Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach: Events & Things to Do
Planning Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach? Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and the long weekend is a great time to enjoy more than just a big meal. From holiday light displays and craft shows to a decorated boat parade and free events along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, there are plenty of Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving activities to add to your itinerary. Whether you are visiting for a few days or turning Thanksgiving into a full Myrtle Beach vacation, here are some events worth adding to your calendar.
Start Thanksgiving Weekend With the Great Christmas Light Show
If you are looking for a family-friendly holiday event, head to the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex for the The Great Christmas Light Show. The drive-through display opens November 23 and features more than two million lights and more than 500 holiday displays along its approximately two-mile route. The show is closed on Thanksgiving Day but reopens November 27, when Santa’s Village also opens for the season.
When: November 23 onward; closed November 26
Where: North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, 150 Citizens Circle, Little River
What to do: Drive through the holiday lights, then visit Santa’s Village for additional family activities.
Shop Local at the Springmaid Craft Show
Thanksgiving weekend is also a great opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping. The Springmaid Craft Show takes place November 27–28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree Resort/The Ellie Beach Resort. The three-floor event features handmade holiday decorations, artwork, coastal gifts and specialty foods from regional artisans and vendors. Admission and parking are free, and Santa is scheduled to make appearances both days.
When: November 27–28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: DoubleTree Resort/The Ellie Beach Resort
What to do: Browse handmade gifts, holiday décor, artwork and specialty foods while supporting regional makers.
Browse the Myrtle Beach Christmas Bazaar
Want more places to find unique gifts? The Myrtle Beach Christmas Bazaar offers another indoor option. Taking place November 27–29 at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, the three-day event features more than 150 vendors. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, holiday décor, crafts, boutique items and more.
When: November 27–29
Where: John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, 2115 Sports Center Way
What to do: Shop from more than 150 vendors and find gifts or decorations before the Christmas rush really gets going.
Watch the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
For something a little different, head toward the Intracoastal Waterway on Saturday evening for the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. On November 28, decorated boats will make their way from Little River Inlet toward Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach. It’s the perfect unique light show you’re looking for to get into the holiday spirit! The parade begins around 5 p.m. and is expected to arrive around 7 p.m.
When: November 28, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Intracoastal Waterway, from Little River to North Myrtle Beach
What to do: Find a viewing spot along the route, watch the illuminated boats pass by and consider bringing a toy donation to support local children. The event is free to watch. Make a reservation at the nearby Filet’s Waterfront to enjoy dinner while you watch the show.
See Winter Wonderland at the Beach
Thanksgiving weekend also marks the beginning of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade’s holiday season. Winter Wonderland at the Beach brings free walk-through light displays to the Downtown Myrtle Beach Boardwalk from 5–9 p.m. nightly. The 2026 season runs through January 2, making Thanksgiving weekend a great time to see the lights before the December crowds arrive.
When: November 27–January 2, nightly from 5–9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, including Plyler Park
What to do: Walk through the oceanfront light displays, take photos and enjoy the holiday atmosphere along the Boardwalk.
Make an Evening of Nights of a Thousand Candles
Just south of Myrtle Beach, Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens is another standout Thanksgiving weekend event. Starting just after Thanksgiving and continuing through the holiday season, visitors can explore illuminated gardens filled with thousands of hand-lit candles and sparkling lights while enjoying seasonal music.
When: November 27–January 3, 4–9 p.m.
Where: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
What to do: Walk through the illuminated gardens, listen to live holiday music and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the Grand Strand’s most popular holiday traditions.
End Thanksgiving Weekend With a SkyWheel Ride
After a weekend packed with Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving events, leave some time for one more view. A sunset ride on SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is a great way to take in the fall scenery from above, with panoramic views of the ocean, beach and Boardwalk. It is an especially memorable way to wind down a Thanksgiving weekend at the coast.
There’s no better view of the season than from the top of Myrtle Beach’s most iconic attraction. Reserve your ride on the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach today and celebrate any occasion from the best seat on the coast. Question? Give us a call at 843.839.9200