The Grand Strand is a wonderful place to visit any time of year! With its sprawling beaches, exciting local events, and endless things to do, you’re always guaranteed a good time on vacation. If you’ve spent summers with us before, you already know the captivating presence of our sandy shores. But wait! What if you spent the holidays here? Christmas in Myrtle Beach is a holiday like no other.
The holiday season on the Grand Strand is a magical time for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience some holiday cheer. The days are filled with holiday music and Santa Claus himself around every corner, while nights offer dazzling holiday light displays, hot cocoa, and plenty of camaraderie. If you haven’t spent Christmas in a vacation rental before, you may be curious about the process. Why not try something new?
This year, instead of shoveling snow, enjoy peaceful walks along the beach and all the other amazing perks the Grand Strand has to offer. At Sea Star Realty, we have properties large enough for the whole family, so you don’t have to leave anyone behind!
Ready to have the best Christmas ever in Myrtle Beach? How exciting! In this post, we’re sharing all about the most exciting holiday events on the Grand Strand.
P.S. Want to stay updated on all of Sea Star Realty’s latest happenings?
In this article:
- Spend Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach
- Can't Miss Christmas Events
- Book Your Holiday Stay on Myrtle Beach Directly with Sea Star Realty!
- Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Myrtle Beach
Spend Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach
Heading to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving this year instead of Christmas? Great! We’ve already written a piece on celebrating Thanksgiving on the Grand Strand that you’ve got to check out. Enjoy a delicious meal at a Myrtle Beach restaurant, or stay in and cook your own in a Sea Star vacation rental! No matter what, we’re sure you’ll have a great time with family and friends. It’s a holiday about being together, after all!
Can't-Miss Christmas Events
#1 - Nights of a Thousand Candles
- When: November 28th, 2025 to January 4th, 2026
- Where: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
The Nights of a Thousand Candles display at Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most highly anticipated holiday events each year. Spectators walk through a holiday wonderland, filled with over 2,000 hand lit candles and colorful lights. You'll feel all the warm-and-cozies as you sip warm cider and listen to holiday music with your closest friends and family members. The display is open from 4pm to 9pm, so you'll be able to find a time that suits everyone in the family, and tickets are $40 for adults, and $35 for children 12 years and younger.
More About The Nights of a Thousand Candles
#2 - The South's Grandest Christmas Show
- When: November 1st - December 31st, 2025
- Where: Alabama Theatre, North Myrtle Beach
If there were ever a holiday musical spectacular that couldn't be missed, it's The South's Grandest Christmas Show. This award-winning production blends everyone's favorite holiday classics with popular contemporary pieces. Think dancers dressed as shiny trees, a spectacular sleigh landing from Santa and holiday tunes that take you back to your childhood. The South's Grandest Christmas Show debuts throughout November and December, and tickets are reasonably priced in the $45 - $65 range (depending on your seat preference).
More About The South's Grandest Christmas Show
#3 - The Great Christmas Light Show
- When: November 24th - December 30th, 2025
- Where: North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
The Great Christmas Light Show offers a fun-packed evening with holiday treats for all. Start off your evening by taking a leisurely drive through a mile and a half long light show, featuring over 2 million lights and magnificent holiday scenes. Afterwards, head to Santa's Village for hot cocoa, tubing and a visit from Santa himself! This event starts near the end of November and runs through December, with pricing just $20 a standard car on non-village nights.
More About The Great Christmas Light Show
#4 - Pirates Voyage Myrtle Beach Christmas Show
- When: November 5th, 2025-January 3rd, 2026
- Where: 8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
While pirates might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a Christmas vacation, the Pirates Voyage Christmas show in Myrtle Beach is always a crowd favorite! Take a front row seat as Captain Scrooge journeys through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of Christmas in this delightful performance. Not only do you get to see high-quality entertainment, you’ll also be served a four-course meal during the show. It doesn’t get any better than that!
More About Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show
#5 Murrells Inlet Wonderland Walk of Lights
- When: November 28th-December 31st, 2025
- Where: Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
It really is the most wonderful time of the year at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk! Returning this season, the MarshWalk Wonderland Walk of Lights is bigger and brighter than ever.
You can traipse along the half-mile boardwalk as thousands of twinkling lights dance to Christmas music from 5–11 PM nightly, Nov. 28th–Dec. 31st. Enjoy festive photo ops like the 20-foot LED Christmas tree, Candy Cane Arch, and Gingerbread House, plus visits with Santa Fridays–Sundays, 5–9 PM. Families can explore Santa’s Village, featuring kids’ activities, a petting zoo, and vendors on Saturday nights. Admission to the Wonderland Walk of Lights is free, so grab dinner at one of the eight MarshWalk restaurants and enjoy a merry evening by the water!
More About Murrells Inlet Wonderland Walk of Lights
Book Your Holiday Stay on Myrtle Beach Directly with Sea Star Realty!
Planning a holiday vacation to the Grand Strand? Wonderful! At Sea Star Realty, we offer an excellent selection of vacation homes to retreat to after a long day of holiday festivity fun. From homes with ocean views to pet-friendly rentals so you can bring the whole family along, you’ll find exactly what you need amongst our extensive collection of Myrtle Beach area vacation rentals. We can’t wait to see you this holiday season!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Myrtle Beach
When does the holiday season officially start in Myrtle Beach?
Christmas festivities typically begin in late November with events like the Nights of a Thousand Candles and the MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights kicking off right after Thanksgiving.
What kind of weather can I expect in Myrtle Beach during December?
You can look forward to mild coastal weather with daytime highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s °F. It’s perfect weather for exploring light displays and enjoying the beach without the summer crowds.
Are restaurants and attractions open during the Christmas season?
Yes! Most restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues remain open through the holidays, though some may have special hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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