Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights & Festivities Along The Grand Strand

There is nothing more magical about the Yuletide Season than admiring festive lights all around the Grand Strand. We’ve put together a list of Myrtle Beach Christmas lights and festivities for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

1| The Great Christmas Light Show – Now Until Dec. 30th

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. The Great Christmas Light Show is open now through December 30th (closed on Christmas Day) from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 per car up to 15 passengers when Santa’s Village is closed, and $20 per car (up to 15 passengers) when Santa’s Village is open. Santa’s Village is open only Thursday – Sunday through December 11th, but opens nightly from December 15th through 30th.

2| Nights of a Thousand Candles – Now Through Jan. 1st

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. Member tickets are $30 for adults and $14 for children. Non-member tickets are $35 for adults and $17 for children.

3| Winter Wonderland at the Beach – Open Until Dec. 23rd

In November, Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place in downtown Myrtle Beach transforms 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. Tickets to the Fun Zone are $1, or purchase a wristband for $5 to get unlimited admission to all Winter Wonderland attractions.

4| Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees – Now Through Jan. 1st

If you love Christmas tree decorations, a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a must this holiday season. From now until Jan. 1st, 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.

5| City of Conway Rivertown Christmas Celebration – Now Through Dec. 22nd

Known as a Historic Rivertown, the City of Conway is renowned for its special Christmas events. The Rivertown Christmas Celebration hosts Yuletide events every Thursday night in December from 6 – 8pm, free and open to the public. Enjoy candlelight shopping, living window displays, live music, and the much-anticipated Great Conway Gingerbread House Challenge.

6| Conway Celebration of Lights and Christmas Village – Now Through Dec. 24th

Quaint Conway adds a Celebration of Lights featuring a merry Christmas Village to its roster of holiday celebrations. Both are open to the public now through Christmas Eve. Enjoy the Celebration of Lights and Christmas Village Thursdays – Sundays from 5:30 – 10 pm with a nightly visit from Santa Thursdays – Saturdays from 6 – 8pm. Admission is $1 per person.

7| Murrells Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting – December 3rd

Start the season off right with an Inlet-style Christmas tree lighting. This family-friendly event includes a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus plus kids’ crafts and live entertainment. The Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at the Morse Park Landing (next to Hot Fish Club on Hwy 17 Bus.) on December 3rd from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

8| Surfside Beach Christmas Parade – December 10th

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 2:00 p.m., but we advise arriving early to obtain the best viewing location.

Affordable Winter Accommodations – December 1st Until March 3rd

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. 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 Big Santa Sale in the latest specials to secure a wonderful ho-ho-holiday rate that lasts through the first months of 2023. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!