Holiday-themed Myrtle Beach graphic reading ‘Discover Myrtle Beach’s Holiday Magic: 5 Must-See Coastal Events’ with a subtitle about light shows and boat parades.

5 Myrtle Beach Holiday Events Bringing the Grand Strand to Life

Celebrate the season with coastal lights, local traditions, and unforgettable community moments

As Thanksgiving week settles in along the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach begins to glow with the familiar warmth of the season. Lights shimmer along the waterfront. Neighborhoods start to feel more spirited. And across the Grand Strand, families — longtime locals and new residents alike — look for ways to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the magic that only a Carolina coastal holiday can bring.

If you’re exploring local holiday events in the Myrtle Beach area, late November offers some of the most cherished traditions of the year. From immersive light shows to peaceful garden displays and a festive boat parade drifting along the Intracoastal Waterway, these celebrations highlight exactly why so many people love calling Myrtle Beach home.

Here are five upcoming events happening throughout the final days of November.


The Great Christmas Light Show — North Myrtle Beach

Opening November 22, 2025
One of the Grand Strand’s most anticipated holiday traditions returns as the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex transforms into a glowing drive-through wonderland. With more than two million lights, towering displays, and whimsical holiday scenes stretching across the park, the event sets the tone for a bright and festive season. As shared through the City of North Myrtle Beach at parks.nmb.us, the celebration continues inside Santa’s Village, where families can enjoy treats, games, and holiday photo spots. It’s a beloved, family-friendly tradition that captures the joyful energy of coastal holidays.


Nights of a Thousand Candles Preview Weekend — Brookgreen Gardens

November 22–24, 2025
Just south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens offers one of the most breathtaking holiday experiences in the Southeast. Thousands of hand-lit candles and soft white lights transform the gardens into a glowing masterpiece of art and nature. According to brookgreen.org, the preview weekend offers an early look at this nationally recognized event before the full season begins. Quiet pathways, illuminated sculptures, and peaceful reflections across the water create an atmosphere that feels almost magical — a coastal holiday tradition that many consider the heart of the season.


Intracoastal Christmas Regatta — Little River to North Myrtle Beach

November 29, 2025
Every year, decorated boats of all kinds glide down the Intracoastal Waterway in a parade of lights, music, and creativity. The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta brings communities together from Little River to North Myrtle Beach, with families gathering along docks, restaurants, and waterfront parks to watch the glowing vessels pass by. Updates from the Little River Chamber at littleriverchamber.org highlight how the regatta doubles as a charitable event, supporting local families in need. The reflections of the lights on the water — and the energy from the crowds — make this coastal tradition unforgettable.


Murrells Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting & Community Celebration — Murrells Inlet

November 26, 2025
In Murrells Inlet, the holiday season officially begins with a warm community gathering beneath the town’s Christmas tree. The celebration includes live music, treats, local vendors, and a visit from Santa — all set against the backdrop of the Inlet’s boardwalk and beautiful waterfront. Featured through murrellsinletsc.com, the event reflects the tight-knit spirit that defines Murrells Inlet: neighbors coming together to welcome the holiday season in a place where coastal charm and hometown warmth meet.


Broadway at the Beach Holiday Fireworks — Myrtle Beach

November 30, 2025
To end the month with a burst of excitement, Broadway at the Beach hosts a vibrant holiday fireworks show over its lakeside boardwalk. Families line the railings as colorful reflections dance on the water and music echoes across the shopping and dining district. As highlighted on broadwayatthebeach.com, the show has become a signature Myrtle Beach holiday moment — a lively, colorful celebration that perfectly captures the Grand Strand’s festive personality.


McAlpine Team Myrtle Beach community message graphic with the headline ‘Your Next Chapter in Myrtle Beach Begins with the Right Community’ and subtitle about local expertise along the Grand Strand.

Celebrate the Season — and the Coastal Communities That Make Myrtle Beach Home

These local holiday events in Myrtle Beach highlight the traditions, creativity, and community spirit that make the Grand Strand such a special place to live. Whether you're enjoying the holidays in your own coastal home, exploring neighborhoods as a future resident, or simply soaking in the beauty of the season, these celebrations offer meaningful ways to experience Myrtle Beach at its best.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Myrtle Beach or anywhere along the South Carolina coast — or want to learn more about the communities behind these events — The McAlpine Team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit us anytime at mcalpineteam.com to begin your next move with confidence.