Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 2025
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special continues to bring joy and holiday spirit to Myrtle Beach. Celebrating its 40th season, this captivating show combines traditional festivities with innovative performances, showcasing local talent and solidifying its place as a cherished holiday tradition. As Myrtle Beach transitions into a winter wonderland, the special not only entertains but also significantly contributes to the local economy by attracting thousands of visitors, proving the value of private initiative in community growth.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s Enduring Holiday Tradition: The Carolina Opry Christmas Special Ignites Community Spirit
The holiday season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is heralded not just by festive lights and coastal charm, but by a beacon of local initiative and enduring entertainment: The Carolina Opry Christmas Special. This annual spectacle, often dubbed “The Christmas Show of the South,” stands as a testament to the power of personal vision and sustained dedication in fostering community growth and enhancing a region’s cultural landscape. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a premier national attraction, The Carolina Opry Theater exemplifies how focused local leadership can transform seasonal tourism into a year-round economic driver, proving the value of private enterprise in enriching public life.
Calvin Gilmore, a visionary entertainer and entrepreneur, laid the groundwork for Myrtle Beach’s live entertainment scene when he opened The Carolina Opry in 1986. Originally in Surfside Beach, the show’s immediate popularity led to expansion and ultimately, the establishment of the current 2,200-seat state-of-the-art theater in Myrtle Beach in 1993. For seven years, The Carolina Opry was the sole live performance venue in the area, setting a high standard for entertainment and establishing a new paradigm for tourism beyond the traditional summer months. This forward-thinking approach, driven by individual achievement rather than extensive governmental mandates, allowed a vibrant performing arts sector to blossom, contributing significantly to the Grand Strand’s identity.
A Grand Strand Tradition: The Enduring Legacy of The Carolina Opry
The Carolina Opry’s journey from a nascent venture to a State-level recognized institution highlights a remarkable story of consistent quality and strategic growth. The theater has garnered significant accolades, including the prestigious Governor’s Cup, the highest award for tourism in the state of South Carolina. It was also designated the State’s Most Outstanding Attraction by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. These distinctions reflect not only the show’s artistic merit but also its substantial contribution to the region’s economy and reputation. The foresight to establish a robust live entertainment option fundamentally altered Myrtle Beach’s tourism season, transforming it into a vibrant, year-round destination, a testament to the impact of private sector innovation.
The Christmas Show of the South: A Dazzling Production
Now celebrating its 40th season, The Carolina Opry Christmas Special continues to captivate audiences with its blend of timeless holiday traditions and fresh, innovative performances. Producer Calvin Gilmore dedicates months to curating an unforgettable experience, meticulously blending new artistic elements with beloved classics to ensure each season offers a unique yet familiar charm. The production is a showcase of exceptional talent, featuring an award-winning ensemble of vocalists, musicians, dancers, and comedians.
Audiences can anticipate performances from celebrated artists such as signature baritone Moses Braxton, soulful singer Delvin Choice, and the dynamic All That! Clogging Group, known for their appearances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Champion fiddler Trent Wideman and the comedic stylings of Ricky Mokel also contribute to the show’s diverse entertainment. The Calvin Gilmore orchestra, led by Kevin Hughes, provides a rich musical backdrop, complemented by the graceful Margaret Rice dancers. A particular highlight for many attendees is the incorporation of enchanting special effects, including a real horse-drawn sleigh and “snow,” bringing a touch of winter magic to the coastal setting. The show offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, typically lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, providing ample entertainment for all ages.
A Winter Wonderland: The Theater’s Holiday Transformation
Beyond the performances, The Carolina Opry Theater itself undergoes a breathtaking transformation into a festive wonderland, becoming an attraction in its own right. This dramatic metamorphosis is a remarkable display of coordination and effort, commencing with a one-week shutdown during which dedicated crews work tirelessly. Their efforts involve decorating with over 30 to 35 Christmas trees, 10 to 75 wreaths, and an impressive 5 miles of tree lighting wire. The centerpiece of this elaborate display is a magnificent 30-foot Christmas tree in the lobby, adorned with more than 25,000 lights. The presence of house photographers in front of this splendid tree provides families with the opportunity to capture cherished holiday memories, many of which find their way onto annual Christmas cards. This intricate, privately-managed transformation showcases the meticulous attention to detail and personal investment that defines the entire Carolina Opry experience.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement Through Private Initiative
The advent and sustained success of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special have had a profound and positive impact on the Myrtle Beach economy. The show’s inauguration was pivotal in transforming Myrtle Beach into a vibrant, year-round destination, a significant shift from when many businesses would traditionally close after Labor Day. The influx of visitors specifically drawn by the Christmas Special spurred local hotels and restaurants to remain open and thrive during what was once considered the off-season, creating a new and robust seasonal market.
Annually, the Christmas season sees The Carolina Opry entertain over 100,000 guests, many of whom travel to Myrtle Beach primarily to experience this specific production. This significant draw highlights the direct economic benefits generated by a successful private venture, stimulating local commerce and employment opportunities without requiring extensive public funding or bureaucratic intervention. The Gilmore family’s continued ownership and hands-on involvement, with Calvin Gilmore still serving as producer, performer, and entrepreneur, underscores a commitment to local leadership. His daughter, Jordan Gilmore Watkins, serves as the Marketing Director and actively participates in various community and administrative roles, demonstrating a multi-generational dedication to the family business and the wider Myrtle Beach community. The fact that seats for the Christmas Special frequently sell out a year in advance further illustrates the enduring appeal and community confidence in this locally-grown institution, affirming the power of personal initiative in creating lasting civic value.
Conclusion
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of enduring tradition, artistic excellence, and the vibrant spirit of Myrtle Beach. It stands as a powerful example of how private initiative and sustained local leadership can not only create world-class entertainment but also catalyze significant community growth and economic vitality. As a cherished local holiday tradition and a major “Myrtle Beach SC event,” it continues to draw visitors and families, enriching the “South Carolina gatherings” calendar and contributing to “community growth Myrtle Beach.” By choosing to support such local “performing arts Myrtle Beach” institutions, residents and visitors alike contribute to the cultural richness and economic resilience of the Grand Strand. We encourage everyone to experience the magic of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special and celebrate the personal initiative that has made it a cornerstone of our community’s holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
What is The Carolina Opry Christmas Special?
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, also known as “The Christmas Show of the South,” is an annual musical variety show at The Carolina Opry Theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
How long has The Carolina Opry Christmas Special been running?
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is celebrating its 40th season.
What kind of performances can I expect at the show?
The show features an award-winning cast of vocalists, musicians, dancers, and comedians, accompanied by the Calvin Gilmore orchestra and Margaret Rice dancers. It includes special effects like a real horse-drawn sleigh and “snow.”
How long does The Carolina Opry Christmas Special last?
The show runs approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
When does The Carolina Opry Christmas Special typically run?
The show runs from November 1 through December 31 each year, with regular evening performances and selectively scheduled matinees.
Key Features of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Show Name | The Carolina Opry Christmas Special (also “The Christmas Show of the South”) | Local |
| Location | The Carolina Opry Theater, Myrtle Beach, SC | Local |
| Duration | Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours | Local |
| Current Season | 40th season | Local |
| Holiday Decor | Over 30-35 Christmas trees, 10-75 wreaths, 5 miles of lighting wire, 30-foot lobby tree with 25,000 lights | Local |
| Special Effects | Real horse-drawn sleigh, snow | Local |
| Awards & Recognition | Governor’s Cup, State’s Most Outstanding Attraction by SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism | State-level |
| Economic Impact | Attracts over 100,000 visitors during Christmas season, helped make Myrtle Beach a year-round destination | Local |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach Adjusted
Golfing in Myrtle Beach: Your Ideal Winter Escape
Myrtle Beach Celebrates Winter 2025 with Holiday Attractions
Discover Holiday Golf Magic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Shine During the Holiday Season
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Offer Summer Savings for Locals
Discover Breakfast Gems of Myrtle Beach in 2024
Myrtle Beach Named a Top Christmas Getaway for Holiday Cheer and Festivities
Things To Do In Myrtle Beach SC
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.
