7 festivals and parades you won’t want to miss around Myrtle Beach, SC this December
The holiday season is here and in the Grand Strand there’s no shortage of events, activities and parades to spread cheer. Whether you’re in the mood for Christmas carols, festive food or holiday shopping, there’s something for everyone.
Here are seven of the best opportunities to embrace the holiday spirit this December:
Nov. 8 - Jan. 5
Now through Jan. 5, visitors of Ripley’s Aquarium can check out the Festival of Trees. The festival features 55 trees inspired by each of the U.S. states and territories, as well as trees dedicated to holiday favorite movies like Elf and The Grinch. The Festival of Trees is included with regular admission, so guests visiting the aquarium can check out the holiday display for free.
Winter Wonderland at the Beach
Nov. 29 - Jan. 4
Tourists and locals alike can get in the holiday spirit in downtown Myrtle Beach at Winter Wonderland at the Beach. The event series features live performances, holiday markets, a fun run, a fireworks show and much more most days through the holiday season. A full schedule of celebrations and activities is available online.
Rivertown Christmas Celebration
Dec. 5, 12 and 19
Conway may be the City of Halloween in October, but in December the city is decked out for Christmas. Each Thursday evening from Dec. 5 to 19, visitors can enjoy events like a tree lighting, live entertainment at City Hall, candlelit shopping, live window displays, character photos and more. A full schedule of events is available on the city’s website.
A Very Broadway Christmas Parade
Dec. 7
If you’ve yet to knock out your holiday shopping, you can browse for gifts and get in the festive spirit at Broadway at the Beach with a parade from Dave and Buster’s to WonderWorks. In addition to A Very Broadway Christmas Parade, Broadway at the Beach will have a variety of other holiday events on Dec. 7, including snow showers in Center Court, visits with Santa and a fireworks display. A full calendar of events is available online.
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
Dec. 7
North Myrtle Beach’s Christmas Parade will bring holiday cheer down Main Street on Dec. 7. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of lights and floats representing local groups. Prizes will be awarded to the best parade entries, but registration closed last month.
Dec. 12
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk will host its 10th annual Santa Crawl on Dec. 12. Patrons can enjoy festive food and drink specials at MarshWalk restaurants and register for a chance to win prizes for the best holiday attire. Secret Santas patrolling the MarshWalk will be on the lookout for the best-dressed visitors.
“Be a Scrooge, Grinch, Santa, or perhaps an elf, no matter what gets you in the Christmas spirit, show us at the MarshWalk Santa Crawl,” the event page says. If you want to enter, be sure to register by 7 p.m.
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
Dec. 14
Surfside Beach’s annual Christmas Parade will bring holiday cheer on Dec. 14 with floats, throws and a holiday market. Interested participants can register to join the parade here, and for the first year ever, prizes will be awarded to the most festive entries.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 6:00 AM.