Christmas at the Beach

Although we probably won’t have a “White Christmas”, there are still plenty of festivals, shows, and decorations to put you in the Christmas mood while you are far from home. I would like to share my favorites with you that I look forward to every year.
I kick off my holiday season with the Intercoastal Christmas Regatta held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The festivities start at 5:00 at the Little River inlet, traveling south to their finishing point at Petes Landing in North Myrtle Beach around 7:00. The parade can be viewed along the waterway at various restaurants and marinas. My friends and I normally enjoy it from Filets Restaurant by the swing bridge. We arrive early, grab a table by one of the fire pits, and enjoy a wonderful evening of hot chocolate and great appetizers while “judging” the decorations on the boat. Be sure to bring a unwrapped toy with you as the regatta benefits area children on Christmas morning.
My one, can’t miss event of the season, Nights of a Thousand Candles starts Dec. 5th and runs thru Dec. 20th on Friday and Saturday nights 3:00-10:00.
For an amazing evening of lights and music, take a trip down to Pawleys Island to Brookgreen Gardens for this mystical event. The sculpture gardens are transformed into a magical wonderland of illuminated garden paths, sparkling live oaks, and live entertainment. We make an entire evening out of it, enjoying roasted oysters and homemade soup, getting a front row seat for the one-man rendition of A Christmas Carol at 7:30 and sipping on a glass of wine while listening to the hand bell choirs. A remarkable experience not to be missed!
And last but not least, the holiday season isn’t the same without a hometown Christmas parade and a Santa sighting! North Myrtle Beach hosts their Christmas parade on Saturday December 6 at 5:30. Stop in at the International Café for a bowl of homemade chili and hot cocoa while waiting for the bands, floats, and of course the man of the hour, Santa!
Enjoy your holiday season and feel free to share some of your favorite Christmas traditions at the beach!

Happy Holidays,
Debbie