Celebrate Christmas in Myrtle Beach!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend Christmas in Myrtle Beach? Well, we’re here to tell you that the excitement is REAL! The magic of the season comes to life during exciting light shows, talented performers live on stage at our world-famous theaters, and scrumptious Christmas dinners at Myrtle Beach restaurants. Here’s a look at what we are excited to do during Christmas 2023 in Myrtle Beach!

Things to Do

Winter Wonderland at the Beach

Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, 812 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC
Winter Wonderland at the Beach is back at The Beach for another amazing holiday season. This beautiful walk-through light show is located along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with fun-themed areas like Toyland and Peppermint Valley. Our local businesses will join in on the festivities by decorating their exteriors. Live entertainment and special events are also planned throughout the 2023 holiday season. Winter Wonderland at the Beach will be open daily from November 24 through January 1, 2024. A Family Fun Festival will be held December 1-3, 2023. Admission to the lights display is free. 

The Great Christmas Light Show

North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, 150 Citizens Circle, North Myrtle Beach, SC
One of the Grand Strand’s favorite traditions is The Great Christmas Show in North Myrtle Beach. Millions of sparkling lights are coordinated to your favorite holiday songs during the two-mile drive through the complex. They have new lights and new displays for this Christmas season! Head on into Santa’s Village (open Thursday-Saturday through December 10 and then nightly) for a photo opp with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, fire pits for s’mores, and a Rockin’ Christmas Tree that plays music every 30 minutes. They have snacks and hot cocoa for sale as well as souvenir toys. Admission is $15/vehicle and includes admission to Santa’s Village. Train rides and the elf hunt in Santa’s Village are $3/person. The Great Christmas Light Show is open nightly November 20 through December 30. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Ripley’s Festival of Trees

1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
Ripley’s Festival of Trees has been a celebrated annual event for years and they invite you to their 2023 season. See what all the fuss is about as you explore one tree decorated perfectly for each state and a magnificent tree standing at 18 feet tall and representing South Carolina. Each tree is in a different spot within the aquarium, giving you plenty of time to explore. They have mermaid shows, stingrays, and sharks to pet and the new Penguin Playhouse. The event is included with your aquarium admission. The Festival of Trees will be held daily through January 1, 2024 within Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

Conway Celebration of Lights

Marina Dr., Conway, SC
Drive through Conway’s Celebration of Lights from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday from November 30 through December 24, 2023. Santa will be available for visits each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Town Green. A Christmas Village will also be held (2023 details have not been announced yet). Join them for the 5th annual Under the Lights 5K Fun Run/Walk on December 6, 2023.

Where to Eat

Reservations are recommended at these Myrtle Beach restaurants open for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas dinner. Call ahead as hours and menus change.

21 Main at North Beach

719 N. Beach Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, SC
21 Main at North Beach will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Gulfstream Café

1536 S. Waccamaw Dr., Garden City SC
Gulfstream Café will open at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They’re also offering Christmas Prime Rib dinners to go.

Greg Norman Australian Grille

4930 Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, SC
Greg Norman Australian Grille at Barefoot Landing will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Carolina Roadhouse

4617 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
Carolina Roadhouse will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and take-home meals to serve up to six people are also available for your holiday dinners.

California Dreaming

2657 Beaver Run Rd., Surfside Beach, SC
California Dreaming will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Only select seating times remain. Take home Christmas dinner on December 24 or 25 by ordering ahead.

The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro

4269 Luck Ave., Little River, SC
The Brentwood is offering a Christmas Celebration Menu. They will offer a special three-course meal for $49 and a wine flight may be added for $21. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Preston’s Seafood and Country Buffet

4530 Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, SC
Preston’s will be serving their famous Christmas Day Feast beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

8211 Marina Pkwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
Ruth’s Chris will serve a decadent holiday menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Night. They’ll also offer upscale sides to go for your family’s holiday feast.

Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille

9706 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
Thoroughbred’s Chophouse is now taking reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Shows to See

The South’s Grandest Christmas Show - Alabama Theatre

4750 Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, SC
Check out the #1 Christmas Show on the Grand Strand – The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre! Talented singers, dancers, musicians, and performers bring Christmas to life live on stage performing classic holiday songs and even a few new ones you’re sure to love. This show is a blast for all ages! Shows are held nightly through Saturday, December 31, 2023 (no shows on Sundays, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day). Tickets range from $45.95-$64.95/adult and $19.95/child.

The Christmas Show of the South – The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

8901 Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
Some of your favorite performers will return to the Calvin Gilmore Theatre for The Christmas Show of the South. Entering its 38th year of performing, The Carolina Opry Christmas Special features the popular clogging group All That!, Moses Braxton, 13-year-old Mia Curtis, a seasonal brass section, and so many others! Don’t miss an appearance from Santa and the real-horse-drawn sleigh with snow. The show runs nightly through January 1, 2023, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 24-26, and Sundays. Select matinees will run throughout the 2023 season. Tickets range from $48-$76.

They’ve also added an additional show for the 2023 Christmas Season entitled “Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Show.” The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, January 1, 2024.

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show Christmas Special

8901 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
Follow along with the tale of Mr. Scrooge as you watch mermaids, acrobatic pirates, hilarious animal guests and so much more when you join Pirates Voyage for their Christmas Special. Your meal is served as you watch Scrooge’s past, present and future events unfold along with sword fights and plenty of diving action. A moving Christmas scene is presented with live camels leading Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. Call for show times and tickets.