Traveler’s Guide to Winter in Myrtle Beach (2025)

When the summer crowds fade and the ocean air turns crisp, Myrtle Beach transforms into one of the South’s best-kept winter secrets. The shoreline slows down, but it never sleeps — gentle waves glisten under golden sunsets, seaside restaurants welcome you without a wait, and the Grand Strand’s natural beauty shines brighter than ever.

From festive lights along the Boardwalk to quiet beach walks, winter in Myrtle Beach is less about escaping the cold and more about embracing a different kind of coastal magic.

Stay with us at hotel BLUE and you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy all the Christmas season magic along the Grand Strand. Here’s your friendly guide to making the most of winter in Myrtle Beach this year.

 

Winter Weather in Myrtle Beach

One of the best aspects of visiting Myrtle Beach during the winter is the pleasantly mild weather. Daytime highs typically hover in the mid‑50s to low 60s °F, while evenings cool down into the 40s. So layers are your friend.

Snow is extremely rare, but the crisp air and soft light over the ocean create a soothing backdrop for your winter getaway. In the winter months, you’ll often find the beaches quiet, making long shoreline walks even more magical.

 

2025 and 2026 Holiday & Winter Events in Myrtle Beach

Winter in Myrtle Beach is bursting with festive fun and excitement, with a lineup of amazing events and festivals to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

From magical light displays to spectacular holiday shows perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, these winter events will make your Myrtle Beach vacation truly unforgettable!

1. Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

Photo Credit: Ryan Santmyer

• 1931 Brookgreen Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC


• brookgreen.org/events/nights-thousand-candles

Each winter, Brookgreen Gardens transforms into a glowing masterpiece for its award-winning Nights of a Thousand Candles — hands down the most enchanting holiday event on the Grand Strand. More than 2,700 hand-lit candles and thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the garden’s live oaks, sculptures, and pathways, casting a warm, golden glow that feels straight out of a storybook.

Held from late November through early January, the evenings come alive with holiday music, seasonal treats, and hot cider or cocoa to sip as you stroll beneath the stars. Every corner feels magical — from the reflecting pools shimmering with candlelight to the soft sound of carolers drifting through the gardens.

If you plan to dine at Harvest Restaurant during the event, be sure to reserve a table in advance — and note that dining is limited to event ticket holders only.

2. Winter Wonderland Festival at The Beach

• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, 1st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC


• winterwonderlandatthebeach.com

Held at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this free holiday event offers beautiful light displays, caroling, live music, and a holiday market, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

The lights show for this event runs from Second Avenue North to 10th Avenue North. Keep an eye on the website for the next location of the Winter Wonderland Festival.

3. Barefoot Landing’s Annual Lighting of the Landing

• 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC

Kick off the holiday season with sparkle and cheer at Barefoot Landing’s Annual Lighting of the Landing. This beloved event marks the official start of the holidays in North Myrtle Beach, featuring live music and entertainment, Santa’s grand arrival, the lighting of a towering Christmas tree, and a dazzling fireworks finale over the lake.

While the lighting ceremony is a one-night celebration, the festive spirit lingers all season long. The entire Barefoot Landing complex stays beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday displays, creating the perfect backdrop for shopping, dining, and evening strolls by the water.

4. South Carolina Christmas Show at The Carolina Opry

• 8901 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC

Each holiday season, the Carolina Opry Theater transforms into a glittering winter wonderland for its legendary South Carolina Christmas Show—also known as The Christmas Show of the South. Running from November through the end of December, this beloved Myrtle Beach tradition is family-friendly, timeless, and truly spectacular.

This award-winning production blends world-class talent, stunning visuals, and heartfelt holiday spirit into one unforgettable evening. The stage comes alive with more than 35 singers, dancers, musicians, and comedians performing Christmas classics and original numbers under dazzling lights and festive sets.

The theater itself is part of the experience: decked out with 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, and more than 25,000 twinkling lights, including a breathtaking 30-foot lobby tree that sets the tone before the curtain even rises. It’s a feast for the senses, complete with snow falling indoors, shimmering costumes, and musical moments that leave the audience smiling long after the final bow.

5. Long Bay Symphony's Handel's Messiah

Photo Credit: Halfpoint

• 3810 Robert M Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC


• longbaysymphony.com/event/handels-messiah-7

The Long Bay Symphony continues a cherished Myrtle Beach tradition with its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. This powerful and uplifting concert features the full symphony, accompanied by members of the Carolina Master Chorale and guest vocal soloists, under the direction of a guest conductor.

It is free to attend, with any donations welcome to support the symphony’s community programs. Long Bay Symphony. Audiences are treated to soaring choruses, stirring solos, and orchestral harmonies.

6. New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Broadway at the Beach

• 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC


• broadwayatthebeach.com/event/new-years-eve-fireworks-extravaganza-2/

Each December 31, Broadway at the Beach becomes one of Myrtle Beach’s most festive destinations. As the night unfolds, the shopping and dining complex lights up with energy, live music, and a celebratory spirit that draws locals and visitors alike.

The highlight? A dazzling fireworks extravaganza launched over Lake Broadway, typically beginning around 8:00 p.m., making it a perfect post-dinner spectacle. (The show is free to enjoy, weather permitting.)

Before the fireworks, Broadway’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are open late—so you can dine, stroll, or grab a last-minute holiday treat before the countdown. The ambiance is festive but relaxed: families, couples, and groups gather lakeside or on walkways to stake out a viewing spot under the stars. And when the sky bursts with color, the reflection over the water doubles the magic.

If you plan to be there, arrive early. The best viewing spots by the lake fill up fast, and you’ll want time to soak in the scene—with lights, laughter, and live tunes filling the air—before the clock strikes midnight.

 

Winter Activities & Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Winter in Myrtle Beach brings a whole new kind of magic to the coast — quieter beaches, crisp ocean air, and plenty of ways to enjoy the Grand Strand beyond the sand. It’s the perfect season for exploring scenic trails, discovering local art and culture, and savoring fresh seafood without the summer rush.

From festive light shows and live entertainment to cozy beachfront dining and holiday shopping, Myrtle Beach in winter proves that the fun doesn’t stop when the weather cools — it simply takes on a new glow. These are a few of our favorite things to do.

1. Explore Ripley's Aquarium

• 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC


• ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-myrtle-beach

Open year-round, Ripley's Aquarium is a must-visit family-friendly attraction located at Broadway at the Beach. It features a variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and jellyfish, all in engaging and interactive exhibits.

Don’t miss Breakfast with Santa and a mermaid, where you can enjoy a breakfast buffet alongside some magical company! Held during the holiday season, the event features a special appearance from Santa Claus and one of the aquarium’s famous mermaids, making it a fun and unique experience for children and adults alike.

You can also check out the Elf Dive Show and watch Santa’s elves dive into the aquarium's tanks to interact with marine life. It’s a great way to add a little extra magic to your holiday season!

2. Take in a show at the Alabama Theatre

• 4750 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC


• alabama-theatre.com

The Alabama Theatre, situated at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, is a premier live entertainment venue renowned for its exceptional performances. It offers a variety of shows, including its signature production, Iconic, which features a mix of country, rock, pop, and Broadway hits, along with comedy and dance.

During the holiday season, the theater presents The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, a festive and family-friendly musical celebration.

With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, the Alabama Theatre provides an unforgettable entertainment experience for visitors of all ages.

3. Learn about exotic wildlife at Alligator Adventure

Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos

• 4604 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC


• alligatoradventure.com

Alligator Adventure, located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, is one of the largest reptile parks in the world. Home to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, this wildlife park will give you the chance to see these incredible creatures up close in a safe environment.

In addition to alligators, the park features a diverse array of other animals, including exotic birds, reptiles, and mammals such as lemurs and kangaroos.

4. Grab a selfie at the Hollywood Wax Museum

• 1808 21st Ave N, Unit A, Myrtle Beach, SC


• hollywoodwaxentertainment.com/myrtle-beach-sc-attractions

Get up close and personal with life-like wax figures of your favorite celebrities from movies, television, and pop culture at the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Located near Broadway at the Beach, the museum offers fun photo opportunities to pose with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and modern-day icons.

In addition to the wax figures, the attraction features two other fun experiences: Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors, a challenging mirror maze, and Outbreak – Dread the Undead, a zombie-themed haunted attraction.

5. Take advantage of cool beach walks and shelling opportunities

Photo Credit: PQK

The winter months are perfect for taking quiet beach walks and shelling along the shore. With fewer people on the beach, it's easy to find unique shells and shark teeth while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean. You can even see dolphins spouting offshore during this time of year. Talk about magical!

 

What to Pack for a Winter Vacation to Myrtle Beach

While the days are comfortably mild in the winter months, the nights can get delightfully crisp, so make sure to pack layers, and don’t forget your sparkle!

• Layers (sweaters, light jackets, scarves) for cooler mornings and evenings


• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the boardwalk, parks, and shops


• Festive attire for holiday events and shows


• Swimwear for indoor pools and hot tubs

 

Plan Your Winter Getaway to Myrtle Beach

Your Myrtle Beach winter vacation offers a peaceful yet festive retreat. Whether you're taking long beach walks, marveling at holiday lights, or taking in a show, there's no shortage of things to do in the winter months.

hotel BLUE places you at the center of it all, making it the perfect base for your winter adventures along the Grand Strand. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Myrtle Beach in a whole new light this winter season!