Christmas in North Myrtle Beach brings amazing holiday magic to our coastal paradise! Here at Salty Stay, we’ve watched thousands of families create unforgettable Christmas memories while staying in our luxury oceanfront vacation rentals. From dazzling lights displays to world-class holiday shows, North Myrtle Beach offers the perfect mix of coastal charm and festive fun.
As your hosts at Salty Stay, we know all the best Christmas spots in North Myrtle Beach. Our first-row and second-row vacation homes put you right in the heart of all the holiday action. Whether you’re traveling with a large family group or planning a corporate holiday retreat, our properties offer pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and stunning ocean views – making them the perfect home base for your Christmas adventure.
Best Christmas Attractions in North Myrtle Beach
1. The Great Christmas Light Show
The Great Christmas Light Show at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex is the crown jewel of Christmas in North Myrtle Beach! This amazing drive-through experience features over 2 million lights and more than 500 magical holiday displays along a 2-mile course.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (281 reviews)
💵 Price Level: $20-$25 standard vehicles
📍 Location: 150 Citizens Cir, Little River, SC 29566
⏰ Opening Hours: November 24 – December 30, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
After driving through the dazzling lights display, visit Santa’s Village for hot cocoa, s’mores, and the Santa Express Train ride. The whole family will love meeting Santa Claus himself!
Learn more about The Great Christmas Light Show
2. McLean Park City Christmas Tree Lighting
McLean Park hosts one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in North Myrtle Beach! Join Santa and his friends for the lighting of the City Christmas Tree, complete with stage performances, Christmas music, caroling, and fun holiday activities for the whole family.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (1,177 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Free admission
📍 Location: 93 Oak Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-280-5584
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
This family-friendly event perfectly captures the Christmas spirit with live entertainment and refreshments. It’s just minutes from our Salty Stay vacation rentals!
Learn more about McLean Park
3. North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
The annual North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade lights up Main Street with festive floats, decorated golf carts, marching bands, and holiday cheer! This beloved evening parade features twinkling lights, Christmas music, and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
⭐ Rating: Community favorite
💵 Price Level: Free to watch
📍 Location: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
⏰ Event Time: December 6th at 5:30 PM
Families line the streets early to get the best viewing spots for this magical holiday tradition. After the parade, explore Main Street’s shops and restaurants!
4. Alabama Theatre’s The South’s Grandest Christmas Show
The Alabama Theatre presents “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” – voted the #1 Christmas show in North Myrtle Beach! This spectacular holiday production features amazing music, comedy, beautiful costumes, and incredible special effects.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (3,221 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate to high
📍 Location: 4750 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-272-1111
⏰ Show Dates: November 1 – December 31
This world-class Christmas show runs six nights a week throughout the holiday season, making it easy to catch during your stay at Salty Stay.
Learn more about Alabama Theatre
5. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
The Carolina Opry’s “Christmas Show of the South” celebrates its 40th season of holiday magic! This cherished Christmas tradition combines dazzling light displays, phenomenal music, and dance performances in a family-friendly show.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (4,723 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Mid to high range
📍 Location: 8901 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
📞 Contact: +1800-843-6779
⏰ Show Dates: November 1 – December 31
This Christmas spectacular features both traditional classics and contemporary favorites with elaborate backdrops and exquisite costumes.
Learn more about The Carolina Opry
6. Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta is a unique coastal Christmas tradition! This festive boat parade features beautifully decorated vessels cruising from Little River to Dock Holidays Marina, creating a magical waterway celebration.
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (4 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Free to watch from shore
📍 Location: Intracoastal Waterway, Little River to North Myrtle Beach
📞 Contact: +1843-455-2787
⏰ Event Time: Saturday after Thanksgiving, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Gather along the water’s edge to watch this charge-free holiday maritime parade. For a more immersive experience, book a spot on the Barefoot Queen Riverboat!
Learn more about Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
7. Frosty and Friends Kids Cruise
Step aboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat for the magical Frosty and Friends Kids Cruise! This North Pole adventure on the South Carolina coast features Christmas crafts, carol sing-alongs, reindeer food making, and classic Christmas tales.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (1,370 reviews)
💵 Price Level: $55 adults, $40 children 12 and under
📍 Location: 2041 Bridge View Ct, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-390-2017
⏰ Cruise Dates: December 13-14 and December 20-23
Don’t forget to wear your Christmas PJs for this cozy holiday cruise complete with hot chocolate and festive activities!
Learn more about Barefoot Queen Riverboat
8. Pirates Voyage Christmas Show
Pirates Voyage transforms into a winter wonderland for their Christmas show! Watch as the Mystical Christmas Spirit takes Captain Scrooge on a journey through time to find the meaning of Christmas, featuring amazing acrobatics and live animals.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (13,690 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
📞 Contact: +1843-497-9700
⏰ Show Dates: November 5 – January 3
This swashbuckling Christmas adventure includes a four-course holiday feast inspired by medieval meals, making it perfect for families.
Learn more about Pirates Voyage
9. Legends in Concert Holiday Show
Legends in Concert brings celebrity tribute artists to the stage for festive renditions of holiday classics! This world’s greatest live tribute show features timeless Christmas songs combined with hits from Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, and more.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (1,673 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: 2925 Hollywood Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: +1800-960-7469
⏰ Show Dates: November 3 – December 31
With its location at Broadway at the Beach, you can enjoy holiday shopping before the show!
Learn more about Legends in Concert
10. GTS Theatre Christmas Motown Tribute
The GTS Theatre offers a soulful Christmas Motown tribute show that’ll have you clapping along! This two-hour evening of entertainment takes audiences on a musical journey through Motown history with Christmas favorites.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (1,135 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly to mid-range
📍 Location: 1220 Port Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: +1843-765-4386
⏰ Show Dates: November 1 – December 22
The show features soul and holiday music from the ’60s and ’70s, creating a unique Christmas experience for all ages.
Learn more about GTS Theatre
11. Winter Wonderland at The Beach
Winter Wonderland at The Beach transforms the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk into a festive oceanfront lights display! This month-long holiday festival features over one million dazzling lights and draws more than 100,000 visitors each year.
⭐ Rating: 3.9/5 (31 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Free admission
📍 Location: 812 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
⏰ Event Dates: November 29 – January 4, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This oceanfront lights display includes special events like the Twinkling Two-Miler run and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Learn more about Winter Wonderland
12. Dickens Christmas Show & Festival
Step into a Victorian wonderland at the award-winning Dickens Christmas Show & Festival! The Myrtle Beach Convention Center transforms into a festive marketplace with unique shops, entertainment, vendors, and elaborate displays.
⭐ Rating: 3.8/5 (73 reviews)
💵 Price Level: $12-$15 advance tickets
📍 Location: 2101 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: +1843-448-9483
⏰ Event Hours: Varies by day during holiday season
This beloved holiday event features over 350 vendors and strolling Victorian musicians for an authentic Christmas experience.
Learn more about Myrtle Beach Convention Center
13. Nights of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of the most beloved holiday events on the Grand Strand! Walk through over 2,700 hand-lit candles and sparkling lights in beautifully landscaped gardens while listening to live holiday music.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (6,769 reviews)
💵 Price Level: $40 adults, $20 children ages 4-12
📍 Location: Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
📞 Contact: +1843-235-6000
⏰ Event Dates: November 28 – January 4, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This award-winning holiday tradition requires advance ticket purchases and offers a magical experience for all ages.
Learn more about Brookgreen Gardens
14. MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights
Take a stroll along the MarshWalk and enjoy thousands of lights synchronized with Christmas music! This free display features a 20-foot LED Christmas tree, Candy Cane Arch, and perfect photo opportunities.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (2,763 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Free lights display
📍 Location: 4025-4065 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
⏰ Event Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, November 28 – December 31
On weekends, kids can visit Santa’s Village with petting zoo, barrel cart rides, and visits with Santa Claus!
Learn more about MarshWalk
15. Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees
Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees honors both the beauty of the holiday season and the United States through 55 Christmas trees on display! Each tree features ornaments, lights, and decorations representing different states and territories.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (22,955 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Regular aquarium admission
📍 Location: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: +1843-916-0888
⏰ Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (8:00 PM weekends)
Explore the aquarium’s amazing sea creatures while enjoying this unique Christmas display throughout the holiday season.
Learn more about Ripley’s Aquarium
Holiday Tips from Your Salty Stay Hosts
As your local hosts at Salty Stay, we’ve gathered insider tips to help you make the most of Christmas in North Myrtle Beach:
Plan Ahead: Popular attractions like The Great Christmas Light Show and holiday performances sell out quickly. Book tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Stay Close to the Action: Our Salty Stay vacation rentals put you within minutes of all major Christmas attractions. No long drives – just quick trips to holiday magic!
Pack for Mild Weather: North Myrtle Beach enjoys mild December temperatures, perfect for evening strolls through lights displays. Bring layers for cool evenings.
Take Advantage of Multiple Shows: With so many world-class Christmas shows nearby, plan to catch 2-3 different performances during your stay.
Book Restaurant Reservations: Popular spots like those featured in our best seafood restaurants guide fill up during the holidays.
Explore Beyond Christmas Events: Check out our North Myrtle Beach attractions guide for year-round family fun.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in North Myrtle Beach creates magical memories that last a lifetime. From the spectacular Great Christmas Light Show to world-class holiday performances, our coastal Christmas wonderland offers something special for everyone. The combination of festive holiday activities, mild winter weather, and beautiful ocean views makes North Myrtle Beach the perfect Christmas destination.
At Salty Stay, we’re proud to offer luxury vacation rentals that enhance your Christmas experience. Our oceanfront properties feature pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and stunning views – creating the perfect gathering place for families and groups. After days filled with Christmas parades, light shows, and holiday performances, you’ll love returning to your comfortable home base steps from the beach.
Whether you’re planning a family Christmas reunion, a corporate holiday retreat, or a festive getaway with friends, North Myrtle Beach and Salty Stay provide everything needed for an unforgettable Christmas celebration. Book your luxury vacation rental today at saltystay.com and discover why Christmas at the beach creates the most wonderful memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Myrtle Beach do anything for Christmas?
Yes! Christmas in North Myrtle Beach features amazing holiday festivals and events. From the Great Christmas Light Show with over 2 million lights to world-class Christmas performances at venues like the Alabama Theatre, North Myrtle Beach transforms into a winter wonderland. The area offers tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas parades, holiday boat parades, and oceanfront lights displays that draw over 100,000 visitors during the season.
What time is the Christmas parade in North Myrtle Beach?
The North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday, December 6th at 5:30 PM on Main Street. This beloved evening parade features decorated floats, golf carts, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself. Families often arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along the parade route.
Which Myrtle Beach Christmas show is the best?
The Alabama Theatre’s “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” consistently ranks as the #1 Christmas show in the area. However, each venue offers unique experiences: The Carolina Opry presents the “Christmas Show of the South” with 40 years of tradition, while Pirates Voyage offers a swashbuckling Christmas adventure with dinner. For large groups staying at Salty Stay, we recommend catching multiple shows during your visit.
Is Myrtle Beach good for Christmas?
Absolutely! Christmas in North Myrtle Beach offers just as many activities as summer months, plus mild winter weather perfect for outdoor celebrations. The area features special holiday events, seasonal performances, Christmas parades, and extensive holiday shopping opportunities. Recent recognition by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Winter Beach Vacations” confirms what locals already know – Christmas at the beach is truly magical.
What should I pack for Christmas in North Myrtle Beach?
Pack layers for mild December weather with average temperatures in the 50s-60s. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring light displays, festive attire for Christmas shows and photos with Santa, and don’t forget swimwear – our Salty Stay properties feature heated pools and hot tubs perfect for winter relaxation! Check out our area guide for more packing tips.
How far in advance should I book Christmas activities in North Myrtle Beach?
Book popular attractions like The Great Christmas Light Show, holiday performances, and dinner cruises at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Shows at the Alabama Theatre and Carolina Opry often sell out during peak Christmas weeks. For the best Salty Stay vacation rental availability during Christmas, we recommend booking 2-3 months ahead through our contact page.
