Where Holiday Cheer Meets Coastal Commerce
The lights are strung, the menus are refreshed, and the oceanfront is sparkling with festive energy. Myrtle Beach is stepping into the holidays with confidence, as hotels, restaurants, theaters, and shops across the Grand Strand turn seasonal excitement into real economic power. It’s a lively reminder that creativity and collaboration keep South Carolina’s tourism industry strong.
According to Tourism Works for the Grand Strand, more than 18 million visitors came to the Myrtle Beach area in 2024, spending around $13.2 billion, which is up more than five percent from the previous year. In addition, tourism now supports about 82,000 jobs across the region. That means this cheerful season is also one of the most important for the local economy.
This year, businesses are combining tradition with fresh ideas to make the holidays more memorable than ever. Winter Wonderland at the Beach lights up the Boardwalk each evening with live music, markets, and family activities. Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles fills the gardens with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles, art installations, and concerts beneath the trees. Local restaurants are unveiling coastal-inspired holiday menus, while hotels are using curated getaway packages and tech-forward upgrades like mobile check-in and contactless dining to give guests more comfort and convenience.
The success of these efforts shows how Myrtle Beach has learned to evolve with its visitors. Travelers want easy, authentic experiences that feel special, and the region’s hospitality leaders are meeting that expectation. Visit Myrtle Beach supplies the hottest trip inspiration, local favorites, and hidden gems!
Local entrepreneurs can take a few lessons from this momentum. Partner with neighboring businesses to offer bundled experiences such as a dinner-and-show combo or a resort stay with event access. Use the busy season to test new technology or limited-edition products. And tell the story behind your brand! Visitors want to connect with local character as much as they want a good view of the ocean.
For visitors, the holidays in Myrtle Beach are filled with parades, waterfront light displays, and coastal charm. For South Carolina’s business community, it’s a model of how smart planning and imagination can keep tourism and the state’s economy shining all year long!
Check out our guide for the latest festivals, foodie tours, and holiday happenings at guidetosouthcarolina.com/festivals!
