Magical Events for December 2012

The holidays are finally upon us and the Grand Strand is transforming into a beach-side winter wonderland!  The weather outside may not be frightful, but our exciting line up of events is beyond delightful, and we're excited to spread the joy of the season.


Festival of Trees at Ripley's Aquarium
November 1st - December 31st, See hours

During the holiday season, Ripley's decks their halls with 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees!  Each tree is themed after one of the 50 states and contains ornaments representing the specific characteristics and themes of the state.  For added fun, be sure to ask the Guest Services Desk about participating in the Holiday Tree Scavenger  Hunt!



Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at the Myrtle Beach Pelican's Ball Park
November 2nd - January 6th, Dusk - 10pm

Experience one of the most impressive holiday light displays you'll ever see!  As you drive through the wonderland created by Shadrack's, you'll be blown away by hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights that dance to your favorite Christmas tunes.  At the end of your drive, you can stop in Santa's Village where you'll find concessions, pony and camel rides, a petting zoo and carnival games.



Springmaid Beach Arts & Crafts Festival at Ocean Front Conference Center
November 30th, 9am - 6pm, December 1st, 9am - 5pm, December 2nd, 9am - 3pm


The Springmaid Beach Arts & Crafts Festival is returning for its 26th year.  Over 200 vendors display and sell an unbelievable variety of crafts including jewelry, candles, gourmet food, woodwork, apparel and seasonal decorations.  It's just the place to find that perfect holiday gift! See the full list of vendors here.



Christmas on the Boardwalk at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 12pm - 10pm

Every Saturday until New Years, head over to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for a Christmas celebration!  The whole family will enjoy a stroll down the boardwalk decked with thousands of lights, Holiday movies featured on big screens, visits with Santa Claus and live music.  Then, on December 15th, the boardwalk will debut it's brand new Polar Express train ride for the kids!


Rocky and a Piano  at the Carolina Opry
Every Wednesday through January 2nd, 2 - 3:30pm

Original Carolina Opry cast member, Rocky Fretz, returns for the holiday season to delight guests with his famed piano performances.  Accompanied by bass player Patrick O'Leary, you'll enjoy a series of classics and Holiday favorites.  The show provides a more intimate setting than the Opry's seasonal Christmas show and you'll get lost in the beautiful music!



3rd Annual Atalaya Holiday Celebration at Huntington Beach State Park
December 1st, 11am - 4pm

Each year, designers flock to the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington of local fame.  Each designer decorates a room with their own Holiday motif in hopes of taking home the coveted "People's Choice Award."  Stroll through the house and admire the Holiday decor, vote for your favorite, take pictures with the roaming actors portraying the Huntingtons and indulge in hot spiced cider and homemade treats while enjoying live holiday music.  The Lionel Train Club will also have their collection on display, holiday crafts will be available for sale and you'll even enjoy an oyster roast!


Family Snow Ball at Ripley's Aquarium
December 2nd, 5 - 8pm

Take a night out with the fishes!  Ripley's Aquarium invites the whole family to participate in this semi-formal event where you'll enjoy music, dancing, refreshments and beautiful decor surrounded by Ripley's aquatic residents.


Christmas Parade in Surfside Beach
December 8th, 2 - 5pm

Take the little ones to enjoy a fantastic Christmas parade!  Line up at 2pm to watch and applaud as a parade (including over 100 entries!) floats down Surfside Drive spreading Christmas cheer. Be sure to keep an eye out for Santa!


Christmas Towne at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center
December 9th, 2 - 6:30pm

Celebrate Christmas with the city of Myrtle Beach!  Head over to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, where the whole family will be entertained with balloon art, face painting, Thomas the Train rides, letters to Santa and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  Finally, you'll enjoy the city's official Christmas tree lighting. The best part- it's free!



Christmas in the Inlet Holiday Home Tour at Wachesaw Plantation
December 10, 10am - 4pm

Each year, 8 beautiful homes in the historic Wachesaw Plantation open their doors for tours.  The houses, overlooking the Wachesaw River, are elaborately decorated and lighted to celebrate the Christmas season.  At the conclusion of the tour, be sure to stop and enjoy lunch from any of Murrells Inlet's famous waterfront restaurants!


Brunch with Santa and Frosty at the Children's Museum of SC
December 23rd, 11am - 1pm

The kids will thrill with delight as they walk in to enjoy a brunch at the Children's Museum and find the 2 very special guests who will be joining them: Santa and Frosty!  Spend the afternoon indulging in delicious food, fun activities and getting pictures taken with Santa and Frosty.


32nd Annual Beach Ball Classic at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center
December 26th - 31st, See schedule

Come watch one of the premier high school basketball tournaments in the United States!  16 of the top teams from around the country will compete with the goal of being crowned tournament champions.  Don't miss the opportunity to watch future superstars before they were famous!  Past players include Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd.



While staying at Plantation Resort, you'll be just a short drive away from all of these amazing holiday events! We look forward to sharing this special time of year with you!