Will a North Myrtle Beach Christmas lights show cause traffic delays? Here’s what to know
With Christmas time returning to the Myrtle Beach area, residents and visitors will have many holiday season events to choose from.
However, some Grand Strand residents worry that the yuletide spirit might take their commutes longer. One event in particular drew concern.
North Myrtle Beach hosts The Great Christmas Light Show annually at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex at 150 Citizens Circle in Little River. The event features a drive-thru light and Santa’s Village, where people can meet Kris Kringle and make a wish.
One Facebook user reposted a fellow social media user’s complaints about the light show allegedly caused on the nearby S.C. 31, Robert Edge Parkway, and other nearby roads that left them stuck in traffic for hours.
Despite the Facebook post’s assertion, North Myrtle Beach Public Information Officer Lauren Jessie said the city hadn’t had any problems with traffic yet. Jessie said local police assist with traffic to ensure the drive-thru show runs smoothly.
She added that she visits Santa Claus and the light show yearly with her family and that most drive-thru visitors can expect to wait in line for around 45 minutes. Jessie also said visitors should bring a snack while waiting. She also advised visiting the light show early in the week to avoid crowds.
“Once we get closer to Christmas and when Santa’s Village is probably open every night, we may see increased traffic,” she added. “But again, with the police officers being out there, they’re able to help the flow of traffic and try to prevent that from happening.”
The Great Christmas Light Show drive-through experience will run until Dec. 30, only closing on Christmas Day. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Santa’s Village will be open Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 15 and will open nightly Dec. 19, 2024.
Jessie said the drive-through portion will feature two new experiences, one dedicated to Christmas movies and the other to trees. Santa’s Village also features a maze with a slide and other games to make the event family-friendly.
“We don’t have snow here in North Myrtle Beach, but Christmas at the beach is the next best thing,” Jessie said.
People attending the drive-thru cannot bring a golf cart; visitors can only buy tickets at the entrance gate before visiting.
