If you want to do something a little different this holiday season, consider spending your Christmas in Myrtle Beach! This breathtaking destination in South Carolina is one of the best places to spend the Christmas season, where you can disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and discover all the fun attractions that the area has to offer.
You don’t have to miss out on your Christmas traditions just because you’re on vacation! In fact, Myrtle Beach invites you to make new traditions with the incredible celebrations right here in the city.
When you’re staying in one of our North Myrtle Beach oceanfront condo rentals, be sure to attend a few of these fun, family-friendly events!
The Great Christmas Light Show
Christmas lights are some of the most iconic and exciting parts of the holiday season, and Myrtle Beach takes it seriously. At the Great Christmas Light Show, you can see more than 500 light displays for a total of over 2 million lights! Many of the displays are custom-made for this celebration, so you’re in for an experience you won’t get anywhere else. For the 2021 season, there are 30 brand-new figures and scenes that have never been shown at this event before!
If you’re coming to this event on the weekend, be sure to stop and enjoy Santa’s Village after seeing the light show! Here, you’ll be able to indulge in hot chocolate and s’mores and meet the big guy himself! You can even get on the Santa Express Train Ride to see the lights up close.
To attend The Great Christmas Light House, you’ll need to be in town sometime from November 22 to December 30 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Gates are open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You’ll pay $15 per vehicle if Santa’s Village is closed or $20 per vehicle if Santa’s Village is open.
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
One of the most unique ways to see North Myrtle Beach Christmas lights is by attending the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. This event takes advantage of the local waters and is one of the most impressive parades you could hope to see! After all, there’s a reason why this event has been going on for nearly 40 years now! Grab a seat near the water and watch various floats literally float through the area! The parade begins at the Little River Inlet and travels all the way to Dock Holidays Marina. If you stay in our Myrtle Beach waterway villas, you can close to the action!
This is one of the best events for families on a budget, since there’s no admission fee. However, you can support the community and donate to a good cause by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to Harbourgate Marina. If you’ve got a special place in your heart for pets, you can support the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society by donating cat litter or pet food.
The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta will be held on November 27, 2021. There is no charge to attend the event, which will run from 5 to 7 p.m.
Dickens Christmas Show and Festival
We simply couldn’t make a list of the best North Myrtle Beach holiday events without mentioning the Dickens Christmas Show and Festival. This event truly transports you back in time and lets you step into a traditional Victorian holiday marketplace, just like the famed author Charles Dickens would have experienced.
As you stroll throughout the market, you’ll be able to browse the wares of more than 300 local vendors offering everything from jewelry and crafts to toys, artwork, holiday décor, gourmet food options, and more. You’ll also get to see Victorian musicians strolling through the market, peek at the shadow box displays, and check out the Santa Through the Ages exhibit. You can also check out several festival displays of trees, wreaths, stockings, and more. All of the pieces on display are included in a silent auction, and all proceeds go to the non-profit which is sponsoring the event.
The Dickens Christmas Show and Festival will take place from November 11 to 21, 2021 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Guests can purchase a single-day or a multi-day ticket, ranging in price from $11 to $15 for adults or $4 to $6.50 for kids. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
Often referred to as the “Christmas Show of the South,” The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is one event you definitely don’t want to miss out on! 2021 marks the 36th season of this unforgettable event, which combines traditional Christmas elements with all-new performances. You can always expect the incredible Christmas spirit to come through during the show, from the acts themselves to the décor and everything in between.
In 2021, this show will feature some truly talented cast members. Delvin Choice, Christie Templeton, Brad Long, the Calvin Gilmore Orchestra, and Moses Braxton are just a few of the performers you’ll get to see during the show. You’ll also be able to gaze in awe of the 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, and countless ornaments. There’s even a horse-drawn sleigh and snow that guests of all ages are sure to love! Be sure to get some family photos taken in front of the master Christmas tree for a one-of-a-kind Christmas card!
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special will be held from November 1, 2021 until January 5, 2022.
Plan your Stay
Now that you have some events to plan for, its time to pick a rental, and plan the rest of your vacation!
The South’s Grandest Christmas Show
Another of the most popular Christmas events in North Myrtle Beach is The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, which calls itself “the most famous Christmas show in Myrtle Beach!” This award-winning production has been a staple of the Myrtle Beach community for years now, and it’s no question why. The performances combine traditional Christmas classics with contemporary holiday favorites, offering a little something for everyone to enjoy.
The performances at The South’s Grandest Christmas Show change every year, but you’re always in for a good time. You’ll get to see fun Santa Clauses, talented singers and dancers, an incredible orchestra, and other exciting performers. In 2021, there will even be a comedic juggler!
The South’s Grandest Christmas Show will be held six nights a week from November 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022 at the Alabama Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online.
Night of a Thousand Candles 2021
Finally, a visit to Brookgreen Gardens is always one of the things to do in North Myrtle Beach, and it truly comes alive during the Christmas season. The Night of a Thousand Candles event is sure to become a Christmas tradition in your family. During this event, come out and see more than 2,800 hand-lit candles lighting up the spectacular garden grounds!
As you stroll through the gardens, you can enjoy a warm cup of cocoa or cider (or wine for the adults!). There are carolers singing and holiday music playing throughout the premises to truly get you in the spirit. Plus, all proceeds go right back to the upkeep and improvement of Brookgreen Gardens, so you know you’re supporting a great cause when you attend.
The Night of a Thousand Candles event will be held on weekends from November 26, 2021 to January 2, 2022 at Brookgreen Gardens. Tickets must be pre-purchased online.
Where to Stay
If you want to experience one (or all!) of these Christmas events, be sure to book a stay in one of our Barefoot Resort condo rentals. Not only will you be minutes away from these events, but you can also enjoy all the best beaches in North Myrtle Beach, restaurants, shops, and more. We also offer specialty properties such as our North Myrtle Beach golf and resort rentals if you want to be close to the golf course! For more information about all of our rental options for this Christmas season, contact us today!