The Perfect Holiday Day Trips
Myrtle Beach Coastal Christmas
When the holidays roll into Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand swaps beach towels for twinkle lights. Palm trees shimmer with tinsel and the town’s famous theaters and restaurants wrap their Southern hospitality in festive cheer. Whether you’re planning a quick coastal escape or want to make a full weekend of it, Myrtle Beach shines as the Carolinas’ most spirited day trip destination.
Dickens by the Sea
Start your day with a touch of Victorian magic at the Dickens Christmas Show & Festival, where carolers in bonnets and top hats fill the convention hall with song. Wander through rows of artisans selling handmade ornaments, old-fashioned toys, and cozy holiday décor—it’s part shopping trip, part time travel, and completely unique to Myrtle Beach.
Classic Holiday Cheer
From there, make your way to the Alabama Theatre for The South’s Grandest Christmas Show. High-energy dancers, powerhouse vocals, and a sprinkle of comedy turn the stage into a Southern winter wonderland. Or catch Winter in the Air at the Broadway Theater, where classic Christmas tunes get a modern twist amid glittering lights and Broadway flair.
After the curtain falls, head to Angelo’s Steak and Pasta—a Myrtle Beach institution for more than 40 years. Their sizzling cast-iron steaks and all-you-can-eat Italian buffet are the stuff of local legend, and the warm, family-style atmosphere is tailor-made for the holidays.
If you’d rather linger downtown, stroll Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, where boutique windows glow with lights and the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre fills the evening with homegrown music and storytelling. It’s heartfelt, funny, and steeped in Carolina charm. End your day with the Legends in Concert Holiday Special, where Elvis croons “Blue Christmas,” Dolly dazzles in sequins, and Michael Jackson moonwalks through a winter wonderland. When the show lets out, take a quiet walk along the boardwalk—there’s nothing like the reflection of holiday lights dancing on the ocean.
Make It a Weekend
If one day isn’t enough (and let’s be honest—it won’t be), book a stay at SpringHill Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront. Every room faces the Atlantic, so you can wake up to sunrise over the water and a free hot breakfast before another round of festivities.
Whether you’re watching snowflakes fall on stage or waves roll onto the sand, Myrtle Beach proves that a holiday day trip doesn’t need snow to feel like Christmas magic.
