Escape the Cold: Plan a Winter Beach Getaway to Myrtle Beach 

Winter brings a different kind of getaway to the Grand Strand. With quieter beaches, seasonal performances, holiday lights, and festive events throughout the surrounding communities, December offers plenty to explore beyond the summer attractions. 

Kingston Resorts makes a convenient home base for discovering the area, with oceanfront accommodations, on-site dining, and resort amenities to enjoy between outings. From holiday shopping in Myrtle Beach to seasonal celebrations in nearby Conway, here are some ways to plan your winter visit. 

Myrtle Beach: Holiday Lights, Live Shows and Shopping 

Myrtle Beach offers plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season, whether you’re planning a family outing or an evening with friends. 

• Holiday lights: Visit the Great Christmas Light Show at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex or explore the seasonal displays at Winter Wonderland at the Beach along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. 

• Christmas shows: Catch a seasonal performance at The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, or Pirates Voyage. Each offers its own take on holiday entertainment, from musical productions to theatrical dinner shows. 

• Holiday shopping: Make time for a shopping trip to Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach, where hundreds of brands offer savings on fashion, accessories, beauty, and more. Through Kingston Resorts’ Shop & Stay partnership, guests can enjoy over $400 in instant savings with a qualifying booking, plus a Tanger welcome amenity at check-in. Complimentary shuttle service to the outlets makes it easy to fit shopping into your stay. For more local shopping, browse the seasonal displays and stores at Broadway at the Beach or explore the boutiques and restaurants at The Market Common. 

• Indoor attractions: Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach during the holiday season for its Festival of Trees, featuring more than 50 Christmas trees representing U.S. states and territories displayed alongside the aquarium’s underwater exhibits. Or explore other local attractions when the weather calls for an indoor activity. 

These stops make it easy to plan a full day around shopping, entertainment, and seasonal experiences. 

North Myrtle Beach: Waterfront Shopping and Seasonal Fun 

North Myrtle Beach offers a relaxed setting for a winter afternoon, with waterfront destinations, local entertainment, and seasonal attractions. 

Barefoot Landing is a great place to browse specialty shops, enjoy a meal, and see holiday decorations along the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can also check the seasonal calendar for special events and entertainment. 

For an evening with the family, the Great Christmas Light Show offers a drive-through display of illuminated holiday scenes, with additional activities available at Santa’s Village on select dates. 

Murrells Inlet: An Evening at Brookgreen Gardens 

South of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet offers a memorable seasonal outing at Brookgreen Gardens. During Nights of a Thousand Candles, the gardens glow with thousands of candles and holiday lights, creating an inviting setting for an evening walk. 

Guests can explore the illuminated pathways, admire the garden sculptures, and enjoy seasonal music and warm cider. The event requires advance planning, so check the current schedule and ticket availability before visiting. 

Afterward, explore Murrells Inlet’s waterfront dining options for a relaxed end to the evening. 

Conway: Small-Town Christmas Traditions 

For a change of pace, head inland to historic downtown Conway. The town’s Rivertown Christmas celebrations bring seasonal charm to Main Street with holiday shopping, live entertainment, and festive displays. 

Depending on the date, visitors may be able to enjoy Living Window Displays, featuring decorated storefronts, or Snowfall Alley, a seasonal event with simulated snowfall and holiday activities. The area has also hosted Celebration of Lights, a drive-through holiday display. 

Conway is a good option for visitors looking to experience a smaller community’s holiday traditions while exploring local shops and restaurants. 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Along the Grand Strand 

If your getaway extends through December 31, there are several ways to welcome the New Year around the Grand Strand. 

Guests can ring in the New Year right at Kingston Resorts with the Midnight Masquerade NYE Ball at Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort. The December 31 celebration features live music by Urban Jukebox, dancing, and a midnight countdown. 

A Southern Times Square at The Market Common is scheduled for December 31 as well, with a family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment, activities, a ball drop, and fireworks. Downtown Conway has also hosted riverfront fireworks, while local restaurants and entertainment venues offer additional celebrations. 

Make Kingston Resorts Your Winter Beach Home Base 

A December getaway offers the chance to experience Myrtle Beach beyond the summer season, from illuminated gardens and live performances to waterfront shopping and small-town holiday celebrations. 

At Kingston Resorts, guests can enjoy oceanfront accommodations, dining, and resort amenities while keeping the Grand Strand’s seasonal attractions within reach. Spend the day exploring the area, then return to the coast for a relaxing evening by the ocean. 

Plan your winter beach getaway and discover a different side of Myrtle Beach this December.