Your 3-Day Family Guide to Myrtle Beach Holiday Getaway
The holidays shine brighter at The Beach! Where twinkling lights reflect off the ocean, cocoa replaces cocktails, and joy fills the salty air.
Myrtle Beach turns into a family wonderland this time of year, with cheerful lights, live shows, and endless kid-approved fun.
Much like that line from Nat King Cole’s classic The Christmas Song about “kids from one to ninety-two”, The Beach is a place where Christmas magic reaches everyone — young, old, and joyfully in between.
Whether you’re exploring as a family of four or bringing the whole crew, this 3-day itinerary is packed with festive experiences, great food, and magical memories for all ages.
Day 1: North Myrtle Beach Noel
Breakfast
Blueberry’s Grill
Barefoot Landing
Start your holiday weekend with a hearty Southern breakfast the whole family will love. Blueberry’s is known for its creative spins on classics — think Bananas Foster French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict, and fluffy omelets that’ll fuel your festive adventures.
Morning
Shopping at Barefoot
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing shines during the holidays with decorated walkways, festive shops, and waterfront views. Pick up gifts at local boutiques, grab hot cocoa to-go, and stop by The Christmas Mouse for an ornament to remember your trip.
Lunch
Fun Coastal Eats at Barefoot
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing favorites like Lulu's, Crooked Hammock Brewery and Big Chill Island House all serve up delicious food with a side of fun. LuLu’s offers a sandy play area and kid-approved menu, Crooked Hammock Brewery has lawn games and craft brews for adults, and Big Chill Island House delivers live music and laid-back vibes.
Afternoon
Matinee Holiday Show
North Myrtle Beach
Make it a family tradition with an afternoon holiday show. The Alabama Theatre’s “South’s Grandest Christmas Show” dazzles with music, dance, and Santa’s big entrance, while Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre’s “Christmas on Main” mixes laughter, nostalgia, and Southern spirit.
Evening
The Great Christmas Light Show
North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex
After dark, pile into the car for this 2-mile drive-through light extravaganza featuring over two million sparkling bulbs. The kids will love Santa’s Village — with cocoa, s’mores, and a train ride — and parents will love the sheer magic of it all. (Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines!)
Day 2: Christmas by the Ocean
Breakfast
Croissants Bistro & Bakery
Grande Dunes Area, Myrtle Beach
Start your day with a taste of Southern comfort at Croissants Bistro & Bakery, where the smell of fresh-baked pastries fills the air and each plate feels like a little work of art. Think buttery croissants, decadent crab cake benedict, and rich lattes that make chilly mornings feel warm and cozy. If you’re really looking to ratchet up the holiday energy, check out one of the area’s Breakfast with Santa events at spots like Travinia Italian Kitchen, Hard Rock Cafe, or Tupelo Honey for pancakes, photos, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Morning
Broadway at The Beach
Myrtle Beach
There’s no better spot for family fun. Little ones can marvel at Ripley’s Aquarium and its Festival of Trees, while older kids putt through holiday-themed rounds at PopStroke or hit the bays at Topgolf. Parents can squeeze in some shopping for last-minute gifts at The Christmas Mouse or the specialty shops lining the lake.
Lunch
The Hangout
Broadway at The Beach
This family-favorite restaurant is part meal, part entertainment. Expect music, foam parties, and interactive games to keep the kids laughing while you dig into seafood, burgers, or salads. It’s a holiday lunch that feels like a celebration.
Afternoon
Explore The Gay Dolphin
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Spend your afternoon oceanside exploring the shops and classic attractions. Pop into the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove — a Myrtle Beach legend with more than 70,000 unique items spread across a maze of themed coves — where you could spend hours finding quirky gifts and treasures. Then, challenge the kids to a few arcade games, or stroll the pier for the perfect family photo.
Evening
Winter Wonderland at The Beach
Downtown Myrtle Beach
As the sun sets, the Boardwalk transforms into a glowing oceanfront light show filled with twinkling displays and music. Don’t miss a ride on the SkyWheel, where the family can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline glittering below.
Dinner
Oceanfront Dining
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
These family-friendly oceanfront restaurants combine casual dining with unbeatable views. Whether it’s burgers at LandShark Landing Bar & Grill, seafood at Pier 14, or rooftop fun at RipTydz, every spot lets you dine with the sights and sounds of the sea. BONUS OPTION: If your crew has the energy for more adventure, set sail at Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Show. This dinner show blends acrobatics, holiday spirit, and a hearty feast — perfect for kids who can’t get enough of the Christmas magic.
Day 3: A South End Celebration
Breakfast
Johnny D’s Waffles & Bakery
Surfside Beach
Start the day with one of the most famous breakfasts on the Grand Strand. Johnny D’s is a hit with families — kids love the Red Velvet Waffles and holiday pancake specials, while parents savor gourmet coffee and creative dishes. For a quick option, grab pastries or bagels from Benjamin’s Bakery or Milk & Honey Coffee Cafe.
Morning
Explore Surfside Pier & Local Shops
Surfside Beach
Enjoy a low-key morning strolling the pier or browsing small shops and surf stores for coastal gifts. Stop for lunch at Chimichanga Llama, Pizza Hyena, or River City Cafe — all casual, kid-friendly, and close to the water.
Lunch
The Hangout
Broadway at The Beach
This family-favorite restaurant is part meal, part entertainment. Expect music, foam parties, and interactive games to keep the kids laughing while you dig into seafood, burgers, or salads. It’s a holiday lunch that feels like a celebration.
Afternoon
Hammock Shops Village
Pawleys Island
Wander beneath the moss-draped oaks through this charming collection of boutiques and artisan stores. Let the kids watch the famous hammocks being woven at the Original Pawleys Island Hammock Shop while you finish some holiday shopping.
Evening
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
As night falls, Brookgreen Gardens glows with more than 2,700 candles and countless lights across its beautiful sculpture gardens. Sip cocoa, listen to carolers, and marvel together at South Carolina’s most breathtaking holiday tradition. (Pro Tip: Tickets sell out quickly, so book ahead!)
Dinner
Waterfront Dining
Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
Wrap up your weekend with waterfront dining at Wicked Tuna, Dead Dog Saloon, or Drunken Jack’s. The MarshWalk’s holiday lights sparkle across the water, and live music drifts through the evening air — the perfect family finale to a magical weekend.
