Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 2025
This holiday season, the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions celebrate community spirit through numerous events, but Surfside Beach has adjusted its schedule due to expected rain. The cancellation of the ‘Ride the Trolley of Christmas Lights’ does not dampen the festive atmosphere, as other attractions, including light displays and parades in the area, remain on offer. Local leaders continue to foster joy and connection through diverse holiday activities, highlighting the vibrant community engagement prevalent during this time.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The holiday season across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions is typically a time of vibrant community gatherings and spirited celebrations. These events, often driven by the dedication of local organizers and the enthusiasm of civic-minded residents, serve as cornerstones of community life, fostering connection and shared joy. Even when unexpected challenges arise, the resilient spirit of our local towns shines through, adapting and innovating to ensure the festive atmosphere prevails.
This year, the Town of Surfside Beach has announced a change to its planned festivities, a testament to the dynamic nature of event planning in a coastal environment. While one popular event has been impacted by weather, the broader calendar of activities across our region showcases the incredible initiative and commitment of countless individuals and groups who work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for families and visitors alike.
Surfside Beach Adjusts Holiday Plans
Surfside Beach’s “Ride the Trolley of Christmas Lights” event, originally scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, has been canceled due to expected rain. This decision, made with public safety and enjoyment in mind, highlights the practical considerations local event coordinators must navigate, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. Despite this particular cancellation, Surfside Beach continues to host a variety of other community-driven celebrations throughout the holiday season, emphasizing the town’s commitment to providing engaging opportunities for its residents and visitors.
A Grand Strand Abundance of Light Displays
The spirit of individual achievement and community collaboration shines brightly through the numerous light displays illuminating the Grand Strand. Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet offers a spectacular experience on select nights from November 28 to December 31, 2025, transforming the gardens into a glowing wonderland. In North Myrtle Beach, The Great Christmas Light Show provides a two-mile drive-through experience with over two million lights and 500 custom displays, running from November 24 to December 30, 2025. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Village for additional activities after the drive.
Myrtle Beach itself hosts the Winter Wonderland at The Beach, an oceanfront holiday experience on the Boardwalk with festive displays, music, and an outdoor ice-skating rink, open from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Further inland, the Conway Celebration of Lights in Downtown Conway features a walk-through holiday display along the Waccamaw River on Thursdays through Sundays from December 5 to December 25, 2025. Additionally, Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach presents its Festival of Trees from November 7, 2025, to January 4, 2026, showcasing decorated trees and holiday cheer.
Parades and Community Gatherings Across the Coast
Local leadership and civic involvement are evident in the array of parades scheduled across the Grand Strand. The holiday season kicks off with the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta on November 30, 2025, a unique boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway. Land-based parades include the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade on December 6, 2025, and A Very Broadway Christmas Parade & Celebration, also on December 6, 2025. Surfside Beach will host its own Christmas Parade on December 13, 2025, featuring floats and marching bands. Another unique local event, the Yuletide Christmas Golf Cart Parade, is planned for December 20, 2025, in Surfside Beach. The Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 14, 2025, and the Loris Christmas Parade for December 5, 2025.
Tree Lightings and Holiday Shows Set the Stage
The tradition of tree lighting ceremonies brings communities together, often supported by local businesses and volunteers, reflecting a shared commitment to seasonal merriment. Broadway at the Beach will host its Tree Lighting Celebration on November 15, 2025. The Market Common’s Annual Tree Lighting is set for November 22, 2025, with Barefoot Landing’s Lighting of the Landing also on November 22, 2025. Surfside Beach will host its Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on December 4, 2025, at Memorial Park, featuring Santa, live music from the Lakewood Elementary School Chorus and The Entertainers, gingerbread cookie decorating, face painting, and food vendors. Local police officers and firefighters in Myrtle Beach also contribute to the holiday magic by spending time making holiday memories with local children, showcasing community engagement.
Beyond the outdoor spectacles, several venues offer captivating holiday performances. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special runs from November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026, and the Pirates Voyage Christmas Dinner Show from November 1, 2025, to early January 2026. The Alabama Theatre presents The South’s Grandest Christmas Show from November 1 to December 31, 2025.
Pee Dee Region Embraces Holiday Traditions
The Pee Dee region also embraces the holiday spirit with a variety of events that highlight local initiative. Florence will host its Christmas Parade on December 13, 2025, providing a festive downtown experience. Other events in the Pee Dee include the Hometown Holidays – Christmas Festival from December 5-7, 2025, and Lights 4 Paws from December 5-23, 2025. The Christmas on Cherokee historic home tour on December 13, 2025, allows for a glimpse into local heritage while supporting community initiatives.
The collective effort in organizing these numerous activities, from large-scale light displays to intimate local gatherings, underscores the powerful role of personal initiative and community choice in shaping vibrant holiday seasons. These events are not just entertainment; they are a direct result of local leaders, businesses, and individual volunteers coming together to enrich the lives of their neighbors, proving that even with minor setbacks, the spirit of generosity and community growth thrives.
Engage and Celebrate
While the “Ride the Trolley of Christmas Lights” in Surfside Beach will not proceed as planned for December 18, 2025, the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions offer an impressive array of alternative holiday events. These diverse offerings reflect the robust civic innovation and strong community engagement present in our local areas. We encourage everyone to explore the many opportunities available, support local initiatives, and participate in the celebrations that make our region a special place during the holidays. Stay engaged with your local community and discover the numerous ways individual achievement and collective effort contribute to the unique charm of our coastal and Pee Dee Christmas season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Surfside Beach event was canceled?
The “Ride the Trolley of Christmas Lights” event in Surfside Beach, originally scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, was canceled.
Why was the Surfside Beach trolley event canceled?
The “Ride the Trolley of Christmas Lights” event was canceled due to expected rain.
What other Christmas events are happening in Surfside Beach in 2025?
Surfside Beach is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on December 4, 2025, at Memorial Park, and a Christmas Parade on December 13, 2025. A Yuletide Christmas Golf Cart Parade is planned for December 20, 2025, and Breakfast with Santa will also take place on December 20, 2025.
Are there other major Christmas light displays in the Grand Strand area for 2025?
Yes, the Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens (November 28 – December 31, 2025), The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach (November 24 – December 30, 2025), and Winter Wonderland at The Beach on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026) are among the major light displays.
What are some popular Christmas shows in the Myrtle Beach area for 2025?
Popular shows include The Carolina Opry Christmas Special (November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026), Pirates Voyage Christmas Dinner Show (November 1, 2025 – early January 2026), and The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre (November 1 – December 31, 2025).
Key Holiday Event Information
| Event Name | Location | Dates/Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride the Trolley of Christmas Lights | Surfside Beach, SC | Canceled (Dec 18, 2025) | Canceled due to expected rain. |
| Surfside Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Festival | Memorial Park, Surfside Beach, SC | Dec 4, 2025 | Santa, music, gingerbread cookies, face painting, food vendors. |
| Surfside Beach Christmas Parade | Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach, SC | Dec 13, 2025 | Floats, marching bands, candy, holiday market. |
| Nights of a Thousand Candles | Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC | Select nights, Nov 28 – Dec 31, 2025 | Hand-lit candles, millions of lights, festive music. |
| The Great Christmas Light Show | North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, SC | Nov 24 – Dec 30, 2025 | Two-mile drive-through with over two million lights, Santa’s Village. |
| Winter Wonderland at The Beach | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, SC | Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Oceanfront light displays, music, outdoor ice-skating rink. |
| The Carolina Opry Christmas Special | The Carolina Opry Theater, Myrtle Beach, SC | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | World-class holiday performance. |
| Florence Christmas Parade | Florence, SC (Pee Dee Region) | Dec 13, 2025 | Festive parade through downtown. |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
