The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’ve never experienced it, there’s nothing like winter on the Grand Strand, especially here in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
You’ll find the holiday scene here busy and thriving and full of opportunities to experience the joy of Christmas. But perhaps the brightest way to experience the season is to book a cozy vacation retreat and check out the Great Christmas Light Show as you witness North Myrtle Beach’s transformation into a glimmering winter wonderland.
About The Great Christmas Light Show 2023
- Address: 150 Citizens Circle, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Website: nmb.us/433/The-Great-Christmas-Light-Show
- Santa’s Village 2023: Open November 20th through December 30th, November 23rd, and December 25th (closed on Thanksgiving Day).
- The Great Christmas Light Show 2023: Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 24th through December 10th. Open Nightly December 14 through 30 (Closed on Christmas Day).
An area tradition dating back to 2016, this festive Christmas light show is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Located in the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, this annual event consists of a drive-through light show and a visit to Santa’s Village, where the Christmas festivities continue.
The light show is a two-mile drive consisting of over two million lights. Along your trip, you’ll encounter over 500 different magical light displays, including 30 animated figures, several themed “lands,” and a synchronized musical light show.
This magic is created through intricate programming, with each light choreographed to dance in harmony with popular holiday tunes. The result is the ultimate seaside Christmas light display!
Dates & Hours
The Great Light Show begins the week of Thanksgiving, ensuring you have plenty of time to capture the Christmas Spirit. Beginning November 20th, you can visit the show from 5:30-9:30 nightly. The only exceptions are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
While you can drive through the lights every night, Santa’s Village is only open Thursday – Sunday through December 10th. From December 14th to December 30th, Santa’s Village stays open daily, making it the perfect pre or post Christmas activity to enjoy with the whole family!
Admission Prices
- If Santa’s Village is open, entry is $20 per vehicle (under 15 passengers)
- If Santa’s Village is closed, entry is $15 per vehicle (under 15 guests).
All tickets must be purchased through gate entry. There are no tickets sold for this event online, nor can you buy advance tickets. The Great Light Show accepts both cards and cash. Admission gains you entry to the drive-through and Santa’s Village. Some experiences in Santa’s Village come at an additional cost. Admission prices vary depending on whether or not Santa’s Village is open.
Large Groups
If you’re traveling with a larger group of up to 30 guests, the entry fee is $50 per vehicle. Groups of larger than 30 guests can only be accommodated Monday – Thursday. The cost for vehicles with more than 30 passengers is $100 per vehicle.
Please note that pull-behind trailers, flatbeds, and boats are not permitted in the drive-through show!
Activities During the Great Christmas Light Show
Santa’s Village
Once you’ve made it through the lights, you’ll want to park your car and head over to Santa’s Village. You’ll go through the lighted boardwalk and immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland.
There are many activities for the whole family to enjoy, including:
- A petting zoo with adorable farm animals
- Tons of picture-perfect Christmas photo ops
- A free opportunity to visit Santa (cameras welcome!)
- Enjoy Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas tree show (happens every 30 minutes)
- Grab some tasty Village treats to enjoy – like some rich, warm, Hot Chocolate
- Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and make some gooey S’mores
- Knock out some Christmas shopping while checking out the Village toys and treats!
Santa’s Express Train
You also have the option to enjoy the lights from a different perspective. You can hop aboard Santa’s Express Train Ride and experience the fun while riding the rails. There is a $3 charge per person (3 and under free as long as they sit on a lap), but it’s totally worth it to experience the show from a new point of view!
Additionally, you have the opportunity to participate in Santa’s Elf Hunt. This adventure is also $3 per person (3 and under free with paying adults). The hunt consists of a maze in Santa’s Village where you and your party try to find Binx the Elf. Everyone wins in this game, and prizes are awarded at the end!
Dashing Through the Glow 2023
If you can’t contain your Christmas spirit and want to be the first to see this magical light show, you can visit on the first weekend of the event for the annual Dashing through the Glow run or walk.
This is a causal two-mile walk (or run) through the Great Christmas Light Show, ending with a stop in Santa’s Village for hot cocoa and more fun. This event requires tickets that can be purchased online.
The cost is around $25 for adults (12+) and $10 for youth (11 and under). Gates open at 5:30, and the light show starts at 7 pm.
Be sure to break out the Christmas best for this fun event. Prizes are awarded to the best dressed individual and the best dressed family!
Helpful Tips for Visiting
- Dress warmly: Winter nights can be chilly here in the South.
- Traffic: When arriving, please note there are no right turns permitted from Hwy 90 to Champions Boulevard during the Light Show hours. This helps to avoid causing traffic congestion in the area.
- Avoid the Lines: Plan to arrive early; lines develop quickly.
- Pack Accordingly: Pack a snack and plan some Christmas activities for the wait in the car.
More Holiday Fun in NMB
While this may be one of the most well-known light shows here, there are two other North Myrtle Beach area Christmas events that you won’t want to miss.
- Christmas Tree Lighting: McLean Park hosts an annual Christmas Tree Lighting each year. You can visit Santa, enjoy Christmas music, and experience other seasonal fun.
- Christmas Parade: Each year, North Myrtle Beach hosts a festive nighttime Christmas Parade in the first week of December. Experience the lighted floats and vehicles while enjoying lively carols and festivities.
Catch the Christmas Spirit in NMB!
Break away from the comfort of your cozy vacation home and delight your inner elf with the ultimate Polar experience and a night with the big guy himself! You’re bound to have a Holly Jolly good time at the Great Christmas Light show right here in North Myrtle Beach!