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.

Light Show

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!

Be sure to explore Thomas Beach Vacations’ other seasonal guides for North Myrtle Beach visitors:

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.