Festival of Trees and Myrtle Beach's Top Things to Do in December
Make Your Myrtle Beach Christmas One to Remember
The holiday season is underway here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Trees are up, Santa is making his rounds and we’re welcoming visitors to enjoy everything the Christmas season has to offer at The Beach. We’ve gathered some of the events we’re most looking forward to in the weeks leading up to Christmas:
Ripley’s Festival of Trees
November 8 to January 5 2025
9 am to 7 pm
Included with regular admission to the aquarium, visitors in December have the chance to enjoy the beauty of over 55 decorated to represent every state in the United States and more! The entire aquarium has been transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, bows, and, of course, trees all set against the backdrop of colorful and mesmerizing aquatic galleries.
A Very Broadway Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024
29th Avenue North Side of Broadway at the Beach
11 am
Enjoy a merry parade at Broadway at the Beach. After the parade, you can take advantage of the holiday sales at the shops and enjoy holiday music, a visit with santa, and winter magic fun. The parade will start near Dave and Busters and finish near Wonderworks.
Rivertown Christmas Celebration
Thursday's, December 5 - December 19, 2024
Downtown Conway
6 to 8 pm
Conway’s Annual Rivertown Christmas Celebration features an array of activities, such as candlelight shopping, visits with Santa, holiday character photos, living window displays, gingerbread house displays, and entertainment to celebrate the holiday season. All of the events are free. Plus, the first Thursday will start with the city’s tree lighting ceremony to kick off the festivities. The annual parade will be held Saturday the 14th at 10am.
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Ocean Boulevard/Surfside Drive
2 to 4 pm
This family-friendly holiday parade in Surfside Beach is a favorite with locals and visitors alike to ring in the holiday season.
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
5:30 pm
Join the annual parade at the beach to watch groups from across the Grand Strand decorate floats and vehicles in holiday themes. It’ll be just after sunset when the parade commences, so everything will be lit up in beautiful, colorful lights!
MarshWalk's 10th Annual Santa Crawl
Thursday, December 12, 2024
MarshWalk, Murrells Inlet
5 to 9:30 pm
Start the evening with Christmas-themed drink and dinner specials at the restaurants lining the MarshWalk. Then, Secret Santas will be strolling the MarshWalk looking for the best Christmas attire for a chance to win a variety of prizes. If you want to participate, make sure to register and be present at the Neptune’s Bistro and Raw Bar at 9:30 pm to find out if you’re a winner!
Holiday Golf Cart Parade at Barefoot Landing
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Barefoot Landing, Parade begins at Greg Norman's
3 pm
Dress your golf cart (or walking group) up in your holiday finest for a chance to win prizes! Anyone can join, there’s just a $10 fee that will go to helping the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. To register, fill out the attached form and return it.
Other Ongoing Holiday Events Worth Checking Out:
Winter Wonderland at The Beach
Lights Nightly from November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Downtown Myrtle Beach
9 am to 7 pm
Winter Wonderland is a spectacular event for the whole family featuring a free lights display along a gorgeous mile-long oceanfront on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. This year will feature numerous activities - something new and exciting every night - such as a holiday market, music with a dj, small business displays, tree lighting ceremony, two-mile run, performances, and so much more!
Holiday Markets by the Waccamaw Market Cooperative
November 1 - December 21, 2024
The Waccamaw Market Cooperative is giving shoppers the chance to buy local this holiday season with select Holiday Market locations and times in December. Offerings will vary per market but may include: fresh produce, baked goods, wood crafts, artisan soaps, gourmet popcorn, holiday fudge, eggs, pottery, hand blown glass, ceramic art, handmade jewelry, honey, and much more. The markets can be found in Surfside Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Saturdays in Valor Park in The Market Common.
The Great Christmas Light Show
November 25 through December 30, 2024 (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
NMB Park and Sports Complex
5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The Great Christmas Light Show is a huge lighted celebration that is sure to capture the true spirit of the season. The drive-through light show features over 2 million lights festively displayed along a 1.5-mile drive. ‘Santa’s Village’ is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, with an assortment of holiday activities such as Christmas music, photo ops, a petting zoo, and more. The cost per vehicle (with up to 15 passengers) is $20 when Santa’s Village is closed. When Santa’s Village is open, the cost per vehicle (with up to 15 passengers) is $25.
Nights of A Thousand Candles
Select dates, November 30, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Brookgreen Gardens
4 to 9 pm
See Brookgreen Gardens come to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights. Attendees can walk the garden pathways with a warm cup of cider, cocoa, or wine, and hear the sounds of holiday music, carolers singing with family and friends! All tickets must be purchased in advance.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies Near Myrtle Beach
Winter Wonderland: November 30, 2024 at 6:20 pm. Holiday festivities starting at 5pm. Plyler Park, Downtown Myrtle Beach
Garden of Hope: December 1, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at 1395 Carver Street, Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach: December 3, 2024 at 6 pm, McLean Park
Conway: December 5, 2024 at 6 pm, 200 Laurel Street, Downtown Conway
Surfside Beach: December 5, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Memorial Park
Visit the Visit Myrtle Beach Holiday Vacation Guide to help plan the most magical holiday at The Beach yet!
