Where To See Christmas Lights In Myrtle Beach
The Beach is a Sparkling Wonderland this time of Year!
The Myrtle Beach area really sparkles during the holiday season! From North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet, our winter visitors have a lot to look forward to when it comes to Christmas lights in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for an impressive drive-through light show or an indoor display to spark holiday joy, here are a few of our favorite Christmas lights experiences along the Grand Strand:
Winter Wonderland at The Beach-Now Open!
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Lights Nightly 5-9 pm, Holiday Festival December 1-3, 2023
Winter Wonderland at The Beach will transform the Boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach into a sparkling holiday dreamland, filled with holiday magic and twinkling lights. This fun festival will feature will take you along the oceanfront walking tour of the light displays with plenty of great photo opps. Each area is themed with different types of lights, some beach-themed and others more classically themed.
The Great Christmas Light Show
North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
Nightly starting November 20 through December 30, 2023 (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
The Great Christmas Light Show is an enormous and immersive 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 2-mile-long drive throughout the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. All ages will delight in the over 500 magical light displays, some up to 55 feet tall, which have been custom-made for The Great Christmas Light Show. Visitors will also get to experience 30 new enchanting, animated figures and holiday scenes where the lights will come to life. Stop in Santa’s Village for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Tree, Fire Pits for S’mores, and even train rides.
Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees
Broadway at the Beach
Monday - Saturday in December, 2023
Each Christmas season, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach celebrates the heritage and diversity of the United States of America by decorating over 50 trees, featuring each of the country’s 55 states and territories. The South Carolina tree is a favorite, at more than 18 feet tall, and features seashells, magnolias, golf balls, and more. Visitors can test their knowledge of each state with their customized scavenger hunt or simply enjoy the beauty of so many Christmas-lit trees throughout the aquarium. This special holiday display is included with regular aquarium admission.
Celebration of Lights
Downtown Conway
Thurday's - Sunday's , November 30, 2023 - December 24, 2023
The Conway Celebration of Lights is back for the 2023 Christmas season. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can drive through this magical light display downtown from 5:30-10 p.m. through December 24. Visits with Santa will be held Thursday through Saturday from 6- 8 p.m. at the Town Green at 200 Laurel Street.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Gardens
Select Dates, November 25 - December 31, 2023
Discover a true holiday spectacle at Brookgreen Gardens during Nights of a Thousand Candles. Beginning Thanksgiving week, the historic sculpture gardens put on a show of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights that dazzle guests annually. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this popular winter event. Families can enjoy a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate, while adult beverages are also available for purchase. Nightly entertainment under the tent and dining choices make it a great date night spot as well. Harvest Restaurant is now taking reservations for dinner during the event. Gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. during Nights of a Thousand Candles.
In addition to these spectacular Christmas light displays, visitors to Myrtle Beach have the chance to enjoy several of area Christmas tree lightings, as well. A full round-up of Christmas tree lightings from North Myrtle Beach to Surfside Beach can be found on our blog. And once you have seen all the Christmas lights, be sure to check out the area’s world-class Christmas shows and fantastic holiday shopping!
Ashlee Carson grew up in Northwest Ohio but has lived in Myrtle Beach since graduating from the University of Central Florida in Spring of 2006 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. She was a former Public Relations intern at the Chamber of Commerce in the Summer of 2005 where her excitement for writing about Myrtle Beach began. Ashlee has two children, and loves boating, the beach, fishing and exploring everything the Grand Strand has to offer.