12 Days of Christmas: Top Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Discover countless ways to create lasting holiday memories in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. From dazzling light shows and festive parades to enchanting theater shows and more, this curated '12 Days of Christmas' guide highlights the best seasonal activities to enjoy at the beach through Christmas Day.
Day 1: The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach
This signature event launches the holiday season with over 2 million lights along a 1.5-mile drive-through at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. Featuring 500+ custom displays up to 70 feet tall, 20+ animated figures, and holiday scenes, 'Santa's Village' opens Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets range from $15-$20 based on day and group size. View Day 1.
Day 2: Celebrate at a Christmas Parade
Parades offer a joyful outdoor family tradition. Enjoy the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade (Saturday, December 12, 2020, 2-5 p.m.) and Barefoot Landing's 2nd Annual Holiday Golf Cart Parade (Sunday, December 13, 2020, 3 p.m.), practicing social distancing. View Day 2.
Day 3: Rivertown Christmas Celebration in Downtown Conway
Downtown Conway's free Rivertown Christmas Celebration runs Thursdays 6-8 p.m. through December 17, featuring candlelight shopping, Santa visits, carriage rides, living window displays, and more. View Day 3.
Day 4: Waccamaw Market Cooperative Holiday Markets
Shop local at Holiday Markets: Tuesdays through December 15 in Surfside Beach (12-4 p.m.), Thursdays through December 17 at Magnolia Row, Myrtle Beach (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Saturdays through December 19 at Valor Park, The Market Common (12-4 p.m.). Find fresh produce, crafts, soaps, fudge, jewelry, and more. View Day 4.
Day 5: Horse-Drawn 'Sleigh' Rides in Market Common
Free family carriage rides through holiday-decorated Market Common (same household only for COVID safety), 3-6 p.m., pick-up at Dolce Lusso Salon corner of Howard Ave. and Nevers St. View Day 5.
Day 6: Holidays on the Boardwalk in Downtown Myrtle Beach
Every Saturday in December at Plyler Park: Santa photos, crafts, face painting, letters to Santa, live music at 2 p.m., $3 train rides, and $5 secret shopping for kids' gifts. Continues Dec. 29-31 (no Santa post-Christmas Eve Saturday). View Day 6.
Day 7: Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles
Experience 2,700+ hand-lit candles and lights illuminating gardens 4-9 p.m., with cider, cocoa, wine, music, and carolers. Expanded dates for safety, limited advance tickets only. View Day 7.
Day 8: Photos with Santa
Local spots adapt safely: Tuesdays/Thursdays 6-8 p.m. at Grand 14 Movie Theater, photos in a sleigh (masks required, removable for pics). View Day 8.
Day 9: Souvenir Christmas Ornaments
Visit The Christmas Mouse, Callahan's of Calabash, Christmas at the Beach, and more for unique Myrtle Beach ornaments as keepsakes or gifts. View Day 9.
Day 10: Ripley's Festival of Trees
Free with Aquarium admission: 55+ state-themed decorated trees amid lights and aquatic wonders, transforming the space into a winter wonderland. View Day 10.
Day 11: Live Christmas Shows at Myrtle Beach Theaters
Catch award-winning productions: The Christmas Show of the South at Carolina Opry, South's Grandest Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre, or Christmas at Pirates Voyage. View Day 11.
Day 12: Last-Minute Christmas Shopping
Find perfect gifts at Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, Tanger Outlets, Coastal Grand Mall, or local boutiques. View Day 12.
Many events proceed with precautions; stay home if unwell, wash hands, wear masks indoors or when distancing isn't possible. Verify current details as events may change.
