Celebrate the Holidays in North Myrtle Beach

Want to celebrate the holidays at the beach? North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is the place to go!

South Carolina’s northernmost beach destination has announced their festive happenings for travelers to celebrate a coastal Christmas in North Myrtle Beach.

Enjoy celebrations with a coastal flair, from a decorated boat parade to Christmas light shows, a Polar Express-themed riverboat cruise and more. With mild temperatures and welcoming southern hospitality — and only a little over 5 hours from Atlanta — the holidays are a wonderful time to visit North Myrtle Beach.

Here are some of the great holiday events you can expect this year…

Signature Holiday Events

Dashing Through The Glow, November 22 & 23, 2024

Be one of the first to see the lights during Dashing Through the Glow, a two-mile non-competitive walk/run through the Great Christmas Light Show (more below). Get in the spirit and wear a holiday-themed outfit. Prizes will be given for best-dressed individual and best-dressed family. The walk/run will end at Santa’s Village, where you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and check out some of the activities. This run/walk will be on the course for the Great Christmas Light Show at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex.

Great Christmas Light Show, November–December, 2024 

The Great Christmas Light Show is a two-mile drive-through light show, taking place at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. The show features over two million lights on 500 displays. Stop by Santa’s Village for hot chocolate and a visit with Santa himself. The displays include 30 animated figures and holiday scenes that magically come to life, as well as a rockin’ musical section synced to the sounds of the season.

Intracoastal Christmas Regatta,  November–December 2024

Holiday fun begins with the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta as it launches from Little River Inlet and travels south to North Myrtle Beach. 

North Pole Express Cruise, December 2024

Enjoy an evening of Christmas magic onboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat. Cruise includes The Polar Express story, your very own Believe ticket, a surprise Santa visit with a special delivery and a variety of Christmas snacks and hot chocolate. Guests can also make a take home bag of reindeer food with Santa after the cruise to feed Rudolph and all his friends on Christmas Eve.

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade, December 7, 2024

The North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade brings together three favorites: Christmas, the beach, and parades! The annual parade on Main Street features lit-up floats, cars, bands, golf carts, and more. Partake in this holiday tradition and see why North Myrtle Beach is the place to be during the holidays. 

Christmas Tree Lightings and Fireworks

Lighting at the Landing With Fireworks, November 23, 2024

Join Barefoot Landing to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Landing celebration, featuring a tree lighting show, followed by the lighting of the tree and fireworks. Plus, enjoy visits with Santa after the lighting until 8 p.m.

McLean Park Tree Lighting, December 3, 2024

Join Santa and his friends at McLean Park for the lighting of the City Christmas Tree. Enjoy stage performances, Christmas music, caroling, activities and refreshments. 

Holiday Entertainment

Alabama Theater Presents The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, November – December 2024

The title sets a high standard but lives up to its name by capturing the grandeur of the variety show. Watch as performers bring the holidays to life through song and dance, and even a few laughs. “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show,” is a longtime local tradition.

Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre Christmas on Main Show, November – December 2024

In the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre’s inaugural Christmas season, celebrate with songs that will take you back to a place and time and create new holiday memories with loved ones. Immerse yourself in the spirit, songs, lights, decorations and magic of all things Christmas.

Carolina Opry Christmas Special, November – December 2024

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, known as “The Christmas Show of the South,” is Myrtle Beach’s original Christmas show. It’s an unforgettable holiday experience featuring over 35 of the nation’s most talented artists, a real horse-drawn sleigh, stunning costuming and enchanting effects.

40th Annual All City Christmas Cantata, December 7-8, 2024

Presented by the City of North Myrtle Beach, church choirs from the North Myrtle Beach area will join together to spread Christmas cheer through song. 

For more information on all holiday activities and offerings in North Myrtle Beach this year, visit explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com/events/holiday-events.