The Carolina Opry Christmas Special 
                               -- the Christmas Show of the South!
When you think “Myrtle Beach,” do you think cozy oceanfront dining and incredible Christmas entertainment? Probably not—but this time of year you should! Since Calvin Gilmore premiered the first Christmas show on the Grand Strand in 1986 Myrtle Beach has become a much-heralded holiday getaway destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

And as if that weren’t enough, Myrtle Beach hotels have great rates this time of year, giving you a golden opportunity to escape the cold, come to the sunny coast, and get jolly!

A 27-year landmark institution in Myrtle Beach, The Carolina Opry draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each winter just to see its annual Christmas Special.

How does Calvin do it? The curtain went down on the last regular season show on October 26th and in a dramatic one-day shutdown, the transformation to Winter Wonderland began as the crew worked through the night and for the next several days preparing 35 Christmas trees (including the 30-foot lobby tree with 25,000 lights), 75 wreaths, more than 5 miles of tree lighting wire, numberless tree ornaments, and mounds of Christmas snow!  This year they filmed some of that transformation and—for the first time ever—released three sneak preview videos. Watch one below or visit You Tube to see all 3.

And the production—well, the planning begins months ahead, of course, with Gilmore and staff planning and tweaking material endlessly for this famous annual production. Rehearsals start in August and get serious in September. (So don’t be shocked if you hear Opry employees humming little Christmas ditties when it’s 100 in the shade.) During the rehearsal period, they burn the candle at both ends, rehearsing Christmas material by day and performing their trademark variety shows for audiences by night.

Finally, crunch time. After the final show of the regular season they have several full days for intensive Christmas rehearsals, refining each transition, perfecting each piece of wardrobe, and blending each remarkable vocal or instrumental part, to culminate in the seasonal fun and fabulousness of opening night. Thirty-five of the nation’s most talented vocalists, musicians and dancers combine with incredible sound and lighting effects, real snow in the theater and even a real horse-drawn sleigh to bring you The Carolina Opry Christmas Special -- the Christmas Show of the South!

Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmas at the beach!

Come see it for yourself! For more information and ticket booking visit TheChristmasShowOfTheSouth or call 800-843-6779.