Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights & Festivities
There is nothing more magical during the holiday season than admiring the festive lights all along The Grand Strand! Dunes Village has compiled a list of Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights and Festivities for you to enjoy with your family and friends when you spend Christmas in Myrtle Beach.
The Great Christmas Light Show
When: November 20 – December 30, 2023
Head to North Myrtle Beach for a drive-through Christmas light experience unlike any other! North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex transforms into The Great Christmas Light Show, a spectacular holiday event complete with Santa’s Village and train rides.
The experience includes a two-mile drive through a dazzling Christmas light show of two million-plus twinkling 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 Santa, make s’mores, and enjoy the free petting zoo.
Open Thursday through Sunday November 20 – December 30; closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Santa’s Village is open Thursday through Sunday November 24 through December 10, and nightly December 14 through December 30. Closed on Christmas Day. Tickets are $20 when Santa’s Village is open, $15 when Santa’s Village is closed.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
When: Select Evenings November 25 – December 31, 2023
People flock from all over the country to see the lights at Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens. Immerse yourself in illuminated magic as the Gardens are festooned with millions of twinkling lights and more than 2,700 hand-lit candles. It’s a sight to behold!
Stroll the paths while enjoying the sounds of holiday music with a warm cup of apple cider, hot chocolate, or an adult beverage to elevate the mood. There are several dining options available on site, as well.
As one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter, Nights of a Thousand Candles often sells out quickly, and tickets aren’t available at the gate. Be sure to purchase advance tickets.
Winter Wonderland at the Beach
When: November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2024
The holiday season brings the return of Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place in downtown Myrtle Beach transformation into Winter Wonderland at the Beach, a holiday dreamland with coastal- and classically themed light displays. From now until Dec. 23rd, enjoy this Boardwalk event. The light display is free, and the brand new Family Fun Zone features s’mores stations, street curling, and a snow angel yard.
Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees
When: November 10 – December 31, 2023
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 December 31, the aquarium features more than 50 trees, each one celebrating the heritage and diversity of the United States of America. You’ll see trees honoring each of our country’s 55 states and territories.
The South Carolina tree is an annual favorite at more than 18 feet tall, and it’s bedecked in seashells, magnolias, golf balls, and more. Test your knowledge of each state with the customized scavenger hunt or simply enjoy the beauty of so many lighted Christmas trees in themed decorations. This display is included with regular aquarium admission.
City of Conway Rivertown Christmas Celebration
When: Thursdays from November 30 through December 21, 2023
Known as Historic Rivertown, the City of Conway is renowned for its special Christmas events. The Rivertown Christmas Celebration hosts Yuletide events every Thursday night from November 30 to December 21, which are free and open to the public. Enjoy candlelight shopping downtown, living window displays, live music, and more.
Conway Celebration of Lights and Christmas Village
When: November 30 – December 24, 2023
Quaint Conway adds a Celebration of Lights featuring a merry Christmas Village to its roster of holiday celebrations. Both are open to the public November 30 through Christmas Eve. Enjoy the Celebration of Lights and Christmas Village Thursdays – Sundays from 6 – 9 pm with a nightly visit from Santa Thursdays – Saturdays from 6 – 8pm. Admission is $2 per person.
The Market Common Christmas Tree Lighting
When: November 18, 2023
Visit The Market Common for their annual Christmas tree lighting on November 18, 2023. Meet Santa and take a photo in his sleigh outside the Grand 14 Cinema before you embark on an evening of festive fun complete with sleigh rides, a bounce house, face painting, and more. The tree lighting will kick off a series of live holiday performances for you to enjoy!
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
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 actually 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 at Poplar Drive, just before Hwy 17 Bus.
More than 100 local businesses and residents apply to be featured in the parade but many more parade-goers will be in attendance. The parade starts at 2 pm, but we advise arriving early to obtain the best viewing location.
Affordable Winter Accommodations
Can you believe the holidays have already arrived? Dunes Village Resort is ready and waiting to welcome you and yours for a winter getaway in one of our spacious Myrtle Beach oceanfront suites. Or pick from our Myrtle Beach snowbird rentals.
We have room for the whole gang in our 4-bedroom Myrtle Beach condo or opt for an oceanfront studio if just you and your sweetheart are traveling to Myrtle Beach for a getaway. Don't forget to check out our latest specials to secure a wonderful ho-ho-holiday rate.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!