5 Reasons to Visit Myrtle Beach in December

When you arrive in December, the first things you’ll notice about Myrtle Beach are an abundance of local events and bountiful holiday cheer. Walk around Broadway at the Beach gazing at festive decorations, or head over to Brookgreen Gardens for the breathtaking Night of a Thousand Candles.

Because the weather in Myrtle Beach in December is so agreeable, it’s fun to attend outdoor tree lighting events, Christmas parades, or go on a sleigh ride at The Market Common. Don’t forget to see the impressive display at Ripley’s Festival of Trees—there’s a theme for every state!

Local Myrtle Beach theaters also go all out in December. Make sure to schedule time to see any of the wonderful holiday shows and productions during your visit. Some favorites of locals and tourists include Alabama Theatre’s “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show,” The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, and the Legends in Concert Holiday Show. The decorated venues are photo-worthy and the mix of traditional music and new holiday hits gets everyone into the spirit of the season.

While the December weather in Myrtle Beach may warm you up, the hot off-season hotel deals certainly will! The month of December has fewer people visiting, so hotels wanting to fill those vacancies offer some of their best rates in the winter compared to the rest of the year.

The average room cost for a Myrtle Beach hotel during December is about half that of one during the summer months. Use the extra savings to splurge on holiday shows, area attractions, or to extend your vacation and stay for the New Year’s Eve festivities.

Expect less waiting and shorter lines at your favorite attractions, shows, and events when you visit Myrtle Beach in December. You can usually find great dining options without reservations, and anyone looking to relax will be happy to find most of the summertime hustle and bustle disappeared with the crowds.

Take in The Grand Strand at a leisurely pace, wandering shops, strolling the boardwalk, and soaking in the hotel’s heated pool or spa. Another bonus of visiting Myrtle Beach in December is you’ll most likely see fewer tourists and more locals, an advantage for the visitor because locals know the ins and outs of everything and they’re great resources for dinner or nightlife recommendations and directions. 

If you’re from a northern state, the temperatures in Myrtle Beach in December will offer a welcome respite from the cold. With average temperatures around 60°F during the holiday season, Myrtle Beach is warmer than many US locations and has limited precipitation, so the mild weather feels pleasant to visitors.

The average ocean temperature is only 50℉ in December, so you probably won’t want to take a dip in the Atlantic this time of year, but it is warm enough to walk to shops without a bulky coat, dress up for fabulous dining, and hike through Myrtle Beach parks.

Ah yes, shopping. While you’re visiting, take advantage of all the fantastic shops and malls in the Myrtle Beach area to check some items off your holiday list. Since the stores are less crowded, you can take your time perusing to find just-right gifts for loved ones you’re missing back home and special souvenirs for yourself as well.

Myrtle Beach in December features lots of pop-up holiday markets and craft fairs too, which are excellent venues for finding one-of-a-kind items made by local artists. For retail chains, boutique stores, and specialty shops, visit these area shopping centers:

• Coastal Grand Mall
• Broadway at the Beach
• Barefoot Landing
• The Market Common
• Inlet Square Mall
• The Pawleys Island Hammock Shops
• Coastal North Town Center
• Tanger Outlets (two locations)