Myrtle Beach Christmas Lights

The Great Christmas Light Show

Load up the car for the two-mile drive through the Great Christmas Light Show in Myrtle Beach. This annual holiday event features over two million individual lights and more than 500 artfully-created displays, some of which are up to 55 feet tall! After you see the lights, park the car and head to Santa’s Village for even more holiday fun like fireside s’mores, visits with Santa, and a petting zoo. 

Light Show Dates: November 20 –December 30; closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Santa’s Village Dates: Open Thursday–Sunday November 24 through December 10, and nightly December 14 through December 30th. Closed on Christmas Day. 

Price: $15 when Santa’s Village is closed (1–15 passengers), $20 when Santa’s Village is open (1–15 passengers)

Nights of a Thousand Candles

One of the most popular Christmas activities in Myrtle Beach is Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens. The gardens, unique already in their presentation, are decorated with thousands of sparkling lights and hand-lit candles. The show also features a festival, with live music, hot cider, and tasty food to keep the holiday cheer going. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and this event always sells out – reserve your tickets ASAP! 

Tree Lighting at The Market Common

Gather with locals and vacationers alike for this exciting annual holiday event in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy family friendly live shows, visit with Santa, and indulge in delicious holiday treats from vendors lining the streets. The tree lighting kicks off an evening of live music and entertainment from 6 to 8 pm on November 18, 2023. 

The Lighting of the Menorah

Join Myrtle Beach’s Jewish community nightly during Hanukkah to experience the lighting of the menorah. Meet at Valor Park in The Market Common for this event at 5 pm every night of Hanukkah. 

Tree Lighting at North Myrtle Beach

Kick off the holiday season with the North Myrtle Beach tree lighting ceremony, happening this year on November 28, 2023. McLean Park hosts this annual Christmas event in Myrtle Beach that showcases stage performances, Christmas music, caroling, family activities, and refreshments.  

Christmas Shows in Myrtle Beach

The South’s Grandest Christmas Show

Head to Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach to see this unbelievable Christmas extravaganza at the Alabama Theatre. Featuring a combination of talented artists performing Christmas classics and contemporary holiday bops, dancers, comedians, and more, this Christmas show definitely lives up to its name. 

Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2023

Price: $45.95 – $64.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

Calvin Gilmore of the Grand Ole Opry invites you to the 38th year of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special! This highly anticipated holiday event in Myrtle Beach features a star-studded cast of nearly 40 world-class musicians and vocalists, dancers, and actors, and a real horse-drawn sleigh with artificial snowfall. 

Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2023

Price: $48.30 – $75.20 for adults, $27.95 – $48.00 for kids

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Christmas Show

The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Christmas Show is a nautical retelling of the story of Christmas, featuring Captain Scrooge and his crew aboard a life-size pirate ship surrounded by deep water. Watch as toys come to life and show off their acrobatic talents, cheer on your favorite pirate, and get a special message from the live nativity scene while you dine on a delicious four-course holiday dinner. 

Dates: November 1, 2023 – January 5, 2024

Price: $69.99 for adults, $34.99 for kids

All City Christmas Cantata

The 39th annual All City Christmas Cantata will take place on the first weekend of December, Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd. Church choirs from across the Grand Strand come together to create a musical Christmas experience for all to enjoy. 

Motown Christmas Tribute Show

Give your holiday season some soul with the Motown Christmas Tribute Show at The GTS Theatre in Myrtle Beach! This two hour show showcases all of your favorite Motown hits, plus classic and contemporary Christmas songs with plenty of dancing, singing along, and merry making to go around. 

Dates: November 1 – December 23, 2023

Price: $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, $46.95 for VIP tickets (all ages

Christmas Shops in Myrtle Beach

Dickens Christmas Show and Market 

Hosting over 350 period-clad vendors, this Victorian holiday market in Myrtle Beach is a classic Christmas activity for visitors and locals alike. Step into the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and back in time as you browse the market for gifts and delicious treats. 

Dates: November 9 – 12, 2023

Price: $12 – $15 for adults, $5 – $6.50 for kids. Buy in advance, tickets are more at the door!

The Christmas Mouse

Visit this year round Christmas shop in Myrtle Beach for gifts, decor, themed and classic Christmas ornaments, and so much more. The Christmas Mouse also features seasonal decor for other holidays, including Halloween and Fourth of July. Stop by and see what’s new! 

Rivertown Christmas Celebration

Downtown Conway’s annual Rivertown Christmas Celebration is back this year beginning Thursday, November 30 and continuing each Thursday night through December 21. Enjoy candlelight shopping, exclusive Rivertown Christmas deals, and extended shopping hours at Conway’s eclectic local shops. 

Myrtle Beach Christmas Events

Breakfast with a Mermaid and Santa

Santa is making a special visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach! The aquarium will be decorated for Christmas, with dozens of Christmas trees and wreaths. Meet a mermaid, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy an elf diving show with your breakfast at this Myrtle Beach Christmas event. 

Breakfast with Santa at Tupelo Honey

Join Santa for breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe in The Market Common! This is one of the most popular things to do around Christmas in Myrtle Beach, with space at this one day event on Sunday December 23 going fast. Reservations are strongly recommended.

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade

It wouldn’t be Christmas in North Myrtle Beach without the annual Christmas parade! One of the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach at Christmas, this nighttime parade lights up the parade route with decorated floats and vehicles. 

Surfside Beach Christmas Parade

Join the Town of Surfside Beach for their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 9, 2023. This lively parade features floats, walkers, and exciting entertainment as it travels from Ocean Boulevard to Surfside Drive in Surfside Beach. 

Ripley’s Festival of Trees

Ripley’s Festival of Trees is a Myrtle Beach Christmas classic! See the magic of the aquarium decorated for Christmas, with over 55 Christmas trees adorned with elements that represent each US state and territory. The South Carolina tree is a special nod to the state, larger than surrounding trees for extra emphasis. 

The Polar Bus Express at The Market Common

On eight special dates in December, you and your family have the opportunity to join a ride to the North Pole of Market Common. Decorated in holiday decor and filled with the sounds of The Polar Express™, The Polar Bus Express reenacts the best scenes from the popular Christmas movie. With each ticket purchased, guests receive a souvenir golden ticket, a “BELIEVE” sleigh bell, a chocolate chip cookie and hot cocoa. 

Planning Your Myrtle Beach Christmas Vacation

Celebrating Christmas in Myrtle Beach is sure to be a joyous experience! With the help of our holiday guide, you’ll plan the perfect Grand Strand getaway. 

If you haven’t yet booked your stay at Coral Beach Resort & Suites for Christmas 2023, there’s still time! Check out our special offers with the latest deals and packages to book your holiday vacation today!

Jet Ski Rentals in Myrtle Beach

Jet skiing is one of the most popular water sports in Myrtle Beach. From crashing ocean waves to scenic waterways and secluded river canals, the Grand Strand provides endless options for jet skiing adventures. Check out the best jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach, and prepare for a vacation to remember.  

Shawn’s Backwater Adventure

Choose from four jet ski rental options at Shawn’s Backwater Adventure. Whether you want to explore historic plantations on a relaxing waterway ride or you’re an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed, they have the perfect rental for you and your family. 

Drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid license, and children under 12 ride for free! Additional riders are only a $20 add-on to your jet ski rental. Shawn’s Backwater Adventure is located at 101 Fantasy Harbour Blvd, just 4.5 miles from our oceanfront resort. Learn more about Myrtle Beach jet ski rentals on their website or give them a call at (843) 353-7020.

Aloha Watersports

Aloha Watersports specializes in jet ski rentals for all experience levels, even the absolute novice. Aloha’s professional guides make sure each rider feels confident and safe before taking off into the wild blue yonder. Their jet skis are large enough for two people, but handle well for anyone desiring to pilot the jet ski solo. Aloha offers straight hourly jet ski rentals as well as dolphin tours from their rental location in North Myrtle Beach. Call them at (843) 249-9908 for more information.

Myrtle Beach Watersports

Myrtle Beach Watersports offers a variety of jet ski rental and tour options. The most unique might be the dolphin-watch jet ski tour from their North Myrtle Beach location at Harbourgate Marina. Riders can choose either a one or two-hour group dolphin excursion, or choose to take a two-hour private dolphin watching tour.

Drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Dolphin sightings can’t be guaranteed, but morning tours are recommended if you want the best chance to see them. The guides will stop at one of the barrier islands if time permits. Visit the Myrtle Beach Watersports website for a full list of jet ski rental options or give them a call at (843) 280-7777.

Parasailing in Myrtle Beach

If you want a breathtaking view of the coast, parasailing in Myrtle Beach is an experience you won’t want to miss. Glide above the ocean in a solo flight or grab a partner to share the excitement with.

Downwind Sails

Downwind Sails features two convenient locations for anyone who wants to experience some of the best parasailing in Myrtle Beach. Each location is situated along South Ocean Boulevard, but the 3rd Avenue S location is most convenient to our resort. You’ll board the banana boat shuttle to your parasailing boat, where you’ll harness into the ride of a lifetime. Downwind Sails offers single, double, and triple flights so you can ride solo or enjoy this adventure with friends. You’ll soar 400 feet above the ocean, offering you the perfect opportunity to observe sea life.

New Wave Watersports

Discover more parasailing in Myrtle Beach at New Wave Watersports, located on the beach behind Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub. New Wave offers an outstanding parasailing trip, with Coast Guard safety-certified parasailing boats operated by licensed boat captains. Delight in bird’s-eye panoramic views as the captains do all the work to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Triple flights are available so you can ride with family or friends. Call (843) 361-3322 to book an adventure.

Express Watersports

For the highest and longest parasailing flight at Myrtle Beach, book with Express Watersports, located 11 miles south of Coral Beach Resort & Suites. Enjoy a full 10- to 12-minute experience at 500 feet in the air, while searching for marine life. Your boat operator may even offer you the option of a “dip” in the ocean during your flight. Express Watersports includes an affordable photo add-on so you can leave your Myrtle Beach parasailing adventure with professional photos on the boat and in the air. Express Watersports also provides free parking, showers, and changing rooms. Call (843) 357-7777 to reserve.

Myrtle Beach Kayak Tours

While many vacationers in Myrtle Beach choose ocean watersports, the Grand Strand is also home to beautiful rivers and marshes perfect for leisurely kayak tours and eco-adventures. You’ll find plenty of guided kayak tours in Myrtle Beach, plus kayak rentals so you can explore on your own.

Black River Outdoors

Black River Outdoors offers fascinating guided kayak tours through the Murrells Inlet Salt Marsh and in the cypress forest of the Waccamaw River. Whichever kayaking tour you choose, you’ll experience the wonders of our local ecosystems and encounter a variety of wildlife. In the marshes, expect to see turtles, dolphins, crabs, and oysters. Along the river, you might catch a glimpse of an alligator or non-venomous snake, and you’re likely to spot osprey and fish. Call (843) 546-4840 to book your kayaking adventure.

Jack’s Surf Lessons & Board Rentals

Yes, Jack’s gives amazing surf boarding lessons, but they also lead some of the best kayak tours in Myrtle Beach. Less than two miles from our resort, Jack’s offers sunrise and sunset kayak tours, where you can spot local marine or river wildlife in their natural environment. Book with Jack’s kayak tour for a chance to spot river otters on the Waccamaw or loggerheads in Murrells Inlet. If you have other plans for sunrise and sunset, Jack’s also provides private kayak tours to suit your schedule. Give their team a call at (843) 647-7471 or book your kayak tour online.

Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions

If you’re up for traveling to North Myrtle Beach for a water adventure, check out Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions. The original NMB tour company, Great Escapes offers guided Myrtle Beach kayak tours and regular hourly kayak rentals. You’ll find ample water environments to explore with this company, from wildlife refuges on the Waccamaw River to private barrier islands and coastal marshes. If you want to paddle out on your own and you simply need a boat, Great Escapes will help you create your own tour of these same environments using their equipment. Rental prices vary depending on where you go and for how long. Call (843)-241-4588 to reserve.

Myrtle Beach Wakeboarding 

If  you’re looking for the latest water sport craze in Myrtle Beach, a wake sport adventure is for you! Wake sports, including wakeboarding and wake skating, are like riding a surfboard being pulled behind a boat. You’ll be able to attempt various acrobatic maneuvers including jumps, dips, turns, and dives. Check out some of the area’s top companies below.

Island Adventure Water Sports

Enjoy a truly unique adventure along the lush Intracoastal Waterway and Waccamaw River with Island Adventure Watersports. Their zippy, brand new 21’ Super Air Nautique Professional wakeboarding boat is captained by their trained staff. If you’re a beginner or you want to learn the exciting sport of wakeboarding, Island Adventure Water Sports has staff available for training and instruction. You’ll definitely get your wakeboarding fix during a two- or three-hour private wakeboarding trip with Island Adventure Water Sports. Book your adventure at (843) 650-7003.

Shark Park 843

Greg Norman, Jr.’s Shark Park 843 is about a half hour drive north of our resort, but worth the trip for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. Shark Park 843 is an amusement park for water sport enthusiasts, and especially for wakeboarders. A wakeboarder himself, Norman developed Shark Park as a family-friendly attraction built around a wakeboarding cable park. Plus, he included an exciting water-based obstacle course for kids of all ages. Shark Wake Park features cable-led (not boat-led) wakeboarding, knee boarding, wake skating, foil boarding, and water skiing. Note that Shark Park is open only during the summer season, and closes for the off-season. If you need an adrenaline fix or fun for the entire family, Shark Park should top your Myrtle Beach vacation itinerary. Call (843) 399-9253 or visit the website to learn more.

Whether you enjoy jet skiing on the open ocean or kayaking through the salt marshes of Murrells Inlet, you can’t go wrong with Myrtle Beach watersports. If you’re looking for something more relaxing on the water, check out the best boat tours in Myrtle Beach.

Book your next beach getaway at Coral Beach Resort & Suites to enjoy spacious oceanfront suites and a variety of on-site dining options. Kids will love the oceanfront children’s water park and the Entertainment Zone featuring 8 bowling lanes and an arcade. Adults can indulge in an on-site upscale adults-only bar with panoramic views of the ocean, as well as numerous indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs. What are you waiting for? Discover exclusive packages and deals available on your next stay at Coral Beach Resort.