White lantern filled with red Christmas ornaments on the sand at sunset, capturing the coastal feel of a Myrtle Beach Christmas.

Updated 11/18/25

If you have never experienced a Myrtle Beach Christmas, picture this. You are standing on soft sand with a cool ocean breeze at your back, and the sky glows pink as holiday lights flicker to life along the Boardwalk. The scent of kettle corn drifts across the shoreline. Somewhere behind you, a saxophone player begins a slow rendition of a Christmas classic.

That is the charm of Christmas in Myrtle Beach. You get the sparkle and cheer of a traditional holiday season mixed with the easygoing rhythm of coastal life. It feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully relaxed. Whether you are here to shop, explore the lights, or sip cocoa while watching the waves, Myrtle Beach offers a holiday experience filled with Southern personality and seaside flair.

What to Expect During a Myrtle Beach Christmas

From late November through early January, the Grand Strand transforms into a festive playground. Neighborhoods glow with tens of thousands of Myrtle Beach Christmas lights, theaters launch their seasonal shows, and attractions create holiday experiences that feel both nostalgic and uniquely coastal. The Market Common, Broadway at the Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet are especially lively this time of year.

December weather remains mild with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s, so that you can wander comfortably without heavy winter gear. Parking is easier than during the summer, and many attractions sit within a short drive of one another.

If this is your first Myrtle Beach Christmas, get ready for a season full of tradition, warmth, and bright holiday surprises around every corner.

1. Embrace the Winter Wonderland at the Beach

Location: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Season: Late November through early January
Hours: Usually 5 to 9 p.m. nightly

Winter Wonderland at the Beach turns the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk into a cheerful oceanfront light display. As evening settles in, the promenade glows with festive arches, sparkling scenes, and colorful installations that reflect softly across the shoreline. The gentle sound of waves in the background adds a coastal twist that makes this event feel calm, bright, and inviting.

You can stroll along the Boardwalk at your own pace and take in the decorations, then stop for a warm drink or a holiday treat from nearby vendors. Seasonal music enhances the atmosphere, creating a relaxed, family-friendly feel during the entire walk.

Insider Tip: Visit just before sunset to watch the lights come alive as the sky starts to dim.

2. Visit the Conway Celebration of Lights

Location: Ashpond Road and Marina Drive, Downtown Conway
Season: Select evenings in December
Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission: $2.00 per person in vehicle

The Conway Celebration of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display that follows a route along Ashpond Road and Marina Drive in Downtown Conway. Visitors enter from 3rd Avenue, follow the signs toward Ashpond Road, and continue along the decorated path at a relaxed pace. The display features a variety of holiday scenes that create a cheerful and family-friendly seasonal experience.

This event provides a simple and enjoyable way to experience local holiday lights without leaving your vehicle. Located just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, it makes for an easy evening outing during your coastal holiday stay.

What You Will Find:

  • A drive-through route featuring holiday light scenes
  • A clearly marked path along Ashpond Road and Marina Drive
  • A modest admission fee that makes the event accessible for families
  • Convenient access from the Myrtle Beach area

Summary: The Conway Celebration of Lights offers a straightforward and festive drive-through experience that adds small-town charm to any Myrtle Beach Christmas itinerary

3. Holiday Shows and Entertainment in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach’s theater scene shines even brighter during the holiday season. These shows bring together talented performers who know how to deliver Christmas spirit with flair. Schedules can change from year to year, so it is always smart to check the current listings before you go.

Top Myrtle Beach Christmas Shows:

Local Tip: Most theaters sit within a short drive of restaurants at Broadway at the Beach. Plan dinner before your show for a full night out.

4. Marvel at the Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium

Location: Broadway at the Beach
Season: November through December
Included with Admission: Yes

The Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach combines education with festive fun, showcasing 55 beautifully decorated trees, one for each U.S. state and territory. Guests love finding their home state and admiring the themed decorations, and kids enjoy turning the experience into a scavenger hunt.

South Carolina’s tree often shines with magnolias, golf accents, and coastal touches. With the glow of the tanks behind you and sea life drifting through the water, the entire experience feels magical.

Summary: If your family is looking for an indoor holiday activity that combines education with festive charm, this is an excellent choic

5. Immerse Yourself in Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

Location: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
Season: Select evenings from late November through early January

Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most breathtaking holiday experiences on the East Coast. More than 2,700 hand-lit candles illuminate the walkways while thousands of lights twinkle in the trees above. The glow reflects across ponds and sculptures, creating a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere throughout the gardens.

Live music fills the air as guests stroll the illuminated paths, many enjoying a warm cup of cider along the way. The combination of candlelight, artistry, and natural beauty makes this event feel calm, romantic, and unforgettable.

Pro Tip: Arrive before sunset to experience the gardens in daylight, then enjoy the full transformation as the candles begin to glow.

6. Holiday Parades Across the Grand Strand

Holiday parades are a beloved tradition along the Grand Strand, bringing together locals and visitors with music, floats, lights, and coastal Christmas cheer. If you visit in early or mid-December, you can catch one of the region’s biggest community celebrations and enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere that feels uniquely Myrtle Beach.

Here are three of the most popular holiday parades for the 2025 season:

Even if you miss the official parade dates, many decorations and displays remain throughout December, so you can still enjoy the festive sights and can capture holiday photos during your visit.

Family Friendly Myrtle Beach Christmas Activities

Families will find plenty of festive fun to fill their holiday itinerary during the Christmas season in Myrtle Beach.

  • Festival of Trees scavenger hunt at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
  • Holiday decorations, photo spots, and seasonal entertainment at Broadway at the Beach
  • Santa meet and greets at The Market Common during December
  • Conway Celebration of Lights, a nearby drive-through holiday display perfect for families

Fun Fact: You can build a sandcastle snowman along the Grand Strand, which makes for a perfect holiday photo.

Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Myrtle Beach

If you love holiday lights, Myrtle Beach has several shining highlights.

Top Myrtle Beach Christmas Light Displays:

  • Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
  • The Great Christmas Light Show at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, a drive-through experience with animated displays and Santa’s Village on select nights
  • MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights in Murrells Inlet, a free waterfront walk with twinkling decorations and weekend visits from Santa

Local Tip: Enjoy dinner at one of the MarshWalk restaurants before strolling the lights for a festive evening out.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit: Late November through Christmas week
Weather: Around 55 to 65 degrees with light coastal breezes
What to Pack: Light jackets, comfortable shoes, and holiday outfits for photos
Parking Tips: Evening parking is usually simple at Broadway at the Beach, Plyler Park, and The Market Common
Best Time for Photos: Sunset when the lights begin to shimmer

Plan Your Perfect Coastal Christmas Adventure

A Myrtle Beach Christmas blends holiday fun with the soothing charm of the coast. From illuminated gardens and festive markets to glowing boardwalks and waterfront celebrations, the Grand Strand offers a holiday season filled with warmth, beauty, and Southern hospitality.

Explore brochures and plan your coastal Christmas getaway with MobileBrochure. Your perfect holiday adventure is waiting.

Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.

About Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller is a native Tennessean who currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. She loves spending time in the great outdoors, such as camping, hiking, and mountain biking. She also enjoys exploring all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer.

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