Events that will get you in a festive mood this holiday season

The holiday season is now upon us, so you may be looking for some ways to start celebrating. There are plenty of events and activities that will take place near the Conway area through November and December.

Nov. 2, 2020 – Jan 6, 2021: The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

The first showing of The Carolina Opry’s Christmas Special titled “The Christmas Show of The South” will be on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. There will be one or two showings every day except for Sundays until January. Ticket prices begin at $42.95 for value seats. The Carolina Opry Theater is on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach.

Nov. 6 – Dec. 31: Christmas at Pirates Voyage

This Christmas special includes a four-course dinner and a retelling of Charles Dickens’ story, “A Christmas Carol.” Two crews, Emerald and Crimson, compete for the Christmas treasure while also trying to show Captain Scrooge the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a unique experience! Actors come out dressed as giant toys, and there is an appearance from a sea lion. Pirates Voyage is located on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. Tickets are $54.99.

Nov. 26: Grand Strand Turkey Trot Race Events

Taking place on Thanksgiving Day is the 14th annual Turkey Trot in Myrtle Beach. There will be four different locations for the race this year, the closest to CCU being the one at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. It’s a 5K that goes through The Market Common and the former historic Air Force Base and will begin at 8 a.m. Event t-shirts and post-race treats will be provided to participants. Registration costs $40 and will close on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot.

Nov. 23 – Dec. 30: The Great Christmas Light Show

This event will take place at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex from 5:30 to 9:30 every night from Nov. 23 and Dec. 30 except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This light show takes up the entire park, a 1.5 mile drive with over 2 million lights displayed. After the show, hot chocolate, s’mores, and a look at the Santa Express Train Ride will be available along with the opportunity to go through the Chris-maze. Prices may vary depending on when you go. It costs $15 per vehicle if Santa’s Village is closed and $20 per vehicle if it is open. Santa’s Village will be opened on Saturday and Sunday nights from Nov. 27 – Dec. 13. In the village, there will be a petting zoo, fire pits, hot chocolate, train rides, and a Rockin’ Christmas Tree Show every 30 minutes.

Nov. 27 – Dec. 31: Night of a Thousand Candles

This event will take place at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. where you will see 2,700 hand-lit candles and lights covering the gardens. Cider, wine, and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Tickets are priced at $25 each for non-member adults. Tickets must be purchased before arrival and are non-refundable. This year this annual event will have an additional 12 showings as they have cut the amount of tickets available per night in half due to COVID-19 regulations.

Photo courtesy of Brookgreen.

Dec. 3 – Dec. 17: Annual Rivertown Christmas Celebration

This celebration in Downtown Conway will take place every Thursday between Dec. 3 – Dec. 17 from 6 – 8 p.m. All events will be free. There will be carriage rides, entertainment and more. COVID-19 regulations will be enforced.

CCU usually hosts its own annual holiday park lighting, but so far there has been no announcement of that. Updates to come.