Thanksgiving Week in North Myrtle Beach: What Visitors Need to Know for 2025

North Myrtle Beach has a way of slowing the world down—especially during Thanksgiving week. The ocean rolls in with its steady rhythm, the air picks up that soft November chill, and families settle into their beach houses with the smell of turkey drifting out to the porches. The City has now released its 2025 Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule, and for anyone visiting the coast this season, it’s worth knowing what’s open, what’s closed, and how to make the most of your time at the beach.

City Offices & Facility Hours for Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving brings a few temporary closures around town. City Hall and the Parks Administration offices will close early at 3:00 PM on November 26 and remain closed until November 29. If you need permits, paperwork, or city services before the holiday, this is the window to do it.

Just down the road, the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center will take Thanksgiving Day off as well, giving its staff a well-deserved break with family.

Sanitation Schedule Changes

Visitors staying in vacation rentals should be aware of a slight shift:
There will be no sanitation pickup on Thanksgiving Day, November 27.
Thursday’s normal route will be serviced Friday, November 28 instead.

If you’re hosting a big family dinner in your rental home, it’s a good idea to secure trash bags and keep things tidy until the next morning.

The Sports Park & the Start of the Great Christmas Light Show

The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex remains open during the day throughout Thanksgiving week, but it will close early at 5:00 PM to prepare for the Great Christmas Light Show, which opens tonight for its annual run.

There will be no light show on Thanksgiving Day, but the rest of the week offers a magical nighttime experience just minutes from the beach. Kids, grandparents, and anyone who loves a good sparkle show will enjoy the stroll or drive through the display.

Public Safety Is Fully Staffed—24/7

One thing that never closes: the City’s Public Safety Departments. Whether you need emergency help or have a question late at night, officers and first responders are available throughout the entire holiday week.

• Emergency: 9-1-1
• Non-emergency: 843-280-5555

Planning a Thanksgiving or Holiday Escape? Stay with Thomas Beach Vacations

A Thanksgiving week at the coast is something special—sunrise walks, big tables filled with family, evenings spent listening to the waves. If you’re planning a stay this year or dreaming ahead to winter or spring, Thomas Beach Vacations has the perfect home or condo waiting for you.

Choose from oceanfront condos, luxury homes, pet-friendly rentals, and spacious properties ideal for hosting a full Thanksgiving gathering.

📞 Call us at (843) 273-3001
🌐 Book online: www.northmyrtlebeachvacations.com

Vacation Starts Here – North Myrtle Beach.

30 Years of Holiday Magic: The Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes Returns to North Myrtle Beach

Each December, as twilight settles over North Myrtle Beach and the scent of pine and cinnamon drifts through the air, something extraordinary happens. Candles flicker in frosted windows, doors open to laughter and music, and our community steps into one of its most beloved traditions — the Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes.

This year marks 30 years of this heartwarming celebration, hosted by the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club, a group whose compassion and dedication have turned festive décor into lasting impact.

🎄 A Tradition That Glows Brighter Each Year

On Friday, December 5, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, guests will once again wander through a curated collection of beautifully adorned homes — each one transformed into a living Christmas card. Expect the unexpected: a seaside cottage wrapped in coastal charm, a stately home glowing with classic elegance, or a whimsical wonderland that feels straight out of a holiday storybook.

No two homes are ever alike, and that’s part of the magic. Visitors stroll at their own pace, guided only by candlelight and the gentle hum of Christmas cheer. Every stop offers inspiration — garlands draped just so, tables set for laughter, trees dressed in family heirlooms and coastal sparkle.

For many, this isn’t just an event; it’s the official start of the holiday season — the night when memories are made, ideas bloom, and the spirit of giving truly shines.

💜 Giving Back, One Candle at a Time

At its heart, the Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is more than décor and design — it’s a community in motion, giving back through beauty. Every ticket sold supports local charities chosen by the Woman’s Club, directly helping those in need across our area.

That’s the real glow behind every candle — the quiet joy of knowing that each shimmering wreath and warm welcome makes a difference.

🎟️ How to Join the Celebration

Tickets go on sale November 5, 2025, and start at just $30 — a small price for an evening of wonder, inspiration, and community spirit.

You can purchase tickets at:

• Purpleologist, Barefoot Landing, 4850 US 17 North Myrtle Beach
• Hope Taylor & Company, 312 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
• Destination North Myrtle Beach, 1521 Highway 17 North
• Or order online by emailing nina.nmbwc@icloud.com

🤝 Become a Part of the Legacy

Local businesses and organizations are invited to join as sponsors — helping sustain this 30-year tradition of joy and generosity. Sponsorship not only highlights your support for the community but places your brand at the heart of one of North Myrtle Beach’s most cherished events.

(Interested sponsors can request the official form via the Woman’s Club.)

🌟 A December Night to Remember

The glow of this event stretches far beyond the decorated doorways. It lingers in the hearts of those who walk through — neighbors, visitors, and friends, each reminded that Christmas magic is meant to be shared.

So mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and step into the story of three decades of candlelight, creativity, and community.

Let’s make this 30th anniversary the most magical yet.

Vacation Starts Here – North Myrtle Beach!
After touring these twinkling homes, continue your holiday magic by staying with Thomas Beach Vacations — where cozy oceanfront condos and festive getaways make every night feel like Christmas Eve.

📞 Call (843) 273-3001 or visit www.NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com to book your winter stay today.

Winter Concerts & Holiday Shows in North Myrtle Beach: A Season of Sparkle and Song

✨ A Coastal Winter Wonderland

There’s something magical about North Myrtle Beach in winter. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the ocean glows with a softer shade of blue. Locals trade their swimsuits for cozy sweaters, and the rhythm of life slows down—only to pick up again when the curtain rises on the city’s holiday entertainment season.

From late November through December, the Grand Strand transforms into a stage alive with music, laughter, and twinkling lights. Families gather, couples stroll hand in hand down Main Street, and everywhere you go, there’s a familiar carol drifting through the air. If summer is for sun and surf, winter here is for sparkle and song.

This season, North Myrtle Beach offers a lineup of concerts and performances that rival any big city—only with the warmth and Southern hospitality that make this coastal town so beloved.

🎭 Alabama Theatre: The South’s Grandest Christmas Tradition

Located in the heart of Barefoot Landing, the Alabama Theatre has been the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach entertainment since 1993. Each winter, it shines brightest with its legendary show, The South’s Grandest Christmas Show — a holiday spectacular blending comedy, dancing, and soaring vocals into a two-hour celebration that leaves audiences spellbound.

Expect a mix of classic carols, modern holiday hits, and gospel harmonies that fill the theatre with warmth and joy. The sets are dazzling, the costumes shimmer, and the live orchestra keeps the energy alive from curtain to close. It’s a show for all generations—grandparents, parents, and little ones alike—and a tradition that feels like coming home.

Tickets sell fast, especially for weekend performances in December. You can check schedules and book online directly through the Alabama Theatre’s official site or stop by Barefoot Landing to soak up the lights, shops, and restaurants before showtime.

🎅 The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

Just a short drive south on Highway 17 lies another Grand Strand institution: The Carolina Opry. For over 35 years, Calvin Gilmore’s award-winning theatre has enchanted audiences with its mix of country, pop, and gospel — and when Christmas arrives, it transforms into a wonderland of sight and sound.

Known locally as “The Christmas Show of the South,” this production features more than 35 talented singers, dancers, and musicians performing under a canopy of 35,000 twinkling lights. From snow falling over the audience to a live brass section that swings from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, it’s the kind of spectacle that captures the childlike joy of the holidays.

If you’ve never seen it, make this the year. For families visiting from out of town, plan a stop at Pirates Voyage Dinner Show nearby for another round of festive adventure before returning to your Thomas Beach Vacations oceanfront condo for cocoa and Christmas lights on the balcony.

🎤 Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre: Christmas on Main

New to the scene but already a local favorite, the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre brings a personal touch to North Myrtle Beach entertainment. A Grand Strand legend, Greg Rowles—longtime star of The Alabama Theatre and a beloved community figure—now hosts his own show, Christmas on Main, just steps from the oceanfront.

This event feels like a hometown gathering: warm, funny, full of heart. The show blends traditional carols with country charm, gospel harmonies, and a dose of Greg’s signature storytelling. Every song carries a sense of nostalgia, the kind that reminds you what the season is all about—faith, family, and community.

You can learn more or grab tickets directly from the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre website.

🎸 Holiday Vibes at the House of Blues

Not all holiday music comes wrapped in tinsel and choirs. At House of Blues Myrtle Beach, the season rocks a little harder. Each December, this Barefoot Landing landmark hosts a lineup of live shows and special events—from tribute bands and gospel brunches to seasonal blues and rock concerts.

The vibe is laid-back and electric. Picture a night out with friends, warm drinks in hand, and a guitar solo that shakes the lights overhead. If you’re looking for a break from tradition—or just want a dose of live energy after a day exploring Barefoot Landing—this is your spot.

And when the last encore fades, the walk back to your Thomas Beach Vacations rental will feel as festive as the show itself.

🏖️ Plan Your Stay with Thomas Beach Vacations

Whether you’re here for the lights, the laughter, or the music, the holidays in North Myrtle Beach have a way of warming the soul. Each venue offers something unique: a story told in songs and lights, a celebration of community, and a reminder that joy often comes in the simplest moments.

If you’re planning to attend one—or all—of these shows, stay close to the fun with Thomas Beach Vacations. Choose from over 400 vacation homes and condos, from oceanfront escapes to cozy family villas. After an evening of Christmas cheer, there’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of the waves just beyond your balcony.

Book early for the best selection at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com
or call (866) 249-2100 to plan your festive getaway today. This season, let the beach be your backdrop—and the music your memory.

Celebrate Coastal Flavor at the 20th Annual Little River ShrimpFest

Each October, the sleepy charm of Little River wakes to the rhythm of fiddles, fryers, and laughter. The salt air carries the unmistakable scent of shrimp sizzling in butter, and the waterfront—usually calm and steady—is suddenly alive with color, music, and Southern cheer. This year, the 20th Annual Little River ShrimpFest promises to be one of the most festive weekends of the fall, inviting locals and travelers alike to gather by the historic docks and celebrate the Lowcountry way.

A Festival with Coastal Roots

On October 11th and 12th, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Historic Little River Waterfront (4468 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC) transforms into a joyful promenade of music, art, and food. Two stages will hum with live performances throughout the weekend, while stilt walkers and balloon artists bring delight to every corner.

More than 100 vendors will line the waterfront—craftsmen, artists, and local businesses offering everything from hand-carved driftwood art to homemade jams. You’ll also find community booths and local organizations that make Little River the close-knit coastal town it’s proud to be.

The Taste of the Coast

But make no mistake—this festival belongs to the shrimp. Fresh, local seafood will anchor the day’s menu, served by beloved waterfront restaurants and talented food vendors. Whether you’re craving shrimp and grits, a buttery basket of fried shrimp, or the catch of the day, the ShrimpFest is where the flavor of the coast truly shines. Pair it with a cold drink and a little live music, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Carolina afternoon.

Family Fun and Local Flair

ShrimpFest is designed for everyone—from families with kids eager for face painting and balloon animals to couples looking for a fun fall outing. With its “rain or shine” promise, the event captures the coastal spirit of rolling with the tides. It’s not just a festival—it’s a tradition that celebrates community, creativity, and the timeless joy of good food shared by the water.

Ticket Information

• Online Advance Ticket: $10
• Day-of Admission: $10
• VIP Experience: $100
• Children 12 & Under: Free

Follow the event on Instagram and Facebook for live updates on festival conditions and music lineups.

Make It a Weekend at the Beach

With the ShrimpFest only a short drive from North Myrtle Beach, it’s the perfect excuse to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway. Enjoy your fill of shrimp and sunshine by day, then unwind in the comfort of your beach retreat at night.

Book your stay with Thomas Beach Vacations and make the most of the season—fresh seafood, ocean breezes, and the warm glow of Carolina autumn all waiting for you.

👉 Vacation Starts Here – North Myrtle Beach!
Browse our vacation rentals at www.NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com and find your perfect coastal escape today.