A Family-Friendly Guide to Myrtle Beach This Holiday Season

This holiday season, start a new tradition with your family by planning a trip to The Beach! Many people often think of summer as the only time for a beach vacation, but there are family-friendly activities to enjoy all winter long in Myrtle Beach, SC. Swap out your snow boots and winter coats for flip flops and t-shirts because the fun doesn’t stop when the summer is over!  Myrtle Beach offers amazing holiday themed shows, events, parades, and more. From tree lightings to giant holiday themed inflatables, Myrtle Beach transforms each holiday season into a sparkling winter wonderland where even Santa likes to vacation! 

What to do

In addition to relaxing at the beach, we recommend the following holiday themed activities for your trip: 

• Trade in a snowman for a “sandman” at the beach this year. This activity is fun to enjoy with the kids and families can team up to build the beach’s version of this winter staple. 

• Have your children write a letter to send to the North Pole to let Santa know they’ll be at The Beach on Christmas morning 

• Visit a holiday light show in the region to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit! (Pro tip: Head on our to downtown Myrtle Beach for Winter Wonderland at The Beach lights display on the Boardwalk. You can walk through the lighting experience and even roast marshmellows in the Family Fun Zone afterwards!)  

• Watch a holiday show! Across the Grand Strand, several popular theatres transform into dazzling holiday epicenters with shows almost every night. Don't miss the classic theaters like Carolina Opry or Alabama Theatre, or go on a holiday adventure at Pirates Voyage. 

Where to go

Winter at The Beach brings people together in many ways. Some top attractions in the region during this time include: 

• Mini Golf: The Myrtle Beach area is called the "miniature golf capital of the world” for its more than 50 miniature golf courses throughout the region. The destination also features more mini golf courses per square mile than any other city in the country, which makes it a perfect winter activity for the family! 

• Huntington State Park This park boasts a new visitor center which opened in 2020 and is the perfect place to take your adventurous little ones. With a variety of different animal and reptile species, you can take a tour of the nature center and learn more about the unique creatures and wildlife in the Myrtle Beach region.  

• Brookgreen Gardens A hidden gem boasting 9,000+ acres of former rice plantation land, complete with vibrant flowers, tons of outdoor sculpture, and even an onsite zoo, this botanical garden is a hit, especially during the holidays with its breathtaking light display.  

What to eat

The holiday season brings fewer crowds and lower wait times. While at The Beach, make sure you try out these great restaurants in the region to dine like a local! 

• Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar: This Milkshake shop opened in June of 2020 and the pandemic did not stop its growth. With crazy milkshake combos for the holidays and other sweet treats, this restaurant is sure to please the whole family. 

• RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar: RipTydz brings new taste & excitement to the world-famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and creating a one-of-a-kind oceanfront dining experience. Part restaurant, part beach bar – Riptydz has something for everyone looking for fresh seafood, prime steaks, and fresh local favorites unlike anything else on the Boardwalk, making it the perfect dining location for your winter trip!

• Big Mike's Soul Food: If you’re looking for some good old fashioned comfort food, Big Mike’s is the place to be. Serving up southern hospitality and a variety of dishes that are sure to fill up your soul, some of their staples include: fried chicken, collard greens, fried fish, cornbread and much more!  

• The Hangout: New to Broadway at the Beach this year, The Hangout invites everyone to well, hangout, and have a good time over good food. With menu options like hamburgers, seafood, cold drinks and more, the whole family will be happy. And The Hangout encourages people to dance on their tables - if you think we are kidding, go check it out for yourself! 

For more holiday things to do, check out our Holiday Vacation Guide!