It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Myrtle Beach, at least according to the upcoming social calendar. Although the fall season is still in full swing, it won’t be long before the holidays arrive.
The Grand Strand is already planning another special holiday celebration for visitors, and Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort rolls out the red carpet for our guests who choose to spend the holiday season with us.
Whether you are coming for a quick recharging of the batteries with a break from work and school or your family is planning a holiday getaway, the Myrtle Beach area has you covered for the month of December:
The Great Christmas Light Show (Dec. 1-30):
Load up the family and head to the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex & Park for a real winter wonderland. Featuring more than 500 lighted displays, some more than 50 feet tall, The Great Christmas Light Show allows visitors to drive through the attraction and/or park to visit Santa’s Village, featuring train rides, a Christmas maze, hot chocolate and s’mores and more. Admission is $15 per vehicle (for up to 15 people) and the attraction is open nightly (except Christmas).
Nights of a Thousand Candles (Dec. 5-22):
This award-winning festival attracts visitors from all over the East Coast to see the beauty of Brookgreen Gardens illuminated in colorful lights. The 9,000-acre former rice plantation is beautiful any time of day, but this event is the only time the sculpture garden is opening in the evenings. Guests stroll through the gardens, enjoy live music, holiday treats and the amazing works of art and nature. The event is held Thursdays through Sundays (3-10 p.m.) and advanced tickets are required ($25 for adults and $15 for children) by visiting www.brookgreen.org.
32nd Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Show (Dec. 6-8):
Artsy and craftsy visitors book their beach trips around this traditional event, which attracts more than 100 top vendors shopping their wares at the Double Tree Ballroom. Located less than 1 mile north of Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, this event provides the perfect opportunity to pick up some new holiday decorations for your home with plenty of time to show them off before Christmas. Admission is free and the venue is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yuletide Music & Bonfire (Dec. 21, noon to 4 p.m.):
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than singing carols by a fire? How about doing it at a winery? La Bella Amie Vineyard in nearby Little River hosts this event each year and draws larger crowds each season to experience to holiday spirit. Admission is $8 but visitors can save $2 by donating canned goods for local food banks. La Belle Amie also hosts the annual New Year’s Bonfire (Dec. 28, noon to 5 p.m.).
Christmas Parades:
The Grand Strand has several traditional holiday parades, presenting a rare chance to see Santa Claus cruising down the beach. A Very Broadway Christmas Parade (Dec. 7, 11 a.m.) and the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade (Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.) are held the same day but far enough apart to catch a doubleheader. The following weekend, the Conway Christmas Parade (Dec. 14, 10 a.m.) and Surfside Beach Christmas Parade (2 p.m.) are held.
Tree/Menorha Lightings:
The symbolic lighting ceremonies are like flipping a switch on your holiday spirit, and visitors of many faiths can participate. Christmas Tree Lightings are held in North Myrtle Beach at McLean Park (Dec 3, 6 p.m.), Conway City Hall (Dec. 5, 6 p.m.), Surfside Beach Town Hall (Dec. 5, 7 p.m.). The traditional lighting of the Menorah will be held each night of Hanukkah (Dec. 22-31, 5:15 p.m.) at Valor Park in The Market Common.
Sporting Events:
Myrtle Beach also loves to play games over the holidays, highlighted by the world-famous Beach Ball Classic (Dec. 26-31) that features some of the top high school basketball teams and recruits in the country in action at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Girls basketball serves as the opening act for the hoops-apalooza with the CresCom Bank Holiday Classic (Dec. 17-21). If football is more your speed, catch the North-South All-Star Football Game (Dec. 14) at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.
There’s more in store for guests who visit Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort in December. Regardless of the weather, you can enjoy the beach and indoor water amenities while making the most of the holiday season.
