As the holiday season quickly approaches, North Myrtle Beach comes to life with a host of events and activities that are sure to make the season merry and bright.
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights & Displays
The Great Christmas Lights Show
Featuring over two million lights and over 500 holiday displays in a 2-mile drive-through course, the Great Christmas Light Show is one of our area's most popular events. This beloved annual tradition is perfect for visitors and locals of all ages, offering a spectacular and immersive way to celebrate the season in North Myrtle Beach. For a more interactive experience, head to Santa's Village, where you can hop on board the Santa Express Train Ride, feast on s’mores, and meet the big man himself. Drive through any night from November 24th to December 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ripley's Aquarium Festival of Trees
The Ripley's Aquarium Festival of Trees exhibit honors both the beauty of the holiday season and the United States through the 55 Christmas trees on display. Ornaments, lights, and decor are strategically arranged to dazzle all aquarium visitors. Of course, the South Carolina tree on display will be decorated in some familiar local favorites!
Night of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Garden’s Night of a Thousand Candles is one of the most beloved and brightest holiday events on the Grand Strand. Walk through over 2,700 carefully hand-lit candles and festive Christmas lights in their beautifully landscaped gardens. As you stroll the grounds, you'll be serenaded by the sounds of live holiday music and the sweet melodies of carolers. Join on select nights from Nov 28- Jan 4 from 4-9 p.m.
Dashing Through The Glow
Friday, November 21, 2025 & Saturday, November 22, 2025
Dashing Through the Glow is one of the first chances to see the lights during this appx. two mile non-competitive walk/run through the Great Christmas Light Show. Get in the spirit and wear your best Holiday themed outfit. Prizes will be given for best dressed individual and best dressed family. The walk/run will take place throughout the Great Christmas Light Show route and then end at Santa's Village where you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and check out some of the activities.
Christmas Parades & Cruises
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
The annual North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade will be taking place at 5:30 p.m. on December 6th on Main Street. Enjoy decorated floats, golf carts, cars, costumes, and bands in beautiful downtown North Myrtle Beach. Judges and a special guest announcer will be judging parade participants and crowning a winner.
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta in North Myrtle Beach is a beloved coastal tradition that lights up the holiday season in a unique way. Join locals and visitors alike along the Intracoastal’s water's edge to experience this charge-free holiday-themed maritime parade. The flotilla takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29th) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will begin at the Little River Inlet and end at Dock Holidays Marina. For a more immersive experience, join in on the parade as a passenger on the Barefoot Queen Riverboat.
Frosty and Friends Kids Cruise
Step aboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat and experience the magic of the North Pole on the South Carolina coast. Activities on this cruise include making Christmas Crafts and Decorations with Frosty and the Elves, a Christmas Carol Sing Along, make take home Reindeer Food, and the telling of classic Christmas tales, cherry morsels, and hot chocolate. Don’t forget to wear your Christmas PJs to get cozy on the cruise! Make your reservations early and set sail any night from December 13th – 14th and December 20th – 23rd.
Songs & Shows of the Season
Alabama Theatre’s South’s Grandest Christmas Show
The Alabama Theatre's The South's Grandest Christmas Show is a must-see event this holiday season. Packed with a delightful mix of music, humor, and holiday spirit, this show brings a musical touch to your Christmas festivities. Voted the #1 Christmas Show in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, this event is the perfect way to get you and your family in the holly jolly spirit.
Carolina Opry’s Christmas Special
For an unforgettable dose of holiday magic in North Myrtle Beach, head to The Carolina Opry for their 40th annual Christmas Special. This cherished tradition boasts a unique blend of world-class entertainment and holiday cheer. With a combination of dazzling light displays, phenomenal music, and dance performances, the Carolina Opry's Christmas Special sets the stage for an extraordinary holiday experience.
Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre
From November 1st to December 28th, Step into Christmas on Main at Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre and you’ll swear you’ve just walked into the heart of a small-town holiday postcard—where twinkling Christmas lights glow a little warmer, music feels a little sweeter, and laughter comes easy.
It’s a show stitched together with the spirit of the season: the joy of family, the comfort of tradition, and the kind of holiday magic that makes you believe again. Think front-porch carols, hot cocoa by the fire, and that unmistakable feeling of home—no matter where you’re from.
This isn’t just a performance; it’s Christmas the way you’ve always dreamed it should be!
Christmas Cantata
The 40th Annual All City Christmas Cantata is a free celebration of the season's true spirit. This event, held at Living Water Baptist Church, brings together a talented ensemble of singers and musicians from our area's church choirs, capturing the essence of Christmas through the power of music. Experience this magical performance on December 6, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Enjoy an epic holiday show featuring dueling pirates on a dynamic nautical set at Pirate's Voyage! Step aboard a swashbuckling adventure that's been magically transformed into a winter wonderland. With acrobatic feats, live animals, and a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and holiday magic, this show takes you on a journey through a Christmas story that's unlike any other. This experience comes with a four-course holiday feast that is inspired by medieval meals.
Holiday magic awaits around every corner in North Myrtle Beach. Christmas light displays, exciting performances and merry entertainment in all its forms make the spirit of the season shine bright. Explore our full events calendar as you plan your trip, and don’t miss our holiday shopping guide to find all the great spots for those one-of-a-kind local gifts.