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.
The Grand Strand is excellent to visit year-round, with wide beaches, interesting local events, and plenty to do, ensuring you'll have a great time. Those of you who have been with us during the summer already know just how remarkable our beaches are, but have you ever considered spending your holidays here? Christmas in Myrtle Beach is, in fact, unique.
The holiday season at Grand Strand is a particularly enjoyable time for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience some holiday cheer. Throughout the day, there is holiday music and a variety of enjoyable activities; at night, there are bright light displays, live shows, and numerous ways to celebrate together.
This year, why not avoid the snow and go instead for some relaxing strolls on the beach? The Grand Strand has a great many attractions. At Sea Star Realty, we have vacation homes large enough for the whole family, so that everyone can take part in the festivities!
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In this blog:
- Spend Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach
- Can't-Miss Christmas Events
- Enjoy Myrtle Beach Holiday Dining
- 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!
You can enjoy a delicious meal at a local Myrtle Beach restaurant, or stay in and cook your own Thanksgiving feast in a Sea Star vacation rental. No matter what you choose, the holiday is an opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together, and enjoy the coast before the Christmas festivities begin.
Can't-Miss Christmas Events
A Christmas visit to Myrtle Beach involves much more than just spending a day at the beach; throughout November and December, the calendar is filled with holiday light displays, live theatre, family activities, and community traditions. The following events are worth considering if you are planning your 2026 holiday trip.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
- When: Select evenings during the 2026 holiday season
- Where: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
Nights of a Thousand Candles transforms Brookgreen Gardens into an illuminated holiday destination. Visitors can walk through the gardens surrounded by more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. and features holiday music, warm cider, and a nightly tree lighting in the Arboretum. It's an especially beautiful choice if you want to combine your beach vacation with a classic holiday tradition.
The South's Grandest Christmas Show
- When: November and December 2026
- Where: Alabama Theatre, North Myrtle Beach
If you are looking for Christmas shows in Myrtle Beach, SC, The South's Grandest Christmas Show is one of the area's long-standing holiday traditions.
The show at the Alabama Theatre features a mix of classic and modern holiday music, along with dancing, scenic changes, special effects, and comedy. The scheduled performances for 2026 are six nights each week at 7 p.m., plus some at 1:30 p.m. It is easy to combine this event with a dinner in North Myrtle Beach for a complete evening of holiday entertainment.
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
- When: November 2 -December 31, 2026
- Where: The Carolina Opry Theater
Another option for travelers looking for Christmas shows in Myrtle Beach, SC, is The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, also known as The Christmas Show of the South. The seasonal show includes music, comedy, and dance in a theatre that has been altered for Christmas, featuring dozens of decorated trees, wreaths, lights, and ornaments, together with a 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with more than 25,000 lights; the theatre's season is published as running from November 2 to December 31.
Since seats begin selling well in advance, The Carolina Opry recommends making reservations early.
Christmas at Pirates Voyage
- When: November 6, 2026-January 3, 2027
- Where: 8907 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
Pirates Voyage is introducing an all-new Christmas production for 2026. Giant Christmas toys, aerial acrobatics, a live Nativity, and a holiday-themed pirate competition are all incorporated into the show. Guests also enjoy a four-course holiday feast while watching the performance.
Daily shows are held from November 6th through January 3rd, which gives you plenty of chances to include this dinner-and-show experience in your Myrtle Beach Christmas holiday trip.
MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights
- When: November 27-December 31, 2026
- Where: Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Go south to Murrells Inlet and enjoy a seaside holiday at MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights. Between November 27 and December 31, guests can walk along the half-mile-long MarshWalk, passing thousands of Christmas lights and arches that are lit and playing festive music. There are light displays every night from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and admission is free.
There is a 20-foot LED Christmas tree that offers a nice photo opportunity, and Santa's Village open Friday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., between November 27 and December 21.
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Where: North Myrtle Beach
When you are planning a holiday trip to the Grand Strand, the Christmas Parade in North Myrtle Beach is the event you should know about.
The North Myrtle Beach Christmas parade will be on Saturday, December 5th, at 5:30 p.m. and will include lighted floats and decorated vehicles. It starts at the intersection of 2nd Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard, goes south to Main Street, and then proceeds along Main Street before turning onto Ye Olde Kings Highway.
It's a nice thing to do when you're having an evening around North Myrtle Beach, looking at the Christmas lights and other seasonal attractions.
Enjoy Myrtle Beach Holiday Dining
Good food is an essential part of any holiday getaway, and Myrtle Beach gives you plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable Christmas meal. You can dine out at one of the area’s restaurants or prepare a relaxed family dinner in your vacation rental.
To find out the most up-to-date holiday hours, call each restaurant directly, as hours may vary on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you prefer a cozy meal at your rental, pick up your favorite ingredients and prepare a traditional holiday dinner together, just like you would at home.
Book Your Holiday Stay on Myrtle Beach Directly with Sea Star Realty!
Featured Rental: Wonder by the Sea
If you're thinking of going on a holiday trip to the Grand Strand, Sea Star Realty offers a good variety of holiday homes so you can relax after a day of holiday fun. Choose from homes with ocean views or pet-friendly rentals, so everyone in your family can take part. We look forward to welcoming you this holiday season!
Browse All Myrtle Beach Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Myrtle Beach
When do Christmas events start in Myrtle Beach in 2026?
Several of the big holiday attractions start in November. Christmas at Pirates Voyage opens on November 4, and The South's Grandest Christmas Show goes on throughout November and December. MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights begins on November 27.
What are some Christmas light displays to see near Myrtle Beach?
You have two choices for your holiday schedule: Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens and the MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights. Brookgreen Gardens has more than 2,700 hand-lit candles, and millions of sparkling lights, and the MarshWalk has thousands of lights along its waterfront boardwalk.
What Christmas shows can I see in Myrtle Beach?
The popular seasonal shows are The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, The South's Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre, and Christmas at Pirates Voyage. These events offer a variety of experiences, including music, dancing, comedy, and a holiday-themed dinner show.
Is there a Christmas parade near Myrtle Beach in 2026?
Yes, the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, the 5th of December, 2026, at half past five in the afternoon. It will start at 2nd Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard before proceeding onto Main Street and Ye Olde Kings Highway.
Are Myrtle Beach restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Some restaurants are open, but hours vary. Greg Norman Australian Grille currently lists Christmas Day hours from 2 to 8 p.m. and recommends reservations. It's best to confirm holiday hours directly with individual restaurants when planning your holiday dining in Myrtle Beach.
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