Pet Photos with Santa North Myrtle Beach 2025 (Free Event)
Some Christmas memories come with paw prints. On a bright coastal morning, the Large Dog Park at the NMB Park & Sports Complex turns into Santa’s happiest photo studio—wagging tails, jingling collars, and families lining up with leashes in one hand and treat bags in the other. Furry friends love Santa too, and this year you’ve got two chances to snap that frame‑worthy holiday card.
Event at a Glance
Sessions & Schedule
- Sunday, November 30, 2025: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday, December 13, 2025: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mark both dates—come once for the “awww,” come twice for the outtakes.
Location
NMB Park & Sports Complex — Large Dog Park
150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566
Pet Guidelines & What to Bring
- Leashes required for dogs; other pets must be safely contained.
- Well‑behaved pets only—for Santa’s sake and everyone’s safety.
- Bring your camera/phone to capture the moment.
- Pack low‑value and high‑value treats; variety keeps eyes forward and tails still.
- Bring a favorite toy or squeaker to grab attention at the right second.
- Dress pets in festive bandanas, bows, or sweaters—comfortable and secure.
- Water, waste bags, and a small towel (just in case).
Photo Tips for Perfect Pet Portraits
- Get the wiggles out: A 5‑minute walk before photos works wonders.
- Kneel to their level: Eye‑to‑eye shots melt hearts.
- Use burst mode: More frames, better odds of the perfect grin.
- Find the light: Stand with the sun behind you or in open shade for soft fur detail.
- Keep sessions short: Praise, treat, click—repeat.
Make It a Holiday Beach Weekend
After Santa steals your pet’s spotlight, make a memory‑packed weekend of it. Book a cozy, pet‑friendly stay close to the park and the ocean, then stroll the shoreline for a golden‑hour romp.
Book with Thomas Beach Vacations: NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call (866) 249‑2100.
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.
The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach (2025 Guide)
Table of Contents
When the sun slips behind the pines and that ocean breeze gets a peppermint snap to it, North Myrtle Beach lights up—literally. Strings of color dance over the lakes and fields at the Park & Sports Complex, and families roll their windows down to hear carols riding the night air. Around here, the holidays arrive not with a whisper but with a glow you can see from a mile away.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Great Christmas Light Show returns brighter than ever: 2+ million lights, over 500 dazzling displays (some soaring up to 55 feet tall), and brand-new animated scenes that make the whole route feel fresh, joyful, and downright magical. Below is everything you need to plan the perfect visit—dates, hours, prices, Santa’s Village details, and a few local tips to make it a night to remember.
What to Expect on the Drive-Through Route
Set inside the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, the drive-through route winds through glowing tunnels, storybook scenes, and towering Christmas trees that seem to sprout straight from the stars. It’s a rolling parade of holiday cheer—perfect for grandparents in the front seat, kiddos in pajamas in the back, and everyone trading “Did you see that?” as the lights ripple by. This year’s expansion adds NEW displays and animated figures that bring classic holiday moments to life.
Santa’s Village: Activities & Attractions
After your drive, park and step into the wonder of Santa’s Village—a festive hub of twinkle lights and merry-making. Warm up with hot chocolate, toast s’mores by the fire, let the little ones ride the Santa Express Train, visit the petting zoo, and meet Santa himself. It’s a cozy dose of old-fashioned Christmas that pairs perfectly with the spectacle outside.
2025 Dates & Hours
- Drive-Through Light Show: November 24 – December 30 (Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day)
- Santa’s Village: November 28 – December 7 (Thursday – Sunday only); December 11 – 30 (Nightly). Closed Christmas Day.
- Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Admission & Vehicle Types
- $20 Standard Vehicle (Non‑Village Nights)
- $25 Standard Vehicle (Village Nights)
- $50 Oversized Vehicle (All Nights)
- $100 Charter Buses (Monday – Thursday only)
Local Tips for a Smooth, Sparkling Visit
- Arrive early to reduce wait times—popular nights can draw big crowds.
- Tune the radio to holiday tunes and roll the windows down through the tunnels.
- Plan for Santa’s Village: bring a light jacket, a little cash for cocoa and s’mores, and your camera.
- Pick a weeknight if you prefer a quieter experience.
Make It a Holiday Beach Getaway
After the last light fades and the car grows quiet, there’s nothing better than a warm, welcoming place to land. Let Thomas Beach Vacations host your holiday stay—cozy oceanfront condos for couples’ escapes and spacious homes for the whole crew.
Book your holiday escape at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call us at (866) 249-2100. Make this milestone 10th year of The Great Christmas Light Show part of your family’s seaside tradition.