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Myrtle Beach Area Christmas & Holiday Season Events - 2023 Guide

By Bri Thomas Sunday, October 22nd, 2023

Have yourself a beachy holiday season! Is your family planning a holiday vacation to Myrtle Beach? Imagine going from winter boots in your hometown to flip-flops at the beach; you will get wrapped up in all things merry and bright in a winter wonderland without snow. Check out the various 2023 Myrtle Beach holiday-themed traditions, events, shows, parades, and more in November and December. These Myrtle Beach areas include Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway. We've compiled a list of holiday activities to help get your jingle on for this holiday season!

One of the season's most anticipated events will be the 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland at the Beach! Be sure to add this exciting event to your must-do list for your winter vacation:

Winter Wonderland at the Beach

Where: Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place by the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
What: A walk-through light show of over 10,000 lights, a family fun zone, and various vendors and entertainment.
When: November 24, 2023, to January 1, 2024 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

The Winter Wonderland at The Beach event will kick off on Black Friday and run through New Year's Day 2024. The Winter Wonderland lights display will be lit nightly from 6-9 p.m.

Jump to

Christmas Shows
Christmas Parades
Light Displays
Tree Lightings
Additional Holiday Activities

2023 Myrtle Beach Christmas Shows

Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special

Where: Broadway Theater at Broadway at the Beach
What: This show celebrates the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Experience their most loved songs of all time with a mixture of holiday classics.
When: Shows run with evening performances and matinees from November 1 to December 29, 2023.

Alabama Theatre Christmas Performers

The South’s Grandest Christmas Show

Where: Alabama Theatre, North Myrtle Beach
What: #1 Christmas show in Myrtle Beach. This festive holiday musical is a combination of traditional classics and contemporary holiday favorites. Also featured is their Comedic Juggler Slim Chance, who puts on a new Christmas twist.
When: Shows run six days a week with select matinees from November 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Where: Pirates Voyage
What: The crew retells the Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol (with a pirates’ spin of course), features a live nativity scene, and a four-course holiday feast.
When: Shows run with evening performances and matinees in November and December 2023.

Carolina Opry’s The Christmas Show of the South

Where: The Calvin Gilmore Theater, Myrtle Beach
What: An annual holiday production bringing in stunning changes and time-honored traditions each year, with new talented artists and long-standing opry favorites. It brings the warm, wonderful, and fun spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy, and dance.
When: Shows run with evening performances and matinees from November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

A Magical Christmas and Comedy Show

Where: GTS Theatre, Myrtle Beach
What: Go on a journey with award-winning magician, Michael Bairefoot, who creates his own unique and “twisted” style of magic. The music, magic, comedy, and audience participation are all pushed to the limit. Be blown away as the magic happens right before your eyes.
When: Friday evenings in November and December 2023.

Original Motown Christmas Tribute Show

Where: GTS Theatre, Myrtle Beach
What: Enjoy a two-hour evening of soulful entertainment as the audience goes on a musical journey through the history of Motown. The show features soul and holiday music of the 60s and 70s with a variety of hits.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturday evenings in November and select dates in December 2023.

Step into Christmas with the Elton John Tribute Show

Where: GTS Theatre, Myrtle Beach
What: Since 1973, “Step Into Christmas” has topped the charts. Come see this song and more holiday hits along with the Award-Winning Elton John Tribute Artist Bill Connors.
When: Tuesday and Thursday evenings in November and December 2023.

Let’s Get Jolly

Where: Theatre of the Republic, Conway
What: A holiday revue featuring classic Christmas tunes mixed in with some new holiday favorites. Features local performers with singing and dancing.
When: December 7-10, and 14-17, 2023

Eddie Miles: A Christmas Salute to Music Legends

Where: Alabama Theatre
What: Eddie Miles delivers a solo performance of America’s most loved Christmas & country music, saluting everything from Hank to Elvis. He will open with a mix of favorite Christmas classics and songs by country legends like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, and George Jones. The second act will bring back all the Elvis Christmas classics like "Blue Christmas", "If Every Day Was Like Christmas", "Santa Claus is Back in Town" and "Santa Bring My Baby Back".
When: December 3, 2023 | 7 p.m.

Fire Luau Show - Christmas Themed

Where: St. John’s Inn, 6803 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
What: A 2.5-hour experience featuring a buffet dinner with live Polynesian music, World Champion Samoan Fire Knife Team Performance, and Polynesian song and dance. The venue will be decorated specially for the Christmas holiday.
When: 6 p.m. on December 5, 6, 8, 9, 13,15,16,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Reserve your spot here.

2023 Myrtle Beach Christmas Parades

Christmas Regatta Cruise

Where: Barefoot Queen Riverboat by Barefoot Landing
What: All Aboard! Join as a parade participant for the 38th Annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta parade along the Intracoastal Waterway on the Riverboat. Special appetizers and Christmas treats will be served on this cruise along with games, prizes and entertainment! There will also be a fully stocked bar, serving select beers, wines, and liquors available for purchase. Must be 21+ years old with a valid ID. Bring a toy to donate for Toys for Tots and get $5 back on your ticket per toy (up to 2 toys).
When: November 25, 2023 | 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

North Pole Express Cruise

Where: Barefoot Queen Riverboat by Barefoot Landing
What: Come dressed in your Christmas PJs and enjoy a magical Christmas evening, onboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat! The cruise includes The Polar Express Story, your very own Believe Ticket, a surprise Santa visit, reindeer food to take home, and a variety of Christmas snacks and hot chocolate. There will also be a fully stocked bar, serving select beers, wines, and liquors available for purchase. Must be 21+ years old with valid ID.
When: December 8th-9th, 14th-16th, and 18th- 23rd, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Loris Christmas Parade

Where: Downtown Loris
When: December 1, 2023 | 7 p.m.

Georgetown Christmas Parade

Where: Georgetown, Front Street
When: December 16, 2023 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A Very Broadway Christmas Parade

Where: Broadway at The Beach
What: Join the annual “A Very Broadway” Christmas parade. Enjoy stilt walkers and classic cars, marching bands, special guests, and much more.
When: December 2, 2023 | 11 a.m. *Cancelled due to weather.*

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade

Where: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach (from Bi-Lo to Ocean Blvd.)
What: An evening parade featuring lighted floats and vehicles. Parade entries will be judged and awarded for being the best!
When: December 2, 2023 | 5:30 p.m.

Surfside Beach Christmas Parade

Where: Surfside Beach
When: December 9, 2023 | 2 p.m. followed later by a holiday movie at Martin Field.

Barefoot Landing Holiday Golf Cart Parade

Where: Barefoot Landing
What: Parade starts by Greg Norman Australian Grille. Dress your golf cart up in holiday finest for a chance to win prizes! The registration fee of $10 per cart or group benefits The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach.
When: December 10, 2023 | 3 p.m.

Christmas Golf Cart Parade

Where: Ocean Boulevard in Surfside Beach
When: December 16, 2023 | 1 p.m.

2023 Myrtle Beach Area Light Displays

The Great Christmas Light Show

Where: North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
What: Drive through a light show with 2 million lights festively displayed, and Santa's village to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores, ride the Santa Express Train, and, of course, meet Santa!
When: Drive Through Light Show is November 21 through December 30, 2023 (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, and Christmas Day, December 25) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Santa’s Village is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ONLY from November 24 through December 10. Open Nightly December 14 through 30 (Closed on Christmas Day).

Nights of a Thousand Candles

Where: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
What: Walk through a soft glowing sculpture and wildlife preserve, with several themed botanical gardens with over 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. Enjoy live music entertainment, refreshments, and holiday-themed exhibits. Tickets must be pre-purchased, and space is limited.
When: November 25 & 26, 27, & 30 December 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 27-31, 2003 | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2023 Myrtle Beach Area Tree Lightings

Broadway at the Beach Tree Lighting Celebration

Where: Broadway at the Beach
What: Featuring live entertainment, fireworks, tree lighting, special guests, and more!
When: November 11, 2023, at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 8 p.m.

Barefoot Landing Lighting of the Landing

Where: Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach
What: Entertainment, fireworks, tree lighting, and more.
When: November 18, 2023, at 6 p.m. with tree lighting and fireworks to follow.

Market Common Tree Lighting

Where: The Market Common
What: Kick off the holiday season with photos with Santa, holiday performances, kids’ activities, a trackless train ride, vendors with holiday treats, complimentary carriage rides, and more.
When: November 18, 2023 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: McLean Park
What: An appearance from Santa and kid-friendly activities, caroling, stage performances and refreshments.
When: December 3, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Conway City Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Conway
What: Come kick off the holiday season at the corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue to light the tree and welcome Santa.
When: November 30, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Georgetown Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Francis Marion Park in Georgetown
What: Starts at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting at 7:15 p.m. There will be a Lighted Boat Parade to follow.
When: December 1, 2023 | 6:30 p.m.

Surfside Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Memorial Park, Surfside Beach
When: December 4, 2023 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Annual Garden of Hope Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Garden of Hope, 1395 Carver Street, Myrtle Beach
What: Live music, hot chocolate, cookies, photos with Santa, and more.
When: December 3, 2023 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Additional 2023 Holiday Activities

Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium

Where: Ripley’s Aquarium, Broadway at the Beach
What: Tis the season! This festival celebrates the heritage and diversity of the United States. The themed trees are adorned in decorations and ornaments representing each of the 55 great states and territories. The South Carolina tree is over 18-feet-tall and features seashells, magnolias, golf balls, and Coastal, Clemson, and USC representation!
When: November 10, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Elf Extravaganza

Where: Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn in Georgetown
What: Join the Annual Kringle Krawl! The best Bars and Restaurants will be participating! Registration starts at 4 p.m. at Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn where entrants will receive the list of stops. At each stop you must buy something to receive a sticker on your list. Each place has a specialty drink available, and they will also have a drink contest. Turn your list in at the Gator Grill at 9 p.m. where a drawing for prizes will take place.
When: December 2, 2023 | 4 p.m.

Trolley Rides

Where: Surfside Beach
What: Come take a "Trolley Ride" and view all the beautiful Christmas lights around Surfside Beach.
When: December 20, 2023 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. & December 26, 2023 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Holiday Carriage Rides

Where: Dolce Lusso Salon and Spa, The Market Common
What: Enjoy a complimentary carriage ride throughout the holiday-decorated Market Common, along with complimentary Santa photos from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
When: November 18th & 19th and every Thursday and Sunday in December | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

42nd Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals

Where: Myrtle Beach Convention Center
What: Santa, entertainment, auction, and holiday shopping with over 300 vendors and the Victorian Holiday Marketplace with elaborate festival displays and strolling Victorian Musicians and more.
When: November 9 - 12, 2023

Dashing Through The Glow

Where: North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
What: 2-mile fun run and walk through the Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach.
When: November 17, 2023 & Saturday November 18, 2023

Ground Zero Snowball Fight

Where: Ground Zero, 904 Chester Street, Myrtle Beach
What: The annual indoor snowball fight (for middle and high schoolers only) will include a live DJ, Christmas movie, fire pits, s’mores, hot chocolate, and of course their indoor snowball fight! There is no charge to attend, just bring your excitement and spirit for friendly competition.
When: Wednesday, November 29 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Wreath Making Workshop

Where: J Bryan Floyd Community Center in Myrtle Beach
What: Learn some free holiday tricks to make your very own Christmas wreath at the community center. Greenery and instruction will be provided; however, participants should come equipped with their own wreath form (straw is preferred).
When: Thursday, November 30th 2023 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

9th Annual Santa Crawl on the MarshWalk

Where: MarshWalk of Murrells Inlet
What: Feel the holiday cheer along the MarshWalk as restaurants will be featuring holiday beverages, festive dinner specials and more. Dress up in your best Christmas costume or attire for a chance to win prizes. Winners will be announced at 9:30 p.m. and you must be present to win!
When: December 9, 2023 | 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa

Where: Golden Egg - Surfside Beach
What: Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Golden Egg!
When: December 16, 2023 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Polar Bus Express

Where: The Market Common
What: Hop aboard “The Polar Bus Express” in your comfy pajamas or a holiday outfit! This double decker Big Red Bus features sounds from the movie soundtrack as passengers go for a ride down Ocean Boulevard to the “North Pole.” The ride includes a souvenir golden ticket, sleigh bell, water, donut, and complimentary hot chocolate following the ride. Jolly Saint Nicholas may also make a surprise appearance!
When: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, & 23, 2023 | 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Rivertown Christmas Celebration

Where: Various Downtown Conway locations
When/What: Begins November 30, 2023 and continues each Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through December 21. The shops of Downtown Conway are open until 8 p.m. each Thursday night to welcome holiday shoppers.

November and December are joyous times to be in Myrtle Beach, and we want you and your family to experience the holiday cheer in the air.

Be sure to check our Myrtle Beach Resort Holiday Hotel Deals and Myrtle Beach Resort comparison chart to research properties for your holiday stay!

*Prices vary for various events, check with each venue for more information and for weather updates.