12/05/2022
Though you may not be able to sunbathe, visiting Myrtle Beach in December offers plenty to do indoors and out. The weather is a cool 60°F, perfect for a light jacket and a brisk walk on the beach to enjoy the panoramic views of the stunning Atlantic Ocean. The impending holidays also bring about many activities along the Grand Strand to stay in the spirit all month long. Plan your Myrtle Beach winter getaway now with these top things to do in December.
Myrtle Beach in the winter has just as many activities to offer as the summer months, plus a healthy dose of holiday spirit. When you visit this December, you’ll notice how every venue, theater, and store gets dressed up for the holidays, featuring twinkling lights and dazzling Christmas décor. Explore this list of things to do to make your winter getaway delightful and filled with cheer.
You know the holiday season has arrived along the Grand Strand when you see sparkling Christmas lights in Myrtle Beach. Several displays and festivities take place just a short drive from Sea Crest Resort for you and your family to take in the sights of the season. Here are our favorites:
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 magical custom-made 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 visit Santa’s village to meet the head elf himself, enjoy s’mores, and visit the free petting zoo.
Light Show Dates & Time: Hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through December 30th (closed Christmas Eve and Day)
Santa’s Village Dates & Time: Hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday–Sunday until December 11th; open nightly December 11th–December 30th (closed Christmas Day)
Location: 150 Citizens Circle, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $15–$20 per vehicle
One of the most acclaimed things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter is the Nights of a Thousand Candles, which has been captivating visitors for years. Walk the cobblestone pathways of Brookgreen Gardens with a cup of warm cider and enjoy the ambiance created by 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling string lights. The cheerful atmosphere is made even more so with strolling bagpipers and nightly entertainers.
Date & Time: Hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday now until December 18th and December 28th–January 1st, 2023. (Closed December 19th–December 27th)
Location: 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC
Cost: $35 for adults, $17 for children
If you have an affinity for decorative Christmas trees, you’ll really 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 US state and territory. The South Carolina tree is the largest, standing higher than 18 feet tall.
Date & Time: Daily through January 1st, 2023 during aquarium hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: This winter activity is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the aquarium.
This one-of-a-kind winter lights display and festival happens along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and includes activities for everyone. The one-mile stretch of downtown is filled with more than 100,000 lights for you to stroll and enjoy—for free! There is also a ticketed family fun zone with bouncy houses, snowy areas, and street curling. Find gifts at the holiday park from local artisans and holiday vendors, plus enjoy the sounds of the season at the oceanfront stage and movie nights at nearby Nance Plaza.
Date & Time: Hours are 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday now until December 23rd*
Location: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk between The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove and the SkyWheel
Cost: Family Fun Zone tickets are $1 each or $5 for an unlimited wristband
*Lights are on display daily.
When the countdown to Christmas is on, you can spot Santa all over Myrtle Beach. The jolly fellow enjoys his breakfast, brunch, and lunch around many great area restaurants. Find an event to add to your kids’ to-do lists while in Myrtle Beach this winter.
Spend time with Santa at Nacho Hippo at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Get your photo taken with Saint Nick and enjoy some of the area’s best cantina food. Space is limited so reservations are highly encouraged.
Date & Time: December 15th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: 1160 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $10 per person
Join the Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach for breakfast with the Grinch or Santa at Broadway at the Beach this winter. Each family-friendly event offers festive activities, including cookie and ornament decorating, photos, and holiday outfit contests for kids. Enjoy the breakfast buffet and get into the holiday spirit.
Date & Time: December 10th, 17th & 24th (Grinch) and December 11th & 18th (Santa), 9 a.m. to noon
Location: 1318 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $19.95 per adult, $13.95 for kids, and children age 3 and younger are free with a paid adult
Visit RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar in Myrtle Beach for lunch and stay for selfies with Santa. Everyone is welcome to get a holiday snapshot with the man in red. You can find him on the rooftop (literally!) every Saturday afternoon leading up to Christmas.
Date & Time: Saturdays in December (December 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th) at 11 a.m.
Location: 1210 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: Santa visit is included with your meal
Visit with Santa at the sweetest spot in Myrtle Beach this winter. The Uncommon Chocolatier is hosting holiday photos and fun with Santa for kids of all ages. Get your shopping done and pop by for a festive treat or fudge.
Date & Time: December 17th, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: 3351 Reed Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: Novelty lollipops are $1 each
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 with The Carolina Opry’s Christmas Special. This is a beloved Myrtle Beach winter activity that brings the spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy, and dance. The venue is a winter wonderland with countless twinkling lights, more than 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, and mounds of Christmas snow. Arrive early to have your family photo taken in front of the decorated tree before the show!
Date & Time: Shows happen every Monday through Saturday in December, except the 24th through the 26th; 1:00 p.m. matinees and 7:00 p.m. evening shows are available.
Location: 8901 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $42–$70 each
The newest holiday show in Myrtle Beach this winter is the Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special. Enjoy the sounds of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and groove to holiday classics during this festive concert. The Broadway Theater is a prime venue to hear these harmonies in person.
Date & Time: Shows are Tuesdays through Fridays in December, with curtain times at 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. depending on the day.
Location: 1195 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $17.45–$47.45 per ticket
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.
Date & Time: December 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Palmetto Pointe Church of God Auditorium, 2901 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $25–$40 per ticket
Pirates Voyage takes the holidays to the next level with their 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.
Date & Time: Shows are daily through December 31st at 1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 8:30 p.m.
Location: 8907 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: $69.99 for adults, and $34.99 for children
The streets fill with festive parades up and down the coast every holiday season. 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. Floats are created by local shops, restaurants and businesses. After the parade, the festivities continue in Center Court until 3:00 p.m. with a visit from Santa, holiday dance party, petting zoo, and face painting.
Date & Time: December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: Free
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. Expect to see lighted floats, musical performances and even catch a glimpse of Santa!
Date & Time: December 3rd at 5:30 p.m.
Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: Free
Join in the fun of the Murrells Inlet parade, just 12 miles south of Sea Crest Resort. The beloved—and free—annual parade begins at Wilcox Avenue and runs south down Hwy 17 Business to Wachesaw Road. Enjoy a mouthwatering meal on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk after the parade.
Date & Time: December 4th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Murrells Inlet, SC
Cost: Free
Known for its holiday floats, marching bands, and local performers, the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade is a hit with kids and adults. This year’s parade route starts at Melody Lane, runs north down Ocean Boulevard, continues left onto Surfside Drive, and ends at Poplar Drive. Head out early to grab a great viewing spot!
Date & Time: December 10th at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Surfside Beach, SC
Cost: Free
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 Phoenix Carolers or stick around for an after party at Lulu’s with music and more.
Date & Time: December 11th at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost: Free to watch, $10 to participate
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: 4852 Highway 17 South North Myrtle Beach, SC; open Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
South Myrtle Beach Location: 2306 South Kings Highway Myrtle Beach, SC; open 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Waccamaw Market Cooperative organizes community-based markets at Valor Park in Myrtle Beach. You’ll find handmade local goodies here every Saturday throughout the winter. Have fun strolling the artisan market to find interesting gifts and delicious treats.
Date/Time: December 3rd, 10th & 17th from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Valor Park at The Market Common, 1120 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC
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 lots 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 the area for lots of holiday activities all season, from a quick snow shower to a Santa appearance.
Open daily at Broadway at the Beach, 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC
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. Our comfortable and spacious rooms offer a fully-equipped kitchen with everything you might need to make mealtime a breeze. Furnishings include a full refrigerator, oven / stovetop, microwave, utensils, cookware and dishes so you can 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 holidays, check out some of these local restaurants offering Christmas Day menus:
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 Christmas menu features starters, sides, and dessert to accompany a beef tenderloin. Have it in-house or take it as a carry-out feast you can enjoy in your suite. Place your to-go order by December 21st.
Hours: Christmas Eve hours are 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Christmas Day hours are Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Location: 8211 Marina Pkwy, Grande Dunes Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC
This popular restaurant near Sea Crest Resort is a family favorite and offers casual dining your family will love. Their traditional menu offers southern fare, including seafood and ribs, plus desserts to top your meal off with a sweet finish. Check their events page for a special holiday menu and reserve your table or place an order for pickup for Christmas Eve or Day.
Hours: Christmas Eve hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Christmas Day hours are 1 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: 4617 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC
For buffet-style dining with carving stations and all of the traditional holiday fixings, visit Preston’s on Christmas Day. This homestyle meal includes seafood, turkey, ham, prime rib, and all of the desserts you can handle. Make your reservation by December 23rd to hold your spot.
Hours: Christmas Day Seating begins at 11:30 a.m.
Location: 4530 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC
If you’re looking for an appetizing non-holiday meal during your Myrtle Beach vacation, check out these delectable brunch spots.
When you’re ready to relax after all of your holiday fun, you’ll be glad you chose Sea Crest Resort for your December vacation. Our indoor pools and lazy river are the perfect places to unwind. Add a staycation day to your winter getaway and enjoy all there is to offer on-site. Be sure to check our seasonal hotel specials and book your holiday getaway at Sea Crest Resort today!
Expect your winter getaway in Myrtle Beach to hover around 60°F each day and stay above 40°F in the evenings—perfect for walking through holiday markets and watching parades. There are only six days with rain on average, so count on spending time outside enjoying many holiday activities.
Winter in Myrtle Beach boasts fewer crowds and tons of fun winter activities. Spend time enjoying holiday celebrations, golfing, shopping, noshing on delectable dining, and experiencing plenty of kid-friendly attractions when you visit Myrtle Beach in December.