Myrtle Beach, December 18, 2025
Ripley’s Festival of Trees in Myrtle Beach showcases vibrant community spirit through 55 uniquely decorated trees representing U.S. states and territories. This festive display fosters engagement, supports Toys for Tots, and highlights the collective efforts of local organizations to create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. Running from November through January, it underscores the importance of local initiatives in enhancing the holiday season while contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Shines: Ripley’s Festival of Trees Illuminates Community Spirit
Discover how local initiative and creative partnerships transform Ripley’s Aquarium into a dazzling holiday wonderland, fostering engagement and celebrating the unique character of our Grand Strand community.
As the holiday season unfurls, Myrtle Beach once again showcases its vibrant community spirit through cherished local traditions. One such initiative, the Ripley’s Festival of Trees, stands as a testament to the power of private enterprise and focused local coordination in creating a significant civic attraction. This annual event not only beautifies a prominent local venue but also actively engages residents and visitors, fostering a sense of shared heritage and joy. It highlights how proactive organizations, unencumbered by excessive bureaucracy, can swiftly bring innovative and enriching experiences to the public, contributing immensely to the region’s cultural and economic landscape.
The success of events like the Festival of Trees underscores a fundamental principle: when individuals and local institutions are empowered to act, they often deliver remarkable results that benefit the entire community. This festive display, meticulously organized, reflects a commitment to personal initiative and a dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Myrtle Beach, making the holiday season truly special for everyone.
A Tapestry of American Heritage: The Dazzling Trees
The centerpiece of Ripley’s Festival of Trees is an impressive collection of 55 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each thoughtfully designed to represent a different U.S. state and territory. These elaborate displays go beyond simple ornamentation, with their decorations and ornaments highlighting the distinct heritage and rich culture found throughout our nation.
Visitors can marvel at the creativity expressed in each tree. For instance, the South Carolina tree stands out, adorned with symbols like the Palmetto and Crescent Moon, seashells, golf balls, and representations of Coastal Carolina University, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina. Other notable trees include the Louisiana Mardi Gras tree, bedecked with masks and beads, a patriotic Pennsylvania tree, and an Alaska tree featuring glistening white decorations. Among these, the Coastal Carolina University (CCU) tree is a particular highlight for many local attendees. To enhance the experience, a customized scavenger hunt encourages guests to test their knowledge about each state’s tree, adding an interactive and educational dimension to the festive journey.
Cultivating Community Spirit and Civic Engagement
Beyond its visual splendor, the Ripley’s Festival of Trees serves as a powerful catalyst for community engagement and civic spirit. The event draws together families and friends, creating shared memories and strengthening communal bonds during a significant time of year. A notable aspect of its community involvement is the partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Ripley’s Aquarium hosts a special mailbox for children to send letters to Santa Claus. For every stamped letter received, Ripley’s donates a toy to this commendable charity, exemplifying how private entities can actively support wider philanthropic endeavors. Furthermore, Ripley’s operates as an official drop-off location for the Toys for Tots program, providing an accessible avenue for individual citizens to contribute to ensuring children in need receive gifts during the holidays. This initiative showcases personal initiative and a commitment to giving back, reflecting positive local leadership.
Beyond Entertainment: Bolstering the Local Economy
Events of this caliber are more than just seasonal attractions; they are vital components of Myrtle Beach’s economic vitality. The Festival of Trees attracts both local residents and tourists, generating increased foot traffic for nearby businesses and contributing to the local tourism industry during the holiday period. This influx of visitors supports jobs and provides revenue that can be reinvested into the community. It serves as a clear illustration of how well-executed private initiatives can create significant economic benefits, demonstrating the positive impact that creative event planning and focused execution have on the broader regional economy without necessitating extensive public sector involvement.
Experiencing the Magic: Planning Your Visit
The Ripley’s Festival of Trees runs from November 7 to January 4, 2026, with daily operating hours from 9 am to 7 pm. The festive display is located at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, situated at 1110 Celebrity Circle. Access to the Festival of Trees is conveniently included with general admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, allowing visitors to enjoy both the aquatic wonders and the holiday decorations with a single ticket. This integration offers exceptional value, encouraging a broader experience of one of Myrtle Beach’s premier local attractions.
Conclusion
The Ripley’s Festival of Trees is a shining example of how local initiative and creative vision can transform a holiday season into an opportunity for community enrichment and economic growth. By offering a dazzling display of American heritage and fostering important charitable partnerships, this event significantly contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the Grand Strand community. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local leadership, personal initiative, and private partnerships converge to create something truly special for all. We encourage everyone to experience the magic, support local attractions, and engage with the many civic innovations that make Myrtle Beach a wonderful place to live and visit during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ripley’s Festival of Trees
When does Ripley’s Festival of Trees run?
When does Ripley’s Festival of Trees run?
Ripley’s Festival of Trees runs from November 7 to January 4, 2026.
What are the operating hours for the Festival of Trees?
What are the operating hours for the Festival of Trees?
The Festival of Trees is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
Where is Ripley’s Festival of Trees located?
Where is Ripley’s Festival of Trees located?
The Festival of Trees is located at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, 1110 Celebrity Circle.
How many trees are featured in the festival, and what themes do they represent?
How many trees are featured in the festival, and what themes do they represent?
The festival features 55 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each designed to represent a different U.S. state and territory, highlighting their distinct heritage and rich culture.
Is admission to the Festival of Trees included with Ripley’s Aquarium admission?
Is admission to the Festival of Trees included with Ripley’s Aquarium admission?
Yes, access to the Festival of Trees is included with general admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
How does the Festival of Trees contribute to the community?
How does the Festival of Trees contribute to the community?
The event fosters community engagement and supports the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Ripley’s donates a toy for every stamped letter sent to Santa from their mailbox and is an official drop-off location for Toys for Tots.
Key Features of Ripley’s Festival of Trees
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Ripley’s Festival of Trees |
| Location | Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, 1110 Celebrity Circle |
| Event Dates (2025-2026) | November 7 to January 4, 2026 |
| Operating Hours | 9 am to 7 pm daily |
| Number of Trees | 55 uniquely decorated trees |
| Tree Themes | Representing each U.S. state and territory, highlighting their distinct heritage and culture |
| Special Tree Examples | South Carolina tree (Palmetto, seashells, golf balls, CCU, Clemson, USC), Louisiana Mardi Gras tree, Alaska tree |
| Interactive Element | Customized scavenger hunt |
| Admission | Included with general admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach |
| Community Involvement | Partnership with U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program (Santa letters, toy donations, drop-off location) |
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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.
