Myrtle Beach, December 28, 2025
Ripley’s Festival of Trees in Myrtle Beach showcases 55 decorated trees representing each state and territory, highlighting community creativity. Running from December 27 to January 4, this beloved event transforms the aquarium into a festive wonderland that promotes local engagement, charitable spirit, and economic vitality. Visitors can enjoy the interactive scavenger hunt while supporting the Toys for Tots campaign through letter writing to Santa.
Myrtle Beach
Experience Holiday Wonder at Ripley’s Festival of Trees
The Grand Strand lights up with the spirit of the season, and a shining example of community and creativity is on full display at Ripley’s Festival of Trees. This beloved event, orchestrated by local initiative and private enterprise, offers a unique celebration that underscores the power of personal achievement and the festive atmosphere that enriches our Myrtle Beach community. It’s a testament to how local efforts can transform the holiday season into a vibrant experience for residents and visitors alike, fostering civic pride and economic vitality.
From December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Ripley’s Aquarium in Broadway at the Beach hosts its annual Festival of Trees, a dazzling exhibition that serves as a focal point for holiday enjoyment as the year draws to a close and a new one begins. While the broader holiday season at the Aquarium commenced earlier in November, this specified period marks a special opportunity to engage with one of the area’s premier attractions during a magical time. This exhibition, included with the general cost of admission, transforms the aquatic environment into a winter wonderland, showcasing the blend of educational exhibits and seasonal cheer that define the Grand Strand’s unique offerings.
A Grand Display of National Unity and Local Creativity
The heart of Ripley’s Festival of Trees lies in its impressive display of 55 festively decorated trees, each meticulously adorned to represent a U.S. state and territory. This patriotic panorama highlights the diverse heritage and culture found throughout the country, offering visitors a delightful journey without having to leave Myrtle Beach. Each tree serves as a miniature tableau, reflecting the unique identity and charm of its represented state or territory. For instance, the South Carolina tree proudly displays the Palmetto and Crescent Moon, alongside seashells, starfish, and other symbols iconic to the Palmetto State. This intricate detailing showcases individual achievement in craftsmanship and a collective appreciation for American diversity. Beyond mere aesthetics, the trees are designed to highlight each state’s diversity and chief exports, providing an informative and engaging experience.
To enhance engagement, visitors can participate in a fun scavenger hunt, challenging their knowledge of the U.S. as they explore the festively decorated surroundings. This interactive element encourages families and friends to delve deeper into the exhibition, fostering shared experiences and moments of discovery within the Myrtle Beach community. The dedication required to create and maintain such a grand display speaks volumes about the personal initiative of the event’s organizers and the numerous individuals who contribute their talents to this local gathering.
Beyond the Lights: Economic Vitality Driven by Private Enterprise
The success of events like Ripley’s Festival of Trees underscores the significant economic contributions of private sector initiatives to the Myrtle Beach area. Ripley’s Aquarium, as a private entity, plays a crucial role in creating attractions that not only entertain but also draw substantial tourism. Broadway at the Beach, where the Aquarium is situated, stands as South Carolina’s number one tourist destination, attracting over 13 million visitors annually. This vibrant hub exemplifies how sustained private investment and strategic development can become a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
Festivals and special events are powerful economic drivers, significantly bolstering local economies by attracting tourists who contribute through spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and retail purchases. Such visitor spending directly stimulates revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. These events also play a role in creating temporary job opportunities, further supporting the local workforce. The economic benefits extend beyond direct sales, leading to increased tax revenues and improving the overall quality of life for residents by investing in the local infrastructure and promoting business awareness. Broadway at the Beach’s ongoing reinvestment plans highlight a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring the area remains a dynamic destination. This approach demonstrates a flexible and efficient model of community growth, driven by private capital and responsiveness to changing consumer demands, which can often be more agile than programs with extensive governmental restrictions.
Fostering Community Engagement and Charitable Spirit
The Festival of Trees is not just about dazzling displays; it also embodies a spirit of civic responsibility and generosity. Ripley’s Aquarium has partnered with the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign. For every child who writes and sends a letter to Santa Claus via a special mailbox at the aquarium, Ripley’s Aquarium commits to donating one toy to the charity. This initiative encourages young visitors to engage in the spirit of giving, demonstrating how private entities can actively contribute to charitable causes within the community, driven by personal initiative to make a positive impact.
Moreover, the existence of such events encourages broader community engagement and volunteerism, showcasing how individuals come together to support local gatherings. Across Myrtle Beach, numerous organizations rely on volunteers to execute special events, cleanups, and community projects throughout the year. From assisting with event logistics to supporting local youth programs, the personal commitment of residents is vital in enriching the area’s social fabric. This network of individual action and local leadership forms a resilient foundation for community development, proving that when individuals take initiative, the entire collective benefits.
A Beacon for Year-Round Tourism
Events like Ripley’s Festival of Trees are crucial in extending Myrtle Beach’s appeal beyond the peak summer months, positioning the region as a year-round destination. Broadway at the Beach, recognizing the importance of sustained engagement, strategically hosts various events to attract locals during what would traditionally be slower periods. This forward-thinking approach ensures that local businesses thrive throughout the year, supporting stable employment and continuous economic activity.
By consistently offering diverse attractions and events, Myrtle Beach strengthens its reputation as a premier destination. The ongoing success of such private-sector driven events underscores a commitment to adapting and innovating, ensuring that both residents and visitors find compelling reasons to engage with the Myrtle Beach community year-round. This strategy highlights the benefits of local leadership in crafting dynamic experiences that maintain the area’s vibrancy and economic health.
Conclusion
Ripley’s Festival of Trees, running from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Ripley’s Aquarium in Broadway at the Beach, is more than just a holiday spectacle. It is a vibrant demonstration of personal initiative, community collaboration, and the positive impact of private enterprise on local growth. Featuring 55 uniquely decorated trees representing each U.S. state and territory, the festival provides a rich tapestry of national culture while fostering local engagement and contributing significantly to the regional economy. Visitors are encouraged to explore this magnificent display, participate in the scavenger hunt, and embrace the charitable spirit of the season. Supporting such Myrtle Beach SC events ensures the continued vitality and dynamic growth of our beloved South Carolina gatherings, driven by the innovation and dedication of its community members. Staying engaged with these local initiatives is key to nurturing the ongoing prosperity and cultural richness of the Myrtle Beach community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the dates for Ripley’s Festival of Trees?
- Ripley’s Festival of Trees is running from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
- Where is Ripley’s Festival of Trees located?
- The festival is located at Ripley’s Aquarium in Broadway at the Beach.
- How many trees are featured in the festival?
- The festival features 55 festively decorated trees.
- What do the trees represent?
- The trees represent each U.S. state and territory.
- Is there an additional cost for the Festival of Trees?
- No, the Festival of Trees is included with the cost of admission to Ripley’s Aquarium.
- Does the festival have any interactive activities?
- Yes, visitors can test their U.S. knowledge with a fun scavenger hunt around the aquarium.
- What charitable initiative is associated with the festival?
- Ripley’s Aquarium partners with the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign; for each child who sends a letter to Santa, Ripley’s Aquarium will donate one toy to the charity.
Key Features of Ripley’s Festival of Trees
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026 |
| Location | Ripley’s Aquarium, Broadway at the Beach |
| Number of Trees | 55 festively decorated trees |
| Tree Representation | Each U.S. state and territory |
| Admission | Included with regular Ripley’s Aquarium admission |
| Interactive Element | U.S. knowledge scavenger hunt |
| Charitable Aspect | Toys for Tots partnership (toy donation for each letter to Santa) |
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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.
