Most people don’t associate the Christmas holidays with the beach, but those folks are missing out. The Grand Strand becomes a winter wonderland, sans the snowy weather, during the holidays, hosting parades, tree lightings, Santa sightings and, perhaps best of all, putting on some of the best Christmas shows in the nation.
With several off-Broadway style theaters and shows appearing during the months of November and December, local theaters save their best for the end of the year to put folks in the holiday spirit. Spectators return year after year to see the same inspirational shows, which undergone regular updates to keep them fresh but maintain the traditional Christmas feel. Here are the top five holiday shows to see while you are in Myrtle Beach. (Note: If you are planning to see one or more of these shows while you are in town, read on. There are no spoiler alerts):
Alabama Theatre: Named for the Country Music Hall of Fame super group that got its humble start as the house band at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, the Alabama Theatre delivers the award-winning show “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show.” Featuring outstanding singing, dancing and comedy routines with a down-home holiday twist, this Barefoot Landing venue delivers a quality performance that plays to packed houses. Opening Nov. 2, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance at www.alabamatheatre.com.
The Carolina Opry: Country music mogul Calvin Gilmore’s theatre presents its 30th annual holiday special beginning Nov. 2. “The Christmas Show of the South” offers a star-studded cast performing dance numbers to holiday classics. This year’s refreshed show features the talented tap dance troop “All That,” which dazzled audiences on NBC’s national hit TV show “America’s Got Talent.” The highlight of the show is an appearance by an actual horse-drawn sleigh, complete with decorations and piloted by the jolly ol’ elf himself. For show times or more information, visit www.thecarolinaopry.com.
Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals: This isn’t your traditional sit-down theatre show, but it is one of Myrtle Beach’s biggest holiday traditions. For more than three decades, the Myrtle Beach Convention Center has been transformed into a 19th century Christmas Village based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “A Christmas Story.” Featuring displays that highlight the history and traditions of the holiday, along with rows of vendors selling Christmas-themed decorations, arts and crafts and antique toys, the Dickens Christmas Show also offers several off-site festivals, such as tree-lightings, shows and exhibits. Tickets may be purchased at the door but off-site events require advance purchases at www.dickenshristmasshow.com.
Legends In Concert: This Broadway at the Beach Theater showcases tribute artists performing their best impersonations of popular music and comedy acts. But the holidays take over the stage in November and December, with performances by traditional holiday performers like Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Elvis Pressley. Legends In Concert also offers a special “dinner and a show program” that allows you and your party to dine at one of Broadway at the Beach’s many top restaurants before catching the holiday show. For reservations, visit www.legendsinconcert.com/myrtlebeach.
The Palace Theatre: The popular “Christmas Wonderland” holiday showcase returns even bigger and better in 2016. In addition to the singers and dancers who grace the stage and delight audiences, this performance includes an ice-skating rink on the stage with professional skaters putting on amazing routines. Music includes all the holiday favorites so the crowds can sing along, and the high-kicking dance troop puts everyone in the holiday spirit. For more information on show times and tickets, visit www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com.
Come join us at Long Bay Resort this holiday season for all the great holiday shows we have to offer! You will not want to miss these great family events!
(Posted: 10/26/15)
