Where to Capture Holiday Magic & See the Best Christmas Lights in Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand comes alive with sparkle and joy during the holiday season. From seaside strolls under glowing arches to candlelit gardens, every corner of the Myrtle Beach area shines with wonder.
Whether you’re chasing dazzling light displays, magical photo ops, or those heartwarming holiday moments with your loved ones, there’s something unforgettable waiting around every twinkling turn.
From candlelit gardens to oceanfront light tunnels, Myrtle Beach shines brighter than ever during the holidays—wander, snap photos, and make memories because the magic of The Beach is best shared under a thousand twinkling lights.
Winter Wonderland at The Beach
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Lights Nightly 5-9 pm, November 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026
The oceanfront transforms into a glowing wonderland each winter as the Boardwalk becomes a festival of color, lights, and laughter. Each section features themed displays perfect for family photos and seaside strolls, complete with the SkyWheel lit up in holiday hues. Grab a cup of cocoa and make an evening of it.
Photo Tip: Capture reflections of the lights in the ocean for that postcard-perfect Myrtle Beach shot.
The Great Christmas Light Show
North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
Nightly from 5:30-9:30 p.m. starting November 24 through December 30, 2025 (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
With more than two million lights stretched over two miles, this drive-through experience feels straight out of a holiday movie. Explore over 500 dazzling displays (some as tall as 55 feet!), then stop by Santa’s Village for photos with Santa, train rides, s’mores by the fire, and a petting zoo. Santa’s Village open Thu–Sun Nov. 28–Dec. 7, then nightly Dec. 11–30 (closed Dec. 25).
Photo Tip: Roll down your windows for light tunnel selfies that sparkle.
Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees
Broadway at the Beach
November 8, 2025 - January 5, 2026
Step into a sea of color at Ripley’s Aquarium, where more than 50 themed Christmas trees celebrate every U.S. state and territory. It’s an indoor holiday treat filled with creativity and cheer, and the glowing tanks add a touch of underwater magic. Admission to the Festival of Trees is included with a ticket to the aquarium.
Photo Tip: Use the blue aquarium glow for soft, flattering lighting on your portraits.
City of Conway's Celebration of Lights
Downtown Conway (Ashpond Road & Marina Drive)
Thursday through Sunday evenings in December
Conway’s charming downtown becomes a small-town Christmas dream. Cruise through sparkling light tunnels or stroll by the shops while holiday music fills the air. Stop at the Town Green to meet Santa and enjoy the timeless glow of classic Christmas decorations. Admission is only $2 per person in your car.
Photo Tip: Take a wide-angle shot of Main Street’s light reflections on the shop windows.
Holiday Sparkle on the Little River Waterfront
Little River Marina
Friday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 29th at 5:00 p.m.
Little River brings serious holiday sparkle with two waterfront favorites. The brand-new Waterfront Winterland takes place on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., turning the shoreline into a twinkling trail of trees, visits with Santa, fire-pit marshmallows, holiday movies, and free hot cocoa. It’s the perfect mix of classic and new, all set against the water’s glow.
Right next door, the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta sails off on Saturday, November 29, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m. from the Little River Inlet and arriving around 7:00 p.m. at Dock Holidays Marina—a free, can’t-miss coastal tradition.
Photo Tip: Aim for shots taken right at dusk (“blue hour”) when the sky still has color but the lights are already glowing. For the Regatta, position yourself near a bend in the waterway so you can capture multiple boats in one frame. For Waterfront Winterland, shoot low and toward the water to let the reflections double the sparkle.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Gardens
November 28–30 & December 4–21, 2025; December 30–31, 2025 & January 1–4, 2026, 4–9 p.m.
A mesmerizing tradition that must be seen to be believed. Over 2,700 candles and countless twinkling lights illuminate the gardens, while live music and warm cider add to the magic. It’s the kind of place that takes your breath away and leaves your heart glowing.
Photo Tip: Arrive before sunset for golden-hour portraits, then capture candlelight close-ups once the night settles in.
MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights
Murrells Inlet
Nightly November 28 – December 31, 2025; light shows run at the top & bottom of the hour 5–11 p.m.; Santa’s Village Fri–Sun Nov. 28–Dec. 21, 5–9 p.m.
The MarshWalk offers a festive waterfront experience with each restaurant decked out in lights and coastal holiday flair. It’s the perfect mix of seaside serenity and seasonal spirit. Enjoy a seafood dinner, holiday cocktails, and the natural sparkle of the inlet under the stars.
Photo Tip: Capture reflections on the water just after sunset for pure holiday magic.
The Market Common Holiday Lights
The Market Common, Myrtle Beach
Throughout December
An upscale shopping and entertainment district that feels like a storybook come to life. Sleighs, twinkling trees, and cheerful storefronts set the scene for perfect photos and warm holiday vibes. Drop your letter to Santa in the North Pole mailbox and treat yourself to hot chocolate as you explore. And when New Year’s Eve arrives, don’t miss The Market Common’s "A Southern Times Square" event, the Grand Strand’s biggest celebration to ring in the new year with fireworks, live music, and a midnight ball drop.
Photo Tip: The big tree by the movie theater glows beautifully after dark — perfect for family portraits.
Holiday Tree Lightings
Tree lighting ceremonies bring the community together in twinkling celebration. Expect live music, Santa appearances, and plenty of festive cheer — each one a little different, each one full of joy. Highlights include the Broadway at the Beach Tree Lighting on November 22, the Barefoot Landing Lighting of the Landing on November 23, the Conway Tree Lighting on December 5, and Surfside Beach’s annual celebration on November 30. Don’t miss the Garden of Hope Tree Lighting in Myrtle Beach, a local favorite for heartwarming photos.
Photo Tip: Capture the countdown moment just as the tree lights up for that pure holiday sparkle.
Holiday Parades
Marching bands, festive floats, golf carts, and plenty of Santa sightings make local parades one of the most charming parts of the season. Each beach town adds its own flavor—from oceanfront routes to cozy community celebrations. Don’t miss the Broadway at the Beach Christmas Parade (Dec. 6), the Barefoot Landing Golf Cart Parade (Dec. 7), the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade (Dec. 13), and the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade (Dec. 7). Conway, Murrells Inlet and other towns along the Grand Strand also host beloved holiday parades filled with local charm.
Photo Tip: Snap photos from low angles to capture both the floats and palm trees for a true coastal Christmas feel.
Holiday Shows
Myrtle Beach’s legendary theaters sparkle extra bright during the holidays. Enjoy world-class performances filled with carols, costumes, and cheer, from The Carolina Opry Christmas Special: The Christmas Show of the South to Alabama Theatre’s "The South’s Grandest Christmas Show". Add in the heartfelt Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre Christmas Show, the swashbuckling holiday edition of Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, festive fun at GTS Theatre’s Motown Christmas Tribute, the immersive performances at Medieval Times, Broadway Theatre’s seasonal spectaculars, and the magic of Charles Bach Wonders Theatre’s Holiday Wonders.
Photo Tip: Dress up for a lobby photo in front of the grand staircases or twinkling trees — they’re showstoppers on their own.
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.