beach, Horry County offers nothing shy of a great Christmas experience.

If you have a little extra time check out the boardwalk and see all of the hotels lit up for Christmas, walk Main Street and grab some delicious village treats. We hope to see you this holiday season, the City of North Myrtle Beach welcomes you and your Christmas Cheer.

Recent Posts