A favorite holiday tradition, trimming the tree is a special part of Christmas. Check out these chances to see some stunning trees around the Grand Strand to make your season just a bit more merry and bright!

Festival of Trees at the Museum of Coastal Carolina

Artificial trees provided by the museum will be sponsored and decorated by ten local organizations. The trees will be placed in a silent auction, and the winners will get to bring them home. Visitors may vote for their favorite tree. (Through December 14; museumplanetarium.org)

Ripley's Aquarium Festival of Trees

This festive display features more than 100 beautifully decorated and themed trees. There is a tree for each of the 50 states, plus a free scavenger hunt that tests your knowledge. The trees are included in the price of admission. (Through December 31; ripleysaquariums.com)

Murrells Inlet Tree Lighting

The Murrells Inlet Tree Lighting at Morse Park Landing is a family-friendly event that also includes sounds of the season, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, hot chocolate and more. (December 1; murrellsinletsc.com)

North Myrtle Beach Tree Lighting

Join Santa and friends at McLean Park for the lighting of the North Myrtle Beach City tree. There will also be entertainment, activities and refreshments for children of all ages. (December 3; parks.nmb.us)

Surfside Beach Tree Lighting

Stop by Town Hall in Surfside Beach for some festive fun with the annual lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. The evening will also feature music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. (December 5; surfsidebeach.org)

Rivertown Christmas Celebration

Kicking off with the City of Conway Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5, the holiday festivities continue on Thursday nights in downtown, including living window displays, carriage rides, Santa photo ops and shops open until 8 p.m. (December 5, 12 &19 with tree lighting on the 5th; conwayalive.com)

Nights of a Thousand Candles

This annual favorite is full of festive highlights, but one of the showstoppers in the 85-foot-tall fir decked out in twinkling Christmas lights. (December 5–21; brookgreen.org)

Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting

Each year, the city of Calabash kicks off the season with a festive tree lighting ceremony at Callahan’s of Calabash. The evening will also include a lighted parade, entertainment, candlelight caroling, children’s crafts, hot chocolate and a meet-and-greet with Santa. (December 6, townofcalabash.net)

Garden Open: Festival of Trees at Moore Farms Botanical Garden

Consider a day trip to Lake City to celebrate the spirit of the season. The gardens will be combining two free open days with a Christmas tree decorating contest. Come stroll the scenery and view the trees decked out in their finery. (December 6 & 7; moorefarmsbg.org)