Though you may not be able to lay on the beach or by the pool, Myrtle Beach in December is a beautiful time of year to visit. The weather is a cool 60°F, perfect for a light jacket and a brisk walk on the beach to enjoy the view of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Or with the holiday approaching, get into the spirit and with a wide variety of holiday activities and things to do in the Grand Strand in December.
1. Christmas Tree Lightings
What is more beautiful than a crowd gathering around to light a beautiful giant tree for the first time during the holiday season? There are multiple tree lightings in the Grand Strand, some that are only just a short drive from Sea Crest Resort. Here is a quick list of some of our favorite places to watch the trees light up:
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 3 at 6 PM
Location: McLean Park, 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach
Murrells Inlet Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date/Time: Sunday, December 1 at 3 PM
Location: Morse Park Landing, 4939 US-15 BUS, Murrells Inlet
Myrtle Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date/Time: Thursday, December 12 at 7 PM
Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N Oak Street, Myrtle Beach
2. Breakfast With Santa
There are quite a few places in Myrtle Beach that offer pictures and breakfast with Santa. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some family time and to have a little holiday cheer with the head elf himself!
Travinia Italian Kitchen
Date/Time: Saturday, December 7 from 9-11 AM
Location: 4011 Deville Street
Cost: $10 per person
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Date/Time: Saturday, December 7 from 8-10 AM
Location: 1202 Celebrity Circle
Cost: $14.99 per person
Tupelo Honey
Date/Time: Saturday, December 14 from 9-11 AM
Location: 3042 Howard Avenue
Cost: $10 per person
Hard Rock Cafe
Date/Time: Saturday, December 14 from 8-11:30 AM
Location: 1318 Celebrity Circle
Cost: $15.95 per person
Dave & Buster’s Myrtle Beach Breakfast and Santa’s Workshop
Date/Time: Saturday, December 21 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: 1322 Celebrity Circle
Cost: $24 per person
3. The Great Christmas Light Show
You don’t want to miss this light show spectacular (seriously the best drive-through-show in the Grand Strand)! November 25 – December 30, North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex come together to light up a 1.5 mile drive through the park filled with light displays big and small. Pricing starts at $15 per vehicle with 1-15 guests and the gates are open from 5:30-9:30 PM.
4. Night of a Thousand Candles
Starting December 5 through December 21, Brookgreen Gardens brings you Night of a Thousand Candles. The gardens really come to life with lights everywhere you turn, carolers singing, musicians playing Christmas favorites, and holiday spirit in the air. Named the Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina by Travel+Leisure Magazine, it’s really a bucket-list item you’ll want to check off if you’ve never been, and it’s a family-friendly event. Gates open from 3-10 PM and tickets must be purchased BEFORE arrival. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
5. Ripley’s Festival of Trees
If you have an affinity for decorative Christmas trees, you’ll really love Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees! At Ripley’s, you and your family will be dazzled by over 100 decorated and themed holiday trees. In the past, there have been beach themed trees, mardi gras themed trees, and even golf-themed trees. Ripley’s Festival of Trees starts November 18 and runs until December 24. Tickets are $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children.
6. The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic and has become Coastal Youth Ballet’s holiday tradition. Take the family to watch as toy soldiers come to life and the dance of the Sugar Plum fairy whirl before your eyes! Beginning December 7 through December 15. Tickets start at $10 and vary based on theatre seating.
7. Santa Crawl
If you’re looking for something that’s holiday-themed and for adults only, check out the Santa Crawl at the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet December 21 from 5-10:30 PM. Dress in your best holiday cheer whether it’s decking out in plaid pajamas or wearing an ugly Christmas sweater to the festivities; there’s even a prize for best dressed! Bovine’s, Wahoo’s Fish House, Drunken Jacks, The Wicked Tuna, Dead Dog Saloon and other restaurants on the MarshWalk will have dinner and drink specials.
8. Take-in A Christmas Show
There are so many great Christmas and holiday shows in Myrtle Beach to see during December. Two that we highly recommend are The Carolina Opry’s: The Christmas Show of the South or Christmas and Christmas at Pirates Voyage. Both shows are stunning and filled with holiday cheer and lots of fun for the entire family. Tickets for the Carolina Opry start at $49.95 and tickets for Pirates Voyage start at $49.99.
9. Holiday Shopping
Christmas and holiday shopping can be so much fun, especially with all the shopping options in Myrtle Beach! Grab a girlfriend or one of the kids, a cup of hot cocoa, and set out to conquer your shopping list. Myrtle Beach has a few great places where local vendors and artisans sell unique and handmade gifts; it’s a great way to find something special for your someone special.
Holiday Market at Barefoot Landing
Date/Time: Starting Fridays, November 2 – December 14 from 12-4 PM
Location: Barefoot Landing at Dockside Village
Holiday Bazaar at the Market Common
Date/Time: Starting Saturdays, November 2 – December 21 from 12-4 PM
Location: The Market Common
Looking for other great things to do this winter in Myrtle Beach? We’ve put together some of our favorite places to hang out, eat or shop!