Myrtle Beach itself has no European-style Christmas market, but the region makes up for it with dazzling holiday light displays, seasonal ice skating, and one of the South's most celebrated winter traditions just down the coast.
Families short on market stalls will find plenty of festive cheer at the area's boardwalks, gardens, and entertainment districts throughout December.
The undisputed highlight of the Grand Strand's holiday season, this beloved event transforms Brookgreen Gardens in nearby Murrells Inlet into a glowing wonderland with roughly 3,000 hand-lit candles alongside elaborate LED displays woven through the historic live oaks and sculpture gardens. Held on select Thursday through Sunday evenings from mid-November into early January, the event also features live music, warm cider, and s'mores stations scattered along the garden paths. It regularly ranks among the top holiday light shows in the United States, and tickets sell out well in advance, so booking ahead is essential. Arrive at dusk to watch the candles being lit and allow at least two hours to wander the full grounds, which sit about 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach.
This open-air entertainment complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach turns into a festive hub each December, with a towering lit Christmas tree, seasonal decorations strung across the lakefront promenade, and a temporary outdoor ice skating rink that draws locals and visitors alike. Shops and restaurants stay open late for holiday shopping, and the free-to-browse light displays make for an easy evening stroll even without paying for skate rentals. It is a relaxed, family-friendly way to soak up some winter atmosphere without leaving Myrtle Beach proper. Expect crowds on weekends and around Christmas week itself, so weekday evenings offer a quieter visit for photos of the lights reflected on the lake.
Just north in North Myrtle Beach, this waterfront shopping and dining boardwalk strings thousands of lights along its lakeside walkway each winter, creating a picturesque backdrop for an evening walk. The display is free to enjoy and pairs well with dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking the lake. It is a quieter, less crowded alternative to the bigger light shows in the area, popular with locals doing their own low-key holiday tour of the Grand Strand. Visit after sunset for the full effect, and check ahead as store hours can shorten slightly in the off-season winter months.
Early December brings this long-running community parade through Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, complete with festive floats, marching bands, local youth groups, and of course an appearance from Santa Claus himself. It is a genuinely local, small-town event rather than a tourist production, giving visitors a glimpse of how the Grand Strand celebrates the season away from the resort strip. Bring a folding chair and arrive early to claim a curbside spot, since the route draws a solid crowd of families. Afterward, nearby shops and restaurants along the parade route stay busy with holiday foot traffic.
Tips for Christmas Market
- Book Nights of a Thousand Candles tickets weeks ahead, as evenings routinely sell out.
- December evenings on the coast can be chilly and windy, so bring a warm layer even though daytime highs stay mild.
- Combine Brookgreen Gardens with a stop in nearby Murrells Inlet for seafood before or after the candlelight event.
- Check exact 2026 dates and hours on each venue's official site before visiting, as holiday schedules shift year to year.