Christmas events and lighting displays have come to symbolize both the grandeur and simple joy of the holiday, and the Grand Strand is ablaze with signs of the season. Here are a few other holiday events we found worth checking out.
MarshWalk Christmas Lights & Santa Crawl
Nov. 19-Jan. 1 (Santa Crawl Dec. 10)
4025 Hwy 17 Business
Murrells Inlet Waterfront
marshwalk.com
Lights adorn the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk throughout the holiday season, with a Black Friday lighting ceremony Nov. 2. A Christmas Village, giant tree on the end of the pier, and synchronized Christmas music. Dress in costume for the infamous 8th Annual Santa Crawl on Dec. 10, 5-10 p.m.
Winter Wonderland at the Beach
Nov. 17-Dec. 23
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, 2nd Ave. N – 10th Ave. N.
winterwonderlandathebeach.com
Holiday lights 6-9 p.m. nightly. Entertainment and activities each Thursday-Sunday with a Family Fun Zone at the site of the former Pavilion (8th Ave N.-9th Ave N.). Visit website for information.
Christmas Regatta North Myrtle Beach/Little River
Nov. 26, 5-7 p.m.
Locations along the Intracoastal Waterway
christmasregatta.com
This event draws crowds to the best viewing areas to see hundreds of boats decked out in holiday fashion. Consider Grand Harbour Marina, Key West Crazy, Crab Catchers, Cricket Cove Marina, Snooky’s, Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, the Officer’s Club, Cherry Grove Marina, Captain Archie’s, Filets, and Boardwalk Billy’s for optimal viewing. Also, as the event is a fundraiser, bring a new, unwrapped toy, pet food or cat litter to the Harbourgate Marina (adjacent to Filets). Local on the Water will sell tables ($125-$200), with proceeds going to charity. (843) 281-0643
A Very Broadway Christmas Parade
Dec, 3, 11a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
Throughout the Broadway at the Beach shopping, dining and entertainment complex, holiday regalia for all ages starts early with this annual parade. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Holidays at the Vineyard
Wednesdays and Saturdays in December
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
La Belle Amie Vineyard
1120 St. Joseph Rd., Little River
www.labelleamie.com
The park-like setting, gift shop (with wine tasting bar) and live music have made this a favorite year-round. Food, music, beer, wine and more. Tickets at gate or online.
Theater Shows
Shows will bring plenty of Christmas spirit your way, from community theaters (Theatre of the Republic, Conway) to professional, year-round variety show theaters: Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert, and the GTS Theatre presents magic, tribute artists and comedy. Visit websites for dates and details.
theatreoftherepublic.com
albama-theatre.com
thecarolinaopry.com
winyahauditorium.org
gtstheatre.com
Holiday on Main St.
Dec 8-11, 15-18; 7:30 p.m.
Theatre of the Republic
337 Main St., Conway
(843) 488-0821, theatreoftherepublic.com
Christmas music and storytelling in the Main St. Theatre. Advance tickets $30.
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
Dec 3, 5:30 p.m.
Main St., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 361-3046
Christmas-themed floats and decorated vehicles fill the streets in and around Main St.
Conway Christmas Parade
Dec. 10, 10 a.m.
Main St., Conway
conwayscchamber.com
Part of “Christmas in Conway,” a feature hosted by Conway Chamber of Commerce.
Surfside Beach Tree Lighting
Dec. 2, 4-8 p.m.
Surfside Dr. & N. Willow Dr., Surfside Beach
Tree lighting at this family-friendly event.
Murrells Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 3, 4-6 p.m.
Morse Landing Park
4939 US 17 Bus., Murrells Inlet
murrellsinletsc.com
Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids’ crafts, music and tree lighting at this family-friendly event.
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
Dec. 10, 2 p.m.
surfsidebeach.org
Ocean Boulevard comes alive, as more than 100 floats cover the parade route, many throwing candy to eager children.
Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
Dec. 4, 3-5 p.m.
Bus. 17, Murrells Inlet Waterfront
murrellsinletsc.com
Parade runs from Wilcox Ave. to Wachesaw Road along Old Bus 17. Mr. & Mrs. Claus make an appearance.
Rivertown Christmas Celebration
Dec. 1-15, 6-8 p.m.
428 Main St., Conway
The shops of downtown Conway extend their hours each Thursday.
The Great Christmas Light Show
Nov 21 – Dec 30, 5:30- 9:30 p.m.
North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex
150 Citizens Circle, Little River
This daily drive-through event features millions of lights along a two-mile display. Santa’s Village and more. No advance sale tickets; purchase at gate $15-$30 per carload.
Polar Express Cruise
Dec. 1 – 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Barefoot Queen Riverboat
2051 Bridge View Ct., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 390-2017
Barefoot Queen Riverboat replays the Polar Express book with narrators, actors, music, hors d’evours, drinks, adult beverages, and views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Children 12 and under $65, Adults $70.
