The holiday season in Myrtle Beach brings something truly special to the Grand Strand. While summer crowds have dispersed, the area transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive performances, and magical family experiences. From drive-through light shows to oceanfront celebrations, Myrtle Beach offers an impressive lineup of holiday events that rival destinations anywhere in the country.
What makes holiday events in Myrtle Beach even more memorable? Having the perfect home base to enjoy it all. Instead of cramming into crowded hotels or dealing with booking hassles, savvy travelers are discovering the comfort and convenience of RV rentals. With companies like Cozy Turtle RV Rentals handling the setup and delivery—and helpful resources such as Camping World Myrtle Beach for those interested in exploring dealership options—you can focus entirely on creating holiday memories with your loved ones.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or group celebration, this guide covers the must-see holiday events that make Myrtle Beach a premier winter destination. Reserve your Cozy Turtle RV now and celebrate the holidays in comfort while experiencing everything the Grand Strand has to offer.
Why Spend the Holidays in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach during the holidays offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and festive spirit. The mild winter climate means you can enjoy outdoor events without harsh weather, while the absence of summer crowds creates a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Beach walks on Christmas morning, holiday shopping with ocean breezes, and festive light displays against coastal backdrops create experiences you simply can’t find elsewhere.
The area transforms during December and early January, with local businesses, attractions, and communities going all-out with decorations and special events. From Broadway at the Beach to the historic charm of Georgetown, every corner of the Grand Strand celebrates the season with unique flair.
Choosing an RV rental amplifies these advantages significantly. Cozy Turtle RV Rentals eliminates the typical vacation stress with free delivery, full setup, and completely stocked units. You arrive to find everything ready—from coffee makers to cleaning supplies, outdoor mats to kitchenware. This means more time enjoying light shows and less time worrying about logistics.
Your stress-free holiday vacation starts here, with the freedom to cook family meals in your own kitchen, enjoy privacy with pets welcome, and have a cozy retreat after busy days of festive activities.
Top Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach
The Great Christmas Light Show
The Great Christmas Light Show at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex stands as one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions. This drive-through spectacular features elaborate light displays synchronized to christmas music, creating a magical experience from the comfort of your vehicle.
Beyond the driving portion, Santa’s Village offers a walk-through wonderland where families can explore themed displays, enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, and browse holiday vendors. Children especially love the interactive elements, while parents appreciate the free entertainment and photo opportunities.
The event typically runs from late November through December, with extended hours on weekends. Pro tip: Visit on weeknight evenings for shorter wait times and a more leisurely experience.
Broadway at the Beach Holiday Events
Broadway at the Beach transforms into a holiday paradise throughout December, anchored by the Very Broadway Christmas Parade that kicks off the season. This waterfront entertainment district hosts multiple events, from live holiday performances to spectacular fireworks displays over Lake Broadway.
The holiday shopping opportunities here are exceptional, with unique boutiques and specialty stores offering everything from coastal-themed ornaments to locally-made crafts. Street performers add to the festive atmosphere, while restaurants offer special holiday menus featuring both traditional favorites and coastal cuisine.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, connected to Broadway at the Beach, extends the celebration with its own decorations and holiday activities. Evening strolls reveal twinkling lights reflecting off the ocean, creating picture-perfect moments for couples and families alike.
A Night of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Gardens presents one of the most romantic and enchanting holiday experiences in the Southeast with A Night of a Thousand Candles. This after-dark event illuminates the sculpture garden’s pathways with thousands of flickering candles, creating an otherworldly atmosphere among the artistic masterpieces.
Live entertainment throughout the gardens includes classical musicians, carolers, and storytellers who enhance the magical ambiance. The combination of art, nature, and candlelight creates an unforgettable experience that appeals to couples seeking romance and families wanting to share something truly special.
Advanced reservations are essential, as this popular event frequently sells out. The experience typically runs on select evenings in December, with timed entry ensuring comfortable crowd levels for optimal enjoyment.
Alabama Theatre & Carolina Opry Christmas Shows
No Myrtle Beach holiday visit is complete without experiencing the legendary Christmas performances at Alabama Theatre and Carolina Opry. These venues have been creating holiday magic for decades, featuring world-class performers, elaborate costumes, and production values that rival major metropolitan theaters.
Alabama Theatre’s Myrtle Beach Christmas show combines comedy, music, and spectacular staging with both classic carols and contemporary holiday hits. The venue’s intimate setting ensures excellent views from every seat, while the professional sound and lighting systems deliver theater-quality entertainment. For more information about the historic Alabama Theatre, including its history and upcoming shows, check out this detailed guide.
Carolina Opry complements this with their own unique holiday production, often featuring special guest performers and themed shows that change annually. Both venues offer group discounts, making them perfect for larger family gatherings or friend groups celebrating together.
Winter Wonderland at the Beach Holiday Lights and First Snow
The Winter Wonderland event brings guests from areas around Plyler Park, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and nearby attractions such as Barefoot Landing.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk transforms into a family-focused celebration that brings winter magic to the coast. Artificial snow delights children who rarely experience the real thing, while holiday markets offer unique shopping opportunities with ocean views.
Interactive activities include face painting, meet-and-greet sessions with Santa, and hot chocolate stations that keep families warm during cooler evenings. The holiday lights display extends along Ocean Boulevard, creating a driving or walking tour that showcases the community’s festive spirit.
This event, particularly the winter wonderland lights display, appeals to families with young children, offering age-appropriate activities and entertainment that capture the wonder of the holiday season. The combination of beach access and winter festivities creates unique photo opportunities and memories.
Barefoot Landing Holiday Events
Barefoot Landing’s waterfront setting provides a picturesque backdrop for their annual tree lighting ceremony and ongoing holiday celebrations. The massive Christmas tree, reflected in the Intracoastal Waterway, creates a stunning focal point for evening festivities.
Regular fireworks displays throughout the holiday season light up the water, while live entertainment ranges from local choirs to professional musical acts. The shopping complex offers diverse retail options, from national chains to local artisans, making it easy to complete holiday shopping while enjoying the festivities.
Family-friendly activities include visits with Santa, holiday craft stations, and seasonal treats from the various restaurants and cafes. The outdoor setting encourages strolling and exploring, with decorations and lights creating a winter wonderland atmosphere.
More Holiday Fun Around the Grand Strand
The holiday celebration extends well beyond Myrtle Beach proper, with attractions and communities throughout the Grand Strand adding their own special touches to the season.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show adapts their popular dinner theater experience with holiday themes, combining swashbuckling adventure with Christmas spirit. The elaborate production includes festive costumes, holiday music, and special seasonal elements that transform their pirate adventure into a unique holiday experience.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Deep hosts their annual Festival of Trees, featuring over 50 uniquely decorated Christmas trees representing different states and themes. This indoor attraction provides a perfect option during cooler or rainy days, combining marine education with holiday celebration.
Market Common offers sophisticated holiday shopping and dining experiences, with upscale retailers and restaurants creating special seasonal promotions and atmospheres. The outdoor shopping center’s design encourages leisurely exploration, with holiday decorations enhancing the already attractive architecture.
Nearby communities contribute their own charm to the holiday season. Murrells Inlet hosts waterfront holiday parades and boat processions that showcase the area’s maritime heritage. Surfside Beach organizes family-friendly events and light displays that provide more intimate, community-focused celebrations.
Georgetown, with its historic downtown district, creates a Victorian Christmas atmosphere with period decorations, carriage rides, and specialty events that transport visitors to an earlier era. The historic architecture provides a stunning backdrop for holiday photography and romantic evening strolls.
Celebrate Christmas Day in Comfort with Cozy Turtle RV Rentals
The magic of Myrtle Beach holidays becomes even more special when you have the perfect accommodation to enhance your experience. Cozy Turtle RV Rentals transforms holiday travel from stressful to seamless, handling every detail so you can focus on creating memories.
Avoiding crowded hotels means enjoying privacy and space with your family, including beloved pets who are welcome without additional fees. The fully stocked kitchens in every Cozy Turtle RV enable you to prepare special holiday meals, from Christmas morning breakfast to traditional family dinners, all in the comfort of your temporary home.
The convenience extends beyond basic amenities. Each RV arrives with everything needed for comfortable living: coffee makers for early morning beach walks, complete cookware for holiday feasts, cleaning supplies for easy maintenance, and outdoor mats for campground comfort. Optional add-ons like linens, beach gear, and fire pits customize your experience to match your group’s needs.
Free delivery and full setup mean you arrive to find everything ready, from connections to detailed instructions. For first-time RV users, on-site support ensures confidence and comfort with all systems and features. Ongoing phone support provides peace of mind throughout your stay.
The financial advantages are significant too. Cozy Turtle offers exclusive holiday season discounts that make RV rentals even more affordable than traditional hotel accommodations. When you factor in the ability to prepare your own meals and the space for larger groups, the value proposition becomes compelling.
Bring the family, and we’ll bring the comfort. The combination of premium accommodations and premier location access creates holiday experiences that exceed expectations while staying within budget.
Planning Your Perfect Holiday Getaway
Successful holiday travel to Myrtle Beach requires strategic planning, especially during peak celebration periods. Booking accommodations early ensures availability and often secures better pricing, particularly for popular weekend dates.
Consider the timing of your visit to maximize event access. Early December typically offers the full range of holiday activities with somewhat lighter crowds, while mid-December provides peak festivities with maximum atmosphere. Late December through New Year’s extends the celebration but may involve higher pricing and more crowded conditions.
Transportation planning matters too. RV rentals provide flexibility for exploring multiple venues and events without ride-sharing costs or parking concerns at crowded attractions. The ability to return to your comfortable base between activities prevents exhaustion and allows for rest periods, especially important when traveling with children or seniors.
Weather preparation enhances comfort during outdoor events. Coastal winters can bring unexpected temperature swings, making layered clothing and flexible planning essential. RV accommodations provide climate-controlled retreats when outdoor conditions become challenging.
Don’t wait—reserve before we sell out. The holiday season represents peak booking periods for quality RV rentals, and the best units and dates fill quickly as travelers discover the advantages of this accommodation style.
Creating Lasting Holiday Memories
The combination of Myrtle Beach’s exceptional holiday events and Cozy Turtle’s comfortable accommodations creates the foundation for truly memorable celebrations. From intimate romantic moments watching candles flicker at Brookgreen Gardens to boisterous family fun at light shows and parades, the Grand Strand offers experiences that become treasured family traditions.
The flexibility of RV travel enables spontaneous discoveries too. Perhaps you’ll stumble upon a local church’s Christmas concert, discover a hidden restaurant’s special holiday menu, or find a perfect spot for sunrise photos on Christmas morning. Having a comfortable, well-equipped base supports these unexpected adventures.
Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities, from professional light displays to candid family moments around campfires. The RV lifestyle provides space for equipment and comfortable editing environments, while the diverse venues offer subjects ranging from coastal landscapes to elaborate theatrical productions.
Make memories with Cozy Turtle RVs this holiday season. The combination of stress-free accommodations and access to world-class holiday entertainment creates vacation experiences that families discuss for years afterward.
Photo by Mariam Antadze on Pexels
Experience the Magic This Holiday Season With South’s Grandest Christmas
Myrtle Beach during the holidays offers an unmatched combination of coastal beauty, festive celebration of a magical Christmas, and family-friendly entertainment. From spectacular light displays and world-class theatrical productions to intimate candlelit gardens and waterfront fireworks, the Grand Strand creates holiday magic that rivals any destination.
Cozy Turtle RV Rentals amplifies this magic by eliminating accommodation stress and maximizing comfort, convenience, and value. With free delivery, full setup, and completely stocked units, your holiday vacation begins the moment you arrive, not after hours of checking in and settling up.
The memories you create—whether it’s cooking Christmas breakfast in your RV kitchen, watching your children’s faces light up at Santa’s Village, or enjoying romantic moments under candlelit pathways—become the stories you’ll treasure long after the holidays end.
Book your RV adventure today and experience the magic of the Myrtle Beach holiday spirit Your perfect holiday celebration awaits, complete with twinkling lights, festive music, ocean breezes, and all the comfort of home.
