North Myrtle Beach Christmas Regatta holiday favorite. Where to watch marina parade
Every year, crowds gather along the Intracoastal Waterway to see a parade of boats breeze by, all draped in festive lights and often captained by costume-clad boaters.
The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta began in 1984, and has been a Grand Strand holiday tradition ever since. The regatta is both a festive boat parade that spreads holiday cheer and a fundraising event that raises money and hosts toy drives to help Horry County children in need.
The regatta will begin at Grande Harbour Marina in Little River at 5 p.m. on Nov. 29 and will proceed down the waterway, ending at Dock Holiday’s Marina in North Myrtle Beach around 7 p.m., according to the event website.
Numerous restaurants and venues along the regatta route open up special reservations just for the event, but the regatta can be viewed anywhere the waterway can be seen.
However, finding a viewing spot and parking can be problematic.
For viewers willing to scout out a spot early, the regatta can also be viewed anywhere between the participating restaurants and marinas, but event organizers implore viewers to be mindful of private properties when finding the perfect spot.
The official regatta viewing locations for 2025 are as follows, according to the event website:
- Snooky’s
- Filet’s
Most businesses serving as viewing locations require reservations to be made and paid for ahead of the event. Reserving a seat at a waterfront restaurant for the regatta is typically about $50. Most locations also encourage bringing a toy donation for Yachts for Tots.
For example, Hurricane Juel’s requires that reservations be made in advance at $50 per person, which is paid on a prepaid gift card that can be used for dinner the night of the regatta. It is also accepting Yachts for Tots donations at the time of reservation.
Local on the Water also includes a $50 gift card with table purchases for the event, but offers five different pricing tiers for reserving seats. The venue will also host live music by Jim Quick and Coastline, and will accept unwrapped Yachts for Tots donations as well.
For those who want an even closer look at the regatta, several local excursion and fishing fleet businesses have been known to offer the opportunity to ride in the regatta on a festive cruise.
Hurricane Fishing Fleet and Dolphin Cruises offers a family-friendly regatta cruise at $25 for adults and $20 for kids 3-12. There will also be hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill available for purchase.
Little River Fishing Fleet has also hosted regatta cruises in the past, offering the chance to get on the water during the event on a decorated 90-foot vessel.
The Barefoot Queen Riverboat Cruises offers a 21+ regatta cruise with a fully stocked bar, games, prizes and entertainment. Tickets start at $84.99, but guests can get $5 back on their ticket by bringing a toy donation for Toys for Tots. Parties can bring up to two toys per order. The cruise will also serve a full dinner and other holiday treats.
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing and Dolphin Cruises also offers an opportunity to be part of the regatta, complete with holiday music on board. Tickets are $50 for adults and $30 for children.
