Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights & Festivities
Myrtle Beach’s Christmas lights, festivals, and parades set the stage for a magical holiday vacation along the Grand Strand. From illuminated nighttime events to botanical gardens that glow with millions of bulbs, the city shines with Christmas lights and parades all season long. It’s one of the many reasons families, couples, and snowbirds alike flock to Myrtle Beach over the holiday season.
Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to go for Christmas to create unforgettable memories, whether you're exploring the holiday lights in Myrtle Beach, SC, attending a local parade, or simply soaking in the mild coastal weather. Let this guide lead you to the best events, light shows, and traditions to enjoy during your holiday stay at Dunes Village Resort.
Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights
Some of the best Christmas lights in and near Myrtle Beach are found at Grand Strand staple attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium, The Market Common, and the Boardwalk and Promenade. From towering trees to themed light displays, these festive events provide the perfect backdrop for making holiday memories along the Grand Strand.
Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees
November 7, 2025–January 4, 2026 | 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
If you love Christmas tree decorations, a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a must this holiday season. From early November to January 4, the aquarium features more than 50 trees, each celebrating the heritage and diversity of our country’s states and territories. Test your knowledge with this Myrtle Beach Christmas festival’s customized scavenger hunt, or simply enjoy the beauty of so many lighted trees and themed decorations. Access to the display is included with regular aquarium admission.
The Market Common Christmas Tree Lighting
November 22, 2025 | 4017 Deville St., Myrtle Beach
Visit The Market Common for their annual Christmas tree lighting on November 22, 2025. Meet Santa and take a photo in his sleigh outside the Grand 14 Cinema. Enjoy an evening of festive fun complete with holiday performances, seasonal vendors with treats, and lights galore against a Christmas-themed backdrop. The tree lighting occurs at 6 p.m. and kicks off a series of live holiday performances. This Market Common event is free to attend.
The Great Christmas Light Show
Select evenings November 25–December 30, 2025 | 150 Citizens Circle, Little River
North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex transforms into The Great Christmas Light Show, a spectacular annual holiday event complete with Santa’s Village and train rides. The two-mile drive takes visitors through a dazzling show of two million twinkling Christmas lights and 500 sparkling displays, some reaching 55 feet tall. After the light show, park the car and head over to Santa’s Village, where kids can get a picture with the head elf himself, make s’mores, and enjoy the free petting zoo.
In 2025, this beloved Christmas light show near Myrtle Beach celebrates 10 years of spreading holiday cheer with the community. Tickets are $25 per car when Santa’s Village is open and $20 per car when Santa’s Village is closed.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Select evenings November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026 | 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet
People flock from all over the country for Nights of a Thousand Candles. Immerse yourself in illuminated magic as the Brookgreen Gardens are festooned with millions of twinkling lights and more than 2,700 hand-lit candles. Stroll the paths while enjoying the sounds of holiday music with a warm apple cider, hot chocolate, or adult beverage to make spirits brighter. There are also several on-site dining options.
Because this is one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter, tickets to Nights of a Thousand Candles often sell out quickly and aren’t available at the gate. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Myrtle Beach Christmas Events
There’s no shortage of Christmas events in Myrtle Beach, from holiday villages to city-wide festivals. These month-long events feature lights, trees, live music, and plenty of shopping to satisfy everyone on your list.
Winter Wonderland at the Beach
November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026 | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
Experience Myrtle Beach’s transformation into Winter Wonderland at the Beach, an annual holiday dreamland with coastal- and classically themed light displays. This free attraction is Myrtle Beach’s only oceanfront Christmas lights display, making it a must-see for visitors. Stop by Plyler Park on November 29 at 5 p.m. for Myrtle Beach’s tree lighting and first snow. The Boardwalk’s lights are turned on nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
City of Conway’s Rivertown Christmas Celebration
December 4, 2025–December 21, 2025 | Downtown Conway
Known as Historic Rivertown, the City of Conway is renowned for its special Christmas events. The Rivertown Christmas Celebration includes Yuletide events throughout the season, which are free and open to the public. Enjoy candlelight shopping with extended hours, living window displays, live music, and more. This Christmas festival kicks off with the City of Conway Tree Lighting on December 4, 2025, and carries on through December 21, 2025.
Conway Celebration of Lights and Christmas Village
Select evenings December 4, 2025–December 21, 2025 | Ashpond Dr. and Marina Dr.
Conway’s popular Celebration of Lights is back. This drive-through display lights up Rivertown after the Conway Tree Lighting. Locals and visitors alike pile into their cars for a laid-back drive through twinkling lights across the quaint town. Enjoy the Celebration of Lights Thursdays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $2 per person.
Myrtle Beach Christmas Parades
Locals and visitors line the streets for Myrtle Beach’s Christmas parades, which feature floats and carts designed by local organizations, attractions, and retailers. These parades pack out quickly, so make sure you secure your spot early for the best viewing.
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
December 6, 2025 | Starts at 2nd Ave. North and Ocean Blvd.
Join the North Myrtle Beach community this holiday season for its annual nighttime Christmas parade. Lighted floats make their way down Main Street for attendees to enjoy. Of course, no holiday parade is complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade is no different. Judges vote on their favorite twinkling displays and crown a winner at the end of the parade.
Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
December 7, 2025 | Starts at 3534 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
The annual Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade is set for December 7 at 3 p.m. The three-hour event showcases floats and golf carts decked out in tinsel, ornaments, and all things jolly. It runs from The Beaver Bar and ends at Wachesaw Road. You won’t want to miss the grand finale, when Santa and Mrs. Claus wrap up the afternoon’s festivities.
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
December 13, 2025 | Starts at South Ocean Blvd. and Surfside Drive
From high school marching bands to golf carts decorated to look like Santa's sleigh, the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade has it all! This holiday parade route is the longest in the area, stretching over a mile and a half. The route begins at Melody Lane, travels north down Ocean Boulevard, heads left onto Surfside Drive, and ends just before Highway 17. Festivities don’t stop once the parade is over! A Holiday Market takes place in Memorial Park with rows of merchandise and food vendors to explore. The parade starts at 2 p.m., but we recommend arriving early to snag the best spot.
Affordable Winter Accommodations
Make the most of your holidays with a winter getaway at Dunes Village Resort. Choose from one of our spacious Myrtle Beach oceanfront suites, or pick from our snowbird rentals. We have room for the whole family in our four-bedroom Myrtle Beach condo. An oceanfront studio is perfect if just you and your sweetheart are traveling to Myrtle Beach for a getaway. And don't forget to check out our latest specials to secure a wonderful ho-ho-holiday rate.
