Events you can attend if you stay local during winter break

While Christmas may be the off season in Myrtle Beach, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the break for holiday lovers and Scrooges alike. Should you decide to stay in the area over the winter break, exploring the options listed below may help you get the most of your vacation.

From December 26-31, sports fans can head to the Beach Ball Classic at the Convention Center in Myrtle Beach. The center will be hosting games for some nationally top-ranked high school basketball teams, including those from as far as Nevada and Arizona. Tickets can be purchased the day of at the arena for $15 each.

CCU’s men’s basketball game against North Carolina Central will take place on Dec. 14. Our women’s basketball team will be facing South Carolina State on Dec. 29.

James Angwin is a freshman at CCU from Myrtle Beach, shares his favorite pastimes.

“Top Golf is fun if you want to go out and do things. Mostly, I like to stay by the fire and watch Christmas movies with friends and family,” said Angwin.

There are many local festivities for holiday lovers, according to visitmyrtlebeach.com, and attendance to many events are also free of charge.

Multiple Christmas tree lightings have been announced, three of which will take place before break. McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach will be hosting their lighting ceremony on Dec. 1, and Conway City Hall will have theirs on Dec. 5.

Fans of Christmas parades can look forward to these two. The Downtown Conway Christmas Parade will be on Dec. 14 at 10:00 a.m. and the Surfside Beach Christmas Parade will take place on the same day at 2 p.m.

Arguably the most famous holiday spot in the area, Brookgreen Gardens will be hosting its annual Night of a Thousand Candles every week, Thursday through Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.There will be food, live music, and thousands of candles and lights, all creating a beautiful display you won’t want to miss. Tickets can be bought online for $25.

Additional light shows will be hosted every day from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30. Santa’s Village will be open from Nov. 29 – Dec. 15, but only on weekends. Santa’s Village carries snacks and hot chocolate, offers marshmallow roasting and children’s games, and it even has a free petting zoo. Prices vary based on number of people per vehicle, but 1-15 people is $15 per vehicle.

For festive family fun, consider attending the Riverwalk Christmas Celebration, which is put on every Thursday in downtown Conway, just 10 minutes from campus.

Students can also buy tickets to Christmas shows at the Alabama Theatre (as low as $43 per ticket) and the Calvin Gilmore Theatre (as low as $40).