There’s no better place to get in the holiday spirit than Myrtle Beach, and there’s no better venues to find it than the local live theaters presenting their annual Christmas shows.
From traditional song-and-dance productions to gospel-, choral- and even Motown-inspired musicals, Myrtle Beach’s nationally renowned theater scene has something for the whole family.
These popular Christmas shows will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along with the cast. There’s even a pirate-themed holiday dinner production that’s a real hit with kids.
With Christmas shows running November through December, visitors have plenty of time to book a holiday getaway at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort and take in all the on-stage magic.
Many Compass Cove Oceanfront guests have made a holiday trip to Myrtle Beach to see a Christmas show a part of their family tradition. Here are some of their favorite theaters in town:
Alabama Theatre: “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” lives up to its billing with a spectacular portrayal of an old-fashioned holiday celebration in the country. The talented cast and crew return to year after year to take part in the popular show, which is regularly updated but always delivers the Christmas classics. Comedian Ricky Mokel is an added bonus with his dead-pan, home-spun humor, and (Spoiler alert!) the show closes with the surprising aerial arrival from the jolly ol’ elf himself.
Asher Theater: A relative newcomer to the local theater scene, the Asher Theater presents “Church the Musical: The Spirit and Soul of Christmas,” a retelling of the greatest story ever told through inspirational vocal and theatrical performances. A diverse cast brings some of the holiday classics to the stage and sheds new light on them through interpretive song and dance. Located in the Fantasy Harbour section of Myrtle Beach, the Asher Theater is also near Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament if you want to catch a double feature.
The Carolina Opry: Former Grand Ole Opry Calvin Gilmore presents “The Christmas Story of the South,” a high-energy holiday showcase that is making its 34th annual appearance. Featuring a cast of more than 35 singers, dancers, actors and comedians, this holiday show keeps patrons coming back year after year. Crowd-favorite cast members returning this year include baritone Moses Braxton and comedian Kym “Bogie” Shurbutt. The lobby is beautifully decorated and perfect for taking holiday photos with the family and cast members after the show.
The GTS Theatre: Who says you can’t get a little funky for the holidays? This small but spirited theater takes its most popular show, a Motown tribute, and gives it a holiday twist with sing-alongs and dancing in the aisles. Fans rave over the “Motown Christmas Tribute” and its use of soul, rhythm and blues to tell the story of Motown while also spreading Christmas cheer.
Myrtle Beach Convention Center: Although not classical theater, the Nov. 14-17 Dickens Christmas Show and Festival returns to the massive Myrtle Beach Convention Center with plenty of entertainment, including a Victorian Shopping Village for holiday shopping, several Christmas exhibits, musical acts and more. Patrons can also take part in Sherlock Holmes Mystery Dinner Theater and group trips to holiday shows at local theaters.
Pirates Voyage: This Dolly Parton production puts a Christmas spin on its usual pirate-themed showcase with a classic holiday story on the high seas. Pirates Voyage also features a live nativity scene and a special performance that portrays Christmas toys coming to life and performing high-flying acrobatics and stunts. This dinner show also comes with a holiday feast.
We love having our extended Compass Cove family visit for the holidays to enjoy the beach, the indoor water amenities, holiday shopping, lighter traffic, smaller crowds and more. While you’re in town, be sure to see one of the many memorable Christmas show at Myrtle Beach’s award-winning theaters.
