Updated by: Helen Wells
Helen writes for Sea Star Realty, sharing local insights, travel tips, and vacation inspiration to help visitors make the most of their time along the Grand Strand.
Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to spend time with your close ones, to enjoy a tasty meal, and to break away from your usual routine. How about doing something different this year and organizing a Thanksgiving trip to Myrtle Beach? Since the holiday falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, it makes for an ideal long weekend along the South Carolina coast.
Picture your family gathering round the table at your Sea Star vacation rental as you enjoy the Grand Strand during the quiet off-season. There is less traffic and a more relaxed atmosphere, which makes late November an excellent time to go to the beach.
There are cozy areas in our coastal homes where everyone can come together, and kitchens ready for you to prepare your preferred Thanksgiving dishes. If you don't want to cook, many places in Myrtle Beach serve Thanksgiving dinner. Take a look at the area guide below to help you plan your holiday trip.
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In this blog:
- Thanksgiving Dinner in Myrtle Beach
- What’s the Weather Like at Thanksgiving?
- Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving Events
- Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving
- Book Your Thanksgiving Stay Directly with Sea Star Realty!
Thanksgiving Dinner in Myrtle Beach
Thanksgiving dinner is an important part of the holiday, but there's no need to spend it in the kitchen. If you're searching for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach, you'll find a wide variety of options so you can have someone else do the cooking.
A notable example is The Hangout, which is offering an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving dinner on November 26, 2026. The event, which is suitable for families, includes traditional dishes such as oven-roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a variety of desserts. Live music, enjoyable activities, and a cheerful atmosphere will also be provided. It is advisable to make reservations, and further information or the opportunity to book can be obtained via The Hangout’s official website.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is another restaurant serving Thanksgiving dinner in 2026. On November 26, the company will offer a three-course Thanksgiving meal consisting of oven-roasted turkey breast, gravy, sausage-herb stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed baby carrots, cranberry relish, and dessert; it will also serve its regular dinner menu at the same time.
The closer Thanksgiving gets, the more Myrtle Beach restaurants will release their Thanksgiving menus. As hours, prices, and availability may change, it is advisable to contact each restaurant and reserve a table as early as possible.
Eating out isn't the only choice; if you book a vacation rental from Sea Star Realty in Myrtle Beach, you'll have access to a full kitchen so that you can prepare your family's favorite meals, eat dinner at your own convenience, and have room for any leftovers.
What’s the Weather Like at Thanksgiving?
Although many people associate the Grand Strand with its sunny summer days, the off-season is just as good a time to go. In November, the days are mild, but the nights are cooler; the maximum temperature is generally in the mid- to upper-60s, though the weather can vary from week to week.
Take multiple layers with you in case the temperature changes. A jacket or a sweater is useful in the mornings, in the evenings, and when walking by the water. Make it a point to check the forecast before your trip.
Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving Events
The holiday season along the Grand Strand begins on Thanksgiving weekend, when you can find all sorts of activities, including Christmas shows and light displays, as well as turkey trots and boat parades. Below you’ll find some of the top events of the holiday season in Myrtle Beach!
The South’s Grandest Christmas Show
November 2, 2026, through January 2, 2027
The Alabama Theatre will once again be hosting the South's Grandest Christmas Show from November through December. This production features a mix of classic and modern holiday music together with festive scenery, special effects, dancing, and comedy. The shows are usually held six nights a week at 7 p.m., and some 1:30 p.m. matinee performances are also offered. For dates available during your Thanksgiving stay, refer to the official performance calendar.
Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
November 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027
Give your trip some holiday spirit by attending Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. The latest 2026 show includes giant Christmas toys, aerial acrobatics, pirate competitions, a live Nativity, and a four-course holiday meal.
The Great Christmas Light Show
November 23, 2026, through December 30, 2026
The Great Christmas Light Show is once again taking place at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, with more than two million lights displayed along a two-mile drive. The gates will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on event nights.
The light display is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, and on Christmas Day. Santa’s Village is open from Thursday to Sunday between November 27 and December 6, and then every night from December 10 to December 30, except Christmas Day.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots
November 26, 2026 | 8 a.m.
Begin your Thanksgiving morning with a turkey trot! There are three 5K races taking place throughout the Grand Strand, giving you a choice that is near where you're staying:
- 20th Annual Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot: Takes place at Grand Park Lake in The Market Common and is open to both runners and walkers. There is a free 50-yard Gobbler Kids’ Dash which happens at 9 a.m.
- 17th Annual Surfside Beach Turkey Trot: This 5K begins near the ocean before continuing along Ocean Boulevard and through Surfside Beach. A free 50-yard Gobbler Kids’ Dash begins at 9 a.m.
- 8th Annual North Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot: Head to Barefoot Landing for this Thanksgiving morning 5K, open to runners and walkers. A free Gobbler Kids’ Dash follows at 9 a.m.
You must register online for the races and the Kids’ Dashes, so make sure that you register in advance.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Beginning November 27, 2026 | 4–9 p.m. on event nights
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, you can visit Brookgreen Gardens as part of the Nights of a Thousand Candles. The gardens will feature more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of twinkling lights. Throughout the evening, you're able to stroll along the luminous paths while holding a warm cup of cider and listening to holiday music.
The gates will open at 4 p.m., the gardens will close at 9 p.m., and the tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on event nights. The full schedule for 2026 has not yet been released, so be sure to check the event calendar before heading to the event.
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
November 28, 2026 | 5–7 p.m.
On Saturday evening, the decorated boats will be cruising the Intracoastal Waterway as part of the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. The parade begins at the Little River Inlet at 5 p.m. and finishes at Dock Holidays Marina about 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, and visitors are encouraged to take part in the fundraising effort for children in Horry County.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving
Aside from eating Thanksgiving dinner or taking part in a holiday event, there are many other ways of making the most of your trip.
If you are looking for something to do on a rainy day or need a fun activity for the whole family, visit the Hollywood Wax Museum or Ripley’s Aquarium and take photographs with the wax celebrities or discover the world of marine life.
If you want to shop, eat out, or enjoy entertainment, go to Barefoot Landing. The area's waterfront views, shops, and restaurants make it a good choice for your Thanksgiving weekend plans.
Looking for some fresh air? Visit Huntington Beach State Park or Myrtle Beach State Park. Another relaxing way to unwind after eating your Thanksgiving meal is to walk along the coast.
If you want to go on a day trip, why not visit Historic Georgetown? There, you can explore historic sites, walk along the waterfront, shop, and enjoy views of the Lowcountry.
Book Your Thanksgiving Stay Directly with Sea Star Realty!
Myrtle Beach vacation rentals like the 7 Bed, 5 Bath Hope Cottage are large enough to host the whole family for the holiday!
The most enjoyable way to spend Thanksgiving at the beach is to have a comfortable spot where everyone can get together.
Sea Star Realty has vacation rental homes and condos in Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, North Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island. Take a look at our rentals—find a pet-friendly place, pick an oceanfront home, or book a house with a private pool for your Thanksgiving trip.
Want to celebrate Thanksgiving at the beach? Browse our Myrtle Beach vacation rentals and book directly with Sea Star Realty for a memorable holiday in Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, North Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, or anywhere along the Grand Strand.