Though it may not be perfect beach weather, there are so many fun holiday things to do in Myrtle Beach in December. Start planning your best-ever winter getaway today using this list of parades, holiday lights, festive live shows, and pop-up markets. Watch for our special offers to get out of the snow and into the holiday spirit when you visit Myrtle Beach this winter.
December Must-See Holiday Shows in Myrtle Beach
While shows are often a favorite thing to do in Myrtle Beach, the theaters around the Grand Strand really go all out in December. Visitors come from far and wide to see these unforgettable performances filled with music, comedy, and dancing suitable for kids and adults of all ages. Here are some of our favorite festive productions happening this December:
The Carolina Opry: The Christmas Show of the South
Not only is the Carolina Opry’s Christmas show one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in December, it is also one of the most beautifully decorated scenes you’ll find. The 35 fully decorated trees, 75 wreaths, innumerable Christmas ornaments, thousands of twinkling lights, and piles of Christmas snow are a show in themselves. Enjoy Christmas classics performed by top-notch special guests and 35 of the nation’s most talented musicians and vocalists, with dancers and plenty of seasonal flair. It’s fun and laughter for the entire family! The shows run from November through December. Regular tickets start at $49.95 for adults and $26 for children.
Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
This one-of-a-kind dinner and show takes a fun twist on a familiar Christmas tale. Join Captain Scrooge on a magical journey through Christmas Past, Present, and Future. While you watch toys come to life and an epic battle over Christmas treasure, you’ll enjoy a delicious four-course meal. The holiday feast includes veggie soup, bread, roasted chicken, BBQ pork, corn, baked potato, and apple pie. Did we mention the beautiful live nativity with real animals? These Christmas shows run from November through December. Adult tickets are $69.99 and child tickets are $34.99.
The Alabama Theatre: The South’s Grandest Christmas Show
Enjoy the sounds of Christmas as you make memories your family will never forget watching The South’s Grandest Christmas Show. This spectacular Myrtle Beach show runs from November through December and features a mix of favorite holiday songs and new Christmas creations. Count on a fun-filled evening experiencing performances from a comedic juggler plus some of the greatest dancers and singers on the East Coast. Tickets start at $44.95 for adults and $19.95 for children.
Theatre of the Republic: The Carpenter’s Legacy, A Christmas Portrait
Just minutes from Myrtle Beach, the Theatre of the Republic in Historic Downtown Conway is celebrating its 53rd year. The TOR is known for its excellent live musicals and vibrant productions, and the Carpenters Legacy show this December continues that tradition. Take in the melodious tunes of the Carpenters’ greatest hits performed by acclaimed impersonators Sally Olsen and Ned Mills. This production runs December 2nd–4th, and tickets are $30 per person.
Theatre of the Republic: Holiday on Main Street
Enjoy a holiday musical revue show at the Theatre of the Republic in Conway starring local performers. This Christmas production is a tradition at the Conway theater and features singing and dancing to new musical numbers and timeless holiday hits for a fun event for the entire family. This production runs December 8th–11th and 15th–18th and offers evening and afternoon shows. Tickets are $30 per person.
Myrtle Beach Christmas Light Events in December
Brookgreen Gardens: Nights of a Thousand Candles
Experience the splendor that thousands of holiday lights bring when you visit Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles this December. Illuminated by 2,700 hand-lit candles, thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, and festive holiday décor, this holiday garden is truly a sight to see! Walk the grounds listening to holiday music and enjoy a warm cup of cider as you gather with family and friends. Tickets for non-members are $35 for adults and $17 for children. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. This jovial event begins November 26th and runs through January 2nd.
The Great Christmas Light Show
Boasting new lights and an even bigger experience for December 2022, the Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach is a can’t-miss holiday event. This 2-mile drive-through light show experience at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex features more than 2 million lights across 500 magical displays. It’s the most brilliant display of holiday spirit you’ll see on the Grand Strand! Park your car after touring to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores at Santa’s Village, and while you’re here, meet the head elf himself. Pricing starts at $15 per vehicle (1–15 guests). The show is open Thursday through Sunday, November 25th to December 11th, and nightly from December 15th through December 30th (closed Christmas Day). Add-on experiences for kids include a holiday train ride and an elf hunt for $3 each.
Christmas Parades in December Near Myrtle Beach
The tradition of attending a Christmas parade in Myrtle Beach is one of the best things to do in December. Get the kids in the holiday spirit and see some fascinating floats and lovely entertainers. Keep an eye out for Santa and Mrs. Claus when you attend any of these parades:
A Very Broadway Christmas Parade
This festive Christmas parade is one of our favorite things to do at Broadway at the Beach in December. Special guests, stilt walkers, marching bands, and classic cars are highlights of the parade. Gather with family and friends to watch and then stick around for fireworks over Lake Broadway to welcome the holiday season in true Myrtle Beach style. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. on December 3rd, and fireworks follow at 8:00 p.m.
Rivertown Regatta Christmas Boat Parade
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive boat parade in downtown Conway, just 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach. This is something all ages will love to do as it boasts vessels of all sizes, decked out in their holiday best. A portion of the proceeds benefits SOS Care, a local nonprofit. Watch from a point on the parade route, from Savannah Bluff to the Conway Marina. The floats set sail on December 3rd at 5:00 p.m.
Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
Get into the holiday spirit at the annual community Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade. This festive event is one that Myrtle Beach locals and visitors look forward to in December. The parade will run from Wilcox Avenue to Wachesaw Road along Highway 17 Business on December 4th, starting at 3:00 p.m. Be sure to get there early to snag a great spot along the route.
Conway Christmas Parade
Experience the charm of Conway’s historic downtown during their annual Christmas parade. This family-friendly holiday event begins on 16th Avenue in Conway and finishes at Fourth Avenue and Powell Street. Get ready to wave hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus and watch floats filled with beauty queens, Shriners, and more. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on December 10th.
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
This Christmas parade traditionally features more than 100 entries so there is no shortage of floats, music, and entertainers to enjoy. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on December 10th and follows a route along Ocean Boulevard & Surfside Drive. Surfside Beach also hosts a Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, December 17th at 1:00 p.m. on Ocean Boulevard.
Myrtle Beach Holiday Events in December
Rivertown Christmas Celebration & Holiday Market
Kick off the Rivertown Christmas Celebration in Conway with a festive tree lighting ceremony on December 1st. The Christmas Celebration is a weekly event that happens each Thursday night through December 22nd and is a fantastic place to find holiday gifts while enjoying seasonal entertainment. To welcome shoppers, stores around downtown Conway stay open until 8:00 p.m. Events throughout the downtown area include living window displays, candlelight shopping, visits with Santa, and musical entertainment from the community. See the full schedule of events at the Downtown Conway website.
Barefoot Landing: Weekend Carolers in December
December is a jolly time in Myrtle Beach with so many musical things to do and see, including at Barefoot Landing. Visit any weekend in December to catch some great caroling from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. by the Phoenix Carolers. This musical group entertains boardwalk visitors and locals with their joyous holiday songs. Meander in and out of shops and keep an ear out for their lovely tunes while spending the day at Barefoot Landing.
The Market Common: The Polar Bus Express
All Aboard this magical Market Common holiday event! The annual Polar Bus Express returns for its third year and is sure to delight all ages. Dress in your PJs, Christmas sweater, or favorite holiday attire and experience the magic of the season while riding a big red bus. Guests will receive a souvenir golden ticket, a “Believe” sleigh bell, and when you arrive at the end of the destination—The North Pole of The Market Common—you’ll be treated to a cup of hot cocoa and a donut. Enjoy a surprise visit from Santa too. This year’s schedule includes several days in December until the 23rd and requires an advanced ticket purchase of $39.95 per person.
December Holiday Markets Along the Grand Strand
No matter where you are along the Grand Strand for the day, there is a Holiday Market near you. Vendors offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, delicious treats, and host a variety of shopping events throughout December in Myrtle Beach. Shop for souvenirs of your stay or find treasured gifts for folks back home. You and your family will enjoy the festive atmosphere and fabulous shopping at any of these Holiday Markets:
Rivertown Holiday Market
Visit the historic town of Conway, just 30 minutes from your stay at Monterey Bay Suites to catch this pop-up holiday market. Shopping begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until 2:00 p.m. on December 3rd. This event is located at the Conway Sports & Fitness Center. The Rivertown Holiday Market is put on by the Conway Parks & Recreation Department.
Waccamaw Market Cooperative Holiday Markets
Enjoy holiday shopping at any of these Waccamaw Markets:
Surfside Beach: Every Tuesday from November 1st through December 20th, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., located on the corner of Surfside Drive and Willow Drive North.
North Myrtle Beach: Every Friday from November 4th through December 16th, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., located at 925 1st Avenue South.
Valor Park: Every Saturday from November 5th through December 17th, from noon – 4:00 p.m., located at the Market Common on Farrow Parkway.
Couples looking for a getaway or families taking a holiday vacation will find many things to do in Myrtle Beach in December. Book your oceanfront room at Monterey Bay Suites to be conveniently located near it all. We offer amazing amenities to enjoy in the winter, including an indoor pool and deck, hot tub, lazy river, and kids’ entertainment, too. The seasonal markets, live performances, and dazzling light shows in the Myrtle Beach area get everyone in the spirit of the season and make your December getaway to the Grand Strand magical and memorable.