Star-Studded Return: Moses Braxton, Rita Gumm & Legends Headline The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
Join The Carolina Opry for Its Most Star-Packed Christmas Special Yet!
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, hailed as “The Christmas Show of the South,” kicked off its 33rd season on November 1, 2018, with performances selling out fast. Iconic baritone Moses Braxton returns after an 8-year absence, topping fan requests for nearly a decade with his velvety voice. Joining him are gospel legend and original cast member Rita Gumm, fan-favorite Kym “Bogie” Shurbutt—The Carolina Opry’s 33-year comedy veteran—and Steve Sifford, the show’s emcee for 19 years. Newcomer Delvin Choice, known from NBC’s The Voice, debuts alongside the award-winning cast of over 35 musicians, singers, and dancers—creating the strongest lineup in the show’s history.
Producer Calvin Gilmore delivers an unforgettable holiday spectacle with his signature production excellence. The 2018 special blends fresh innovations with cherished traditions, featuring new talent alongside rotating stars and Opry staples. Recognized as “the real thing” for its authentic talent and top-tier production, it’s CNBC’s “Top Attraction in Myrtle Beach” and a 30+ year holiday tradition. Experience Christmas magic through music, comedy, and dance.
Special guests include 18-year-old Rory John Zak, the renowned All That! clogging troupe, Tangena Church, Christie Templeton, Chas Croft Sorrells, Nashville recording artist Brad Long, a seasonal brass section, and 35 elite vocalists and musicians. Backed by the Calvin Gilmore Orchestra led by Kevin Hughes and featuring Margaret Rice’s dancers in the holiday-adorned Carolina Opry Theater. Kids adore the magic tricks, real horse-drawn sleigh, and faux snow. Demand is high—book tickets in advance.
Gilmore’s Thunder & Light and Pure Magic return with holiday-themed matinees from November through December. Package them with The Carolina Opry Christmas Special for just $15 more per ticket.
The Carolina Opry Theater transforms into a winter wonderland during a dramatic week-long overhaul: 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, 5 miles of lighting, countless ornaments, piles of snow, and a 30-foot tree with over 25,000 lights. Capture family photos here—perfect for holiday cards—with on-site photographers.
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special runs through January 5, 2019, with evening shows and select matinees. Thunder & Light and Pure Magic holiday editions perform Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., plus Pure Magic at 4 p.m. on November 24 and December 30. Check full schedules at www.TheCarolinaOpry.com or call 800-843-6779 to reserve.
About Calvin Gilmore and Gilmore Entertainment
Gilmore Entertainment and The Carolina Opry lead Southeast musical variety shows, including the classic Carolina Opry, retro Time Warp, Thunder & Light, new Pure Magic, and The Carolina Opry Christmas Special. Featured in USA Today, NBC Nightly News, Southern Living, Variety, and more. Sole Myrtle Beach recipient of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup and voted SC’s top attraction. Calvin Gilmore performs at the Grand Ole Opry and serves as SC’s Official Country Music Ambassador.
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special Video
