The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach: Insider Guide & Santa’s Village Tips
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A Coastal Christmas Wonder
There’s a special kind of magic when the beach goes dark, and millions of glittering lights begin to dance and swirl across the night sky. In North Myrtle Beach, the Great Christmas Light Show transforms the Park & Sports Complex into a winter wonderland by the sea—where holiday songs mingle with ocean breezes, and families drive through miles of festive scenes under the stars.
For visitors planning their holiday escape, this guide unpacks everything you need—from best nights to visit to Santa’s Village secrets—and links to Thomas Beach Vacations stay options and related blog content to help you plan the perfect holiday stay.
When & Where: Dates, Hours, and Route Details
The Great Christmas Light Show runs November 24 through December 30, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Gates open nightly from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM for the drive-through experience. Santa’s Village operates on select nights: Thursday through Sunday from November 28 to December 7, and nightly from December 11–30.
The drive route stretches roughly 2 miles through the sports complex, showcasing over 2 million lights and 500 displays, some reaching heights of 50+ feet.
Admission:
- Standard vehicles: $20 on non-village nights, $25 on village nights
- Oversized vehicle: $50
- Charter buses: $100 (Mon–Thurs only)
No advance ticketing—admission is paid at the gate upon entry.
Santa’s Village & Activities: More Than Just Lights
After the drive-through, you can park and walk into Santa’s Village, a cozy hub of holiday charm. Here’s what awaits you:
- Warm-up spots with hot chocolate and s’mores, perfect for little hands and chilly nights
- The Santa Express Train Ride through illuminated paths
- Petting zoo, photo ops with Santa, and interactive displays like “Jingle in the Jungle” and “Land Before Christmas”
Admission to Santa’s Village is free, though smaller attractions such as the train ride may require a small fee (typically around $3 per person). Santa’s Village is open Thursday–Sunday in early December and nightly later in the month.
Insider Tips: Avoid Lines, Capture Magic & Maximize Your Visit
- Choose your night wisely: Weekdays tend to have lighter traffic and shorter waits.
- Arrive early: Be inside the park before 6:45 PM to avoid delays.
- Tune your radio: Some displays synchronize with holiday music—keep your car stereo ready.
- Dim your headlights: Let the light tunnels and displays truly shine.
- Visit Santa’s Village after your drive: The flow of traffic and parking is smoother that way.
- Bring a jacket & flashlight: Evenings can be cool, and paths may be dim.
- Keep your devices charged: You’ll want photos and videos of the glowing displays!
Cross-Linking & Related Thomas Beach Vacations Content
Be sure to explore Thomas Beach Vacations’ other seasonal guides for North Myrtle Beach visitors:
- Great Christmas Light Show (2025 Guide)
- Dashing Through The Glow 2025
- Lights by the Sea Drone Show
- Pet Photos with Santa
Book a Thomas Beach Vacations rental near the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex to enjoy easy access to the lights and holiday festivities.
Make It a Holiday Beach Getaway
The Great Christmas Light Show is more than a drive—it’s the heart of holiday cheer in North Myrtle Beach. Let the sparkle of the lights meet the rhythm of the ocean waves for a celebration that blends seaside serenity with pure Christmas joy. Whether you’re sipping cocoa in Santa’s Village or watching the reflections dance off your windshield, this event captures the spirit of the season.
If you’d like help planning your stay or finding the perfect holiday rental, Thomas Beach Vacations is here to make it easy. Call (866) 249-2100 or visit our site to book your stay near the festivities. Let your holiday begin where the lights meet the sea.
Dashing Through The Glow 2025 — Fun Run at the Great Christmas Light Show
When twilight drapes the pines and the first strands of color blink awake, the Great Christmas Light Show turns from spectacle to starting line. For two sparkling nights, friends and families lace up, don their brightest holiday outfits, and dash through the glow—a breezy, approx. two‑mile, non‑competitive walk/run that winds through tunnels of lights and storybook displays before spilling into Santa’s Village for a warm cup of hot chocolate. It’s joy with a finish line.
Tickets & Registration
On sale August 25, 2025 — reserve your spot here: Dashing Through The Glow Tickets.
Schedule & Gate Entry
- Event start: 7:00 PM (both nights)
- Park gate entry: 5:30–6:45 PM — you must be inside the park before 6:45 PM. Roads into/out of the park will close for participant safety.
- Important: The park closes and is cleared of all vehicles at 5:00 PM. Do not arrive during regular park hours expecting to stay past 5:00 PM.
Course & Finish at Santa’s Village
The route winds about two miles through the Great Christmas Light Show: glowing tunnels, towering trees, and animated scenes lit like a dream. The walk/run concludes at Santa’s Village, where finishers can savor hot chocolate and explore select activities under a canopy of twinkle lights.
Holiday Outfits & Prizes
Lean into the cheer—light‑up scarves, jingling hats, matching family pajamas. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Individual and Best Dressed Family. Think festive, comfortable, and photo‑ready.
Pricing & What’s Included
- Adults (12+): $25
- Youth (11 & under): $10
- Includes: Finisher medal + hot chocolate in Santa’s Village
Children in strollers may participate with a paying adult at no cost (no medal awarded).
Policies: Tickets, Spectators & Refunds
- Tickets required at Park Gate. Print your tickets from the bottom of your emailed receipt to speed check‑in.
- Didn’t receive a receipt? Contact Brandy Cloos, Special Events & Programs Supervisor: brcloos@nmb.us | (843) 280‑5673.
- Registered participants only. Spectators are not permitted entry.
- All sales final. No refunds.
Family Tips & What to Bring
- Arrive early and plan for a short walk from parking to check‑in.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes; add reflective/LED accessories for extra sparkle.
- Bring a small bottle of water and your printed tickets.
- Snap photos along the course—this is the first peek at the season’s lights!
Make It a Holiday Weekend with Thomas Beach Vacations
After your glow‑run, settle into a cozy condo or a roomy beach house close to the park and the ocean. Wake up to a quiet coastal morning, then come back for the Great Christmas Light Show drive‑through on another night.
Book with Thomas Beach Vacations: NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call (866) 249‑2100.