11/07/2025Although catching a tan might be tough, there’s plenty to do indoors and outside on a winter getaway to the South Carolina coast. The weather in Myrtle Beach in December is typically a cool 60 degrees during the day, perfect for a brisk walk on the beach with a light jacket. While it might be too chilly for a dip in the ocean, the holiday season brings a wealth of activities to Myrtle Beach in December, from Christmas light shows and special performances to local events and markets. Plan your winter vacation to the Grand Strand and add these activities to your itinerary!
Myrtle Beach in the winter offers just as many activities as the summer months — from special events and seasonal performances to parades and holiday shopping — plus a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. When you visit this December, you’ll notice how every venue, theater, and store gets dressed up for the holidays in twinkling lights and dazzling Christmas décor. Explore this list of things to do in Myrtle Beach to make your December getaway delightful and filled with cheer.
This drive-through light show at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex captures the spirit of the season with millions of lights. See more than 500 custom displays and enjoy new animated figures that come to life right before your eyes. Each holiday scene is a joy to journey through, and the display will serve as one of your kids’ favorite memories of Myrtle Beach winter festivities. After the drive, park your car and head to Santa’s Village to enjoy s’mores, visit the free petting zoo, and meet the head elf himself.
Nights of a Thousand Candles has been captivating visitors for years, and it remains one of the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter. Walk the cobblestone pathways of Brookgreen Gardens with a cup of warm cider and enjoy the ambiance created by more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling string lights. The cheerful atmosphere is made even more charming with strolling bagpipers, nightly entertainers, and delicious food truck offerings. Tickets to this Myrtle Beach holiday event WILL sell out, so grab yours in advance!
If you have an affinity for decorated Christmas trees, you’ll love the Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium! You and your family will be dazzled by 55 decorated and themed holiday trees, each representing a different U.S. state and territory. The South Carolina tree is the largest, standing higher than 18 feet tall, and adorned with state-themed décor.
Not only is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk open in December, it also hosts a one-of-a-kind winter lights display and festival, which includes activities for everyone. This one-mile stretch of downtown is filled with more than 100,000 lights for you to enjoy — for free! There is also a ticketed family fun zone with bouncy houses, snowy areas, and street curling. Find gifts from local artisans and vendors at the holiday park, plus enjoy the sounds of the season at the oceanfront stage.
There are so many exciting Christmas and holiday shows in Myrtle Beach every winter. Check out these favorite performances to find the best options for you and your family to enjoy:
Get your tickets for an unforgettable experience at The Carolina Opry’s Christmas Special. This beloved Myrtle Beach winter activity brings the spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy, and dance. The venue transforms into a winter wonderland with countless twinkling lights, more than 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, and other festive touches. Arrive early to have your family photo taken in front of the decorated tree before the show!
Note: Ticket prices for the Carolina Opry Christmas Show may vary by seat type and purchase date.
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic, and it’s the Coastal Youth Ballet’s holiday tradition. Toy soldiers coming to life and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy delight all ages. The production is danced by the Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre company members, with students from the Coast Dance Centre, and professional guest artists and volunteers.
Pirates Voyage takes the holidays to the next level with a swashbuckling Christmas production. Share in the spirit of the holidays as Captain Scrooge journeys through time to find the meaning of the season. The high-flying acrobats make this show one of the more adventurous things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter. Everyone will love the four-course holiday meal, too.
Each year, some of our favorite holiday celebrations unfold as parades fill the streets with festive energy along the coast. Have fun watching each dazzling, decorated float and enjoy festive music, too. These Myrtle Beach winter parades happen throughout December, so find one nearby and take part in the fun.
Everyone’s invited to the annual holiday parade at Broadway at the Beach. The parade route begins near Dave & Busters and follows the interior road along the Broadway shopping complex to end in the New England Fishing Village. Floats are created by local shops, restaurants, and businesses. After the parade, the festivities continue with holiday music, visits with Santa, and fun activities for the kids.
Kick off your holiday season with the annual Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade! This parade will begin at 3 p.m. in Murrells Inlet, and continue through the MarshWalk business district along Highway 17 Business before concluding at the intersection of Wachesaw Road. With floats decorated by locals, businesses, and restaurants, plus a possible visit from the jolly man himself, this parade is sure to delight the whole family.
Known for its holiday floats, marching bands, and local performers, the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade is a hit with kids and adults alike. Judges will award prizes to the most festive parade entries. Head out early to grab a great viewing spot!
Join in the jolly fun at North Myrtle Beach’s Christmas Parade on Main. Starting at 2nd Avenue North, the parade will travel along Main Street to Ye Olde Kings Highway. Floats will compete for “Best of 2025.” Expect to see lighted floats, musical performances, and even catch a glimpse of Santa!
Watch as decorated golf carts roll through Barefoot Landing in this festive parade celebration. Proceeds of this event benefit The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. The parade route begins by Greg Norman Australian Grille. Come early to hear the carolers!
Christmas and holiday shopping can be so much fun, especially with a long list of options in Myrtle Beach! Invite the family for a day on the town, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and set out to conquer your shopping list. Myrtle Beach features year-round Christmas shops and pop-up markets where local vendors and artisans sell handmade gifts — a great way to find something special for everyone!
This year-round Christmas store is the perfect place to find holiday keepsakes and gifts for anyone. There are ornaments with sports, occupations, food, and nearly any other theme you can imagine. Stockings, cards, and calendars are great souvenirs of your winter getaway in Myrtle Beach.
North Myrtle Beach Location
South Myrtle Beach Location
The Waccamaw Market Cooperative organizes community-based markets throughout Myrtle Beach. You’ll find handmade local goodies at Valor Park (The Market Common) every Saturday and throughout the winter at their other locations. Have fun strolling the artisan market to find interesting gifts and delicious treats.
In addition to the popular market in Valor Park, other markets around Myrtle Beach are great for picking up gifts for friends, family, and yourself this holiday season! Review the 2025 Markets Schedule for the latest details on when and where to find these festive events.
Here, it’s never too early for winter fun. Christmas at the Beach is a year-round holiday shop at Broadway at the Beach with a little of everything from décor to gifts. Plan for plenty of things to do when you head to the Broadway area, even in the winter. You’ll find more than 70 shops with options from toys to hot sauce to jewelry. Stick around for holiday activities all season, including quick snow showers and appearances from Santa.
Being away from home this winter doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite traditions, including a holiday feast. If you love preparing the Christmas meal, opt for one of our spacious suites and do the cooking yourself. The fully equipped kitchen comes with everything you need to make mealtime a breeze — a full refrigerator, oven and stovetop, microwave, utensils, cookware, and dishes. Create your holiday favorites with an ocean view.
If you really want to embrace the true meaning of “vacation,” let others do the hard work for you! Ask our front desk staff for recommendations on where to eat in Myrtle Beach in the winter. If you’re here for the season, check out some of these local restaurants offering bites through the holidays:
Treat yourself to a holiday meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at Ruth’s Chris. This steak house has spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway to create an unforgettable dining experience. The menu features starters, sides, and dessert to accompany beef tenderloin. Have it in-house or take it as a carry-out feast you can enjoy in your suite.
Holiday Hours:
Address: 8211 Marina Parkway, Grande Dunes Boulevard, Myrtle Beach
This upscale (but still family-friendly) restaurant serves up bold flavors and exotic fare with Australian-style cuisine. Greg Norman’s is a local favorite for a reason. There’s an award-winning wine menu, an abundance of fresh seafood options, gorgeous grilled steaks, and even some exotic offerings — are you brave enough to sample kangaroo? Most years they also have a special, limited menu for Christmas Day diners.
California Dreaming is a beloved Surfside eatery that combines comforting American cuisine with a spacious, seaside atmosphere. You’ll find stuffed tacos, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, fresh salads, and a variety of tavern-style sandwich options to treat anyone’s tastes.
When you’re ready to relax after all of your holiday fun, you’ll be glad you chose Sea Crest Resort for your December Myrtle Beach vacation. Our indoor pools and lazy river are the perfect places to unwind. Add a staycation day to your winter getaway and enjoy the offerings on our property. Check our seasonal hotel specials and book your holiday getaway at Sea Crest Resort today!