When the fall season starts, the holidays follow soon after. They come one by one from Halloween through News Year’s — with the biggest for many of us, of course, being Christmas. For many, the anticipation of and preparation for the Christmas holiday is just as exciting and festive as the big day itself. Here in Myrtle Beach, that excitement and preparation get underway each year with the Dickens Christmas Show. It’s a tradition for not only many local families, but also for many of our guests at Paradise Resort. If you’ve never been, you need to see what the fuss is all about.
The 2016 Dickens Christmas Show marks the 35th year of an event that seems to grow every year both in attendance and size. Attendees enjoy unique and exquisite art, crafts and gifts. There is even live entertainment, and the event always features Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, of course. It attracts over 15,000 people from far and wide every year.
The event is held in a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall located inside the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. While attendees may be in the heart of Myrtle Beach, they will feel as though they have landed in the middle of a Dickens novel. All of the vendors are dressed in full Victorian holiday attire, adding to the festive ambiance of the event. This is not just a shopping trip or a holiday show — it truly is a holiday event that has to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated.
Late-October television and radio commercials in the Myrtle Beach area will tell you that “there is something for everybody at the Dickens Christmas Show” — and boy are they right! You’ll put a dent in your shopping list before the Thanksgiving turkey ever makes an appearance, and you’re not likely to ever have this much fun shopping anywhere else. This certainly isn’t your typical holiday shopping trip. Jewelry, toys, arts, crafts, holiday décor, home décor, quilts, gourmet food and so much more are found in the aisles of the show, and all presented beautifully.
After you do some shopping, you will want to take a break with some lunch or a snack followed by some entertainment. Entertainment options include a Punch and Judy Show (a must see!), a life-sized Santa Through the Ages exhibit, strolling Victorian Musicians and, of course, the real Santa and Mrs. Claus (a favorite among the little ones). This isn’t just a day of shopping — it’s an event with delicious foods and entertainment as well.
If you speak with locals and seasoned show veterans, you will hear over and over that one do-not-miss event is the silent auction. Here, attendees can place bids on gorgeous displays of trees, wreaths and more, with proceeds given to the sponsoring nonprofit.
In conjunction with the Dickens Christmas Show are holiday tours and a Victorian Holiday Tea.
The show runs November 10-13 this year. There is certainly enough to see and do at the show to make a weekend of it, or you can plan to see the show and other Myrtle Beach attractions while staying here with us at the Paradise Resort this pre-holiday season. Bring your family and friends — this could be the start of a brand-new holiday kickoff tradition. Need help planning? Give us a call — we’ll be happy to help!
