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.
Halloween BOOnanza North Myrtle Beach 2025 (Family Guide)
As October tips toward twilight, the soccer fields at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex start to glow—jack‑o’-lantern grins, cotton‑candy sunsets, and kids in capes racing the chilly breeze. That’s the night the City’s Parks & Recreation team, together with Coastal Carolina University’s Leadership class, turns green grass into orange‑and‑black wonder for Halloween BOOnanza. It’s a homespun carnival with small‑town heart: magic shows, marshmallow roasting, games that make you laugh, and inflatables tall enough to make superheroes feel right at home.
Event at a Glance
What to Expect
BOOnanza feels like North Myrtle Beach at its best—neighbors swapping “hey y’all,” little monsters practicing their roars, and the sweet smell of toasted marshmallows rolling across the fields. It’s playful, safe, and designed for families to explore at their own pace. With dusk arriving right on schedule, the park transforms by the minute—perfect for photos, candy‑grins, and memories that last well past bedtime.
Activities & Attractions
- Magic shows that turn giggles into gasps.
- Marshmallow roasting—bring your sweet tooth and a steady hand.
- Games for every age and attention span.
- Inflatables where caped crusaders can bounce off some excitement.
- And more seasonal surprises sprinkled throughout the evening.
When & Where
Location: NMB Park & Sports Complex, Soccer/Lacrosse Complex — 150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566
For day‑of weather updates, please check the City’s Facebook page.
Admission & Ages
Cash only at the gate. (Concessions priced separately.)
- Ages 3 and up: $5 (including adults)
- Ages 2 and under: Free
This event welcomes children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Costumes, Weather & Handy Tips
- Dress for motion—costumes that move, layers for the evening breeze, comfy shoes for parents.
- Bring a small tote or bucket for prizes and treats.
- Have cash ready for admission; concessions are extra.
- Check the City’s Facebook page for weather information on the day of the event.
Make It a Fall Beach Weekend
When the last trick‑or‑treat grin fades, settle in for a cozy coastal night. Stay close to the action in an ocean‑view condo or choose a spacious home where the kids can retell their favorite moments before lights‑out.
Book with Thomas Beach Vacations: NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call (866) 249‑2100.
🍀🍝 A Taste of Two Worlds: The 21st Annual Irish Italian International Festival
Walk down Main Street in North Myrtle Beach on a September morning, and you’ll hear it before you see it. A fiddle riff slides over the crowd, followed by the warm tenor of an Italian ballad drifting out from the next block. Laughter rises, the smell of garlic knots mixes with corned beef and cabbage, and suddenly you realize—this is no ordinary Saturday. It’s the Irish Italian International Festival, and it’s back for its 21st year, promising a day where two beloved cultures meet in one joyous celebration.
🎶 Main Street Comes Alive
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM, Main Street transforms into a pedestrian paradise. Roughly 15,000 people will gather—families with strollers, college kids clutching cannoli, old friends leaning on railings with pints in hand. It’s all free to enter, and whether the sun is blazing or the rain decides to join, the festival goes on.
Everywhere you look, there’s movement. Artisans line the sidewalks with colorful crafts, vendors hand out festival favorites, and jugglers, musicians, and street performers thread through the crowd, turning every corner into its own stage.
🍀 Irish Tunes & Italian Serenades
The festival splits its soul between two stages. On the Irish Stage, sponsored by Flynn’s Irish Tavern, the day begins with The Byrne Brothers (10:00–11:30), followed by the thunder of the Coastal Carolina Shield Pipes and Drums. Later, Clovers Revenge takes the mic, leading into the rollicking finale by Barleyjuice from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Meanwhile, the Italian Stage, sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, carries its own rhythm. Anthony Bucciero kicks things off, followed by Thomas Road, then the crowd shifts for the spaghetti showdown at 1:30. The day closes with Chris Taylor and The Rumor, serenading festival-goers until the final note fades into the evening air.
🍝 The Famous Spaghetti Eating Contest
At the heart of the Italian side lies the festival’s crown jewel: the Spaghetti Eating Contest, proudly sponsored by Ledo Pizza. Contestants, hands tied behind their backs, dive face-first into steaming plates of pasta. The rules are simple: first to finish wins bragging rights and a prize. The spectacle begins around 1:30 PM at the Italian Stage on Hillside Drive—but if you’re hoping to compete, sign-ups are open from 10 AM to noon at the Info Booth. It’s free to enter, but spots fill quickly, and you’ll want to show up hungry.
🎨 Vendors, Crafts, and Competitions
This isn’t just a feast for the ears and stomach—it’s a full marketplace. Artists and crafters display handmade treasures, and food vendors compete for the titles of Best Entrée and Best Dessert. Non-food vendors aren’t left out either; their booths transform into works of art, vying for the title of Best Decorated Booth. It’s part competition, part carnival, and part cultural showcase.
🚗 Parking & Practical Tips
The city makes it easy with free parking scattered around:
Lot beside Convenience Store & More (250 Main Street)
McLean Park (93 Oak Drive)
1st Ave North & Ocean Blvd. Lot
1st Ave South & Ocean Blvd. Lot
Arrive early to snag a good spot and give yourself time to wander before the stages get busy. The event runs rain or shine, so bring a hat or an umbrella—and maybe a little patience, as 15,000 folks can pack Main Street in a hurry.
✨ Why This Festival Matters
For over two decades, the Irish Italian International Festival has been more than an event—it’s a North Myrtle Beach tradition. It’s the one day a year where Celtic reels blend with Italian arias, where neighbors and tourists alike gather under strings of flags to share stories, food, and laughter. It’s a cultural handshake, a reminder that the Grand Strand thrives not just on sand and surf, but on the people and traditions that bring its streets to life.
🏖️ Stay Close to the Celebration
The best way to enjoy the festival? Pair it with a beachside stay. After a day of music, food, and laughter, nothing beats retreating to a cozy ocean-view condo or a spacious vacation home just minutes from Main Street.
Let Thomas Beach Vacations be your host. Book your festival getaway now at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com
or call us at (866) 249-2100. Come for the culture, stay for the ocean breeze—and leave with memories worth toasting to.
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.
Fall Seafood in North Myrtle Beach: Best Restaurants & Markets
There’s a sweet calm that settles over North Myrtle Beach when the heat eases and the sun slides down a notch. The air turns crisp enough to make you hungry, and the tide starts whispering the kind of secrets only a skillet understands. Around here, fall is seafood season—shrimp pop fresh, oysters come into their glory, and fish markets smell like the ocean wrote a love letter to dinner.
Pull on a light sweater, bring your appetite, and let’s eat like locals: simply, generously, and with a grin you can’t wipe off.
Oyster Time, Shrimp Season, Coastal Joy
When the months gain their “R,” the Lowcountry shifts into oyster gear. In South Carolina, recreational shellfish harvesting typically runs October through May (dates can vary a bit year to year), which is why fall menus start sounding like poetry—roasts, stews, raw bars, and platters that taste like the very tide itself. If you’re harvesting, check the SCDNR season and closures; if you’re just eating (a noble calling), you’re in luck: local restaurants and markets showcase the goods the minute the waters say go.
Classic Markets for Take-Home Feasts
Platt’s Seafood (Cherry Grove)
If you want the crowd-favorite fish market where locals actually shop, head to Platt’s Seafood in Cherry Grove. It’s a North Myrtle Beach staple for fresh shrimp, flounder, and more—perfect if your vacation rental has a hungry stove waiting. Address: 1104–1108 Sea Mountain Hwy in NMB.
Boulineau’s (with Seafood Counter)
A few blocks away, Boulineau’s anchors Cherry Grove with a full grocery and a serious seafood counter (steam service available—music to a cook’s ears). Great for picking up sides, sauces, and all the fixings for a condo-kitchen oyster night.
Pro tip: If you’re roasting oysters at your rental, bring heavy-duty gloves and a short, sturdy oyster knife. The ocean rewards the prepared.
Waterfront Views with Seafood That Sings
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill (Barefoot Landing)
Part restaurant, part seafood market, Flying Fish overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing. Think raw bar, Lowcountry favorites, and a vibe that says “linger.” Perfect for folks who like to point at the water between bites.
Boardwalk Billy’s
On Doc Holidays Marina with boats bobbing and the breeze doing its good work, Boardwalk Billy’s is an easygoing spot for shrimp, sushi, and ribs (yes, both—this is Carolina hospitality). It’s casual, family-friendly, and very North Myrtle Beach.
Snooky’s Oceanfront
For “the beach is literally right there” energy, Snooky’s Oceanfront on North Ocean Blvd pairs oysters and seafood plates with an Atlantic panorama. Brunch, raw bar, and that just-stepped-off-the-sand feeling.
Hoskins Restaurant (Main Street Classic)
Since 1948, Hoskins has been filling bellies on Main Street with plates that read like a Southern hug—seafood, fried chicken, and pie you swear you don’t need until it arrives. It’s an institution for a reason. Hoskins Restaurant
21 Main at North Beach (Date-Night Polished)
When the evening calls for white-tablecloth sparkle with seafood options and steaks, 21 Main at North Beach answers in style. It’s the place to toast a fall sunset and a plate of something worth remembering.
How to “Cook Like a Local” in Your Rental
- Keep it simple: Fresh shrimp + butter + garlic + lemon = applause.
- Let oysters shine: If you’re not shucking raw, steam until they just open. Serve with lemon, hot sauce, and saltines—fancy optional.
- Lowcountry must-do: Shrimp and grits (stone-ground if you can find ’em).
- Shop once, feast twice: Grab seafood at Platt’s or Boulineau’s, plus sides and beverages, then enjoy a second-night po’boy or pasta with leftovers.
Handy Notes Before You Dig In
- Oyster season & closures: Check SCDNR for current season dates and any temporary closures before harvesting; restaurants and markets source accordingly. Generally Oct–May is go-time.
- Reservations help: Fall is popular (smart travelers know), so book prime-time tables for weekend evenings—especially at date-night spots like 21 Main.
- Sunset strategy: Time dinner to land right after a beach sunset. The colors do half your storytelling.
Build Your Itinerary (and Your Appetite)
- Stroll Cherry Grove at golden hour, then slide into Snooky’s Oceanfront for oysters with a view.
- Spend a lazy afternoon browsing Barefoot Landing, then settle at Flying Fish for a raw-bar start and seafood supper.
- Stock the condo from Platt’s and Boulineau’s, cook in, and toast the tide from your balcony.
- Bring the whole crew to Boardwalk Billy’s for dockside eats and easy atmosphere—no dress code but bring your appetite.
- Save one night for Hoskins on Main—because “since 1948” tastes like tradition.
Where to Stay (Close to the Good Stuff)
Book a place that puts you near the markets, the marinas, and the ocean you came for. Browse oceanfront condos and beach homes with Thomas Beach Vacations so dinner can be the short walk your appetite deserves. Start at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call (866) 249-2100—we’ll match you with the right kitchen, the right view, and the right distance to that first oyster.