Myrtle Beach is the place to be during the holidays with plenty of festive shows and events
With its 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, mild subtropical weather and activities to please a variety of tastes, South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is an ideal spot for groups to visit any time of the year. But during the holiday season, Myrtle Beach goes above and beyond when it comes to special festive events, making this popular beach destination a must-visit spot even more. Here, we spotlight a few of those events to add to your holiday travel list, whether or not you’ve been naughty or nice.
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
Named the “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina” by Travel+Leisure magazine, this beloved holiday event features more than 2,7000 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights decorating the already stunning gardens of Brookgreen. Stroll the paths with a warm cup of cider in hand and the sounds of live holiday music and carolers in the background as you take in this spectacular light show, which starts at the end of November and runs through the entire month of December. Up the festive factor and enjoy dinner at Harvest Restaurant, which is located inside the Gardens and serves everything from soups and salads to burgers, sandwiches, fish and more.
Oak Tree in South Carolina with Christmas lights
Live Holiday Theater Performances
Myrtle Beach’s love for the holidays can also be found in the many family-friendly live theater productions taking place around town, ranging from ice shows to light shows to traditional variety shows. At The Alabama Theatre enjoy “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show,” an annual production that features beautiful scenery, exquisite costumes and incredible special effects. Over at The Carolina Opry, “The Christmas Show of the South” has been entertaining theater goers for some 36 years with its beloved show. At the “Christmas Show” at Pirates Voyage, travel along with Captain Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas along with a comical castaway and her sea lion friend.
Timeless classics of the holiday season take centerstage at Broadway at the Beach’s “Legends in Concert,” with the greatest hits from Elvis, Aretha Franklin and more performed along with the cheerful antics of the Blues Brothers. Head to the GTS Theatre and you’ll find four holiday-focused shows: “Magical Christmas Show and Comedy Show,” “Original Motown Christmas Show,” “Christmas With Elvis” and “Step Into Christmas with Elton John.” Frankie Valli and Four Seasons make an appearance at Broadway Theater with one of the newest Christmas shows in the area, “Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special.” Magic and illusion are the focus at the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre with their “The Wonders of Christmas—A Holiday Magic Spectacular.” And if nights in shining armor is on your holiday wish-list, Medieval Times is happy to oblige with a castle decorated in full Christmas regalia to accompany the pageantry, jousting and multicourse feast.
Family Holiday experience in Myrtle Beach South Carolina
The Dicken Christmas Show & Festivals
Get a head start on your holiday gift giving and tap into the festive spirit at this award-winning event held November 9-12, combines shopping and entertainment options. At the Victorian Holiday Marketplace visitors will find some 300+ period-clad vendors selling a variety of unique items, including jewelry, crafts, toys, holiday décor and gourmet foods. Strolling Victorian musicians, tea leaf readers, Punch & Judy shows, a life-sized historic Santa through the ages exhibit (as well as a visit by the big guy himself), and tree, wreath and stocking displays add to the festive vibe in the 100,800-square-foot exhibit hall of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Victoria holidays tea, Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Dinners, historical tours and openings of local holidays shows round out this one-of-a-kind annual event.
South Carolina has plenty more attractions and things to do beyond Myrtle Beach. If you or your group would like more travel ideas for South Carolina and beyond, just Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel magazine for FREE and find even more activities and places to experience in South Carolina.
Visit Myrtle Beach
Sandy Haines
(843) 916-7248
sandy.haines@visitmyrtlebeach.com
