It’s official: The holidays are here, events coming to Myrtle Beach area

With Christmas around the corner, the city lights are starting to shine bright, and festivities will begin.

There is a lot to do in Myrtle Beach and surrounding cities who have a lot to offer– everything from light shows to Christmas parades. Here’s a list of what you can do nearby to celebrate the holiday season.

Starting off on the North side of the county, North Myrtle Beach has many yearly events that are well-known to locals and tourists alike. The Great Christmas Light Show is hosted yearly at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. The event showcases almost 2 million lights this season through the 1.5 mile drive through the park.

At the end of the light show, you can enjoy Santa’s Village with a petting zoo, a large Christmas tree, hot chocolate, S’mores and the chance to get pictures with Santa. The show is open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday starting Nov. 25 to Dec. 30.

Similarly, Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is hosting its annual Nights of a Thousand Candles. Featuring millions of shining lights and more than 2,700 lit candles, guests can enjoy the beautiful view while listening to holiday music.

The event began on Nov. 26, Thursdays through Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m. Although the event is closed Christmas weekend, you can still find a day to attend until Jan. 1.

Myrtle Beach is also hosting the Winter Wonderland Festival again after last year’s success. Anyone can enjoy an oceanfront display of lights with live entertainment, movies, kids’ zone, and much more at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. The festival will end just before Christmas Eve on Dec. 23.

Although many Christmas tree-lighting events have passed, you still have time to enjoy the plethora of parades around. The City of North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, and Surfside Beach will all be hosting their yearly parades.

The Rivertown Regatta Christmas Boat Parade will take place on Dec. 3 in Downtown Conway at 5 p.m. Boats both small and large will come out decked out with lights and decorations to show off their holiday spirit. To see this event, it is best to find a spot between the Savannah Bluff and the Conway Marina.

There is a lot to do nearby, and the holiday season is a time of festivities that would be a shame to miss. To find out more information and the pricing of events, visit MyrtleBeach.com.