Celebrate the Holidays in Pawleys Island and Beyond!

From parades and home tours to light displays and live music performances, Pawleys Island and the surrounding area offers a variety of events during the holiday season.

Holiday events start in November and continue through Christmas and New Year’s Eve!

Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce said there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

“Children of all ages will be able to find activities and events on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® this holiday season,” Stevens said. “We hope everyone will be inspired to share the magic of the holidays with others.”

Following is a listing of these family-fun holiday events, presented in chronological order:

Lighting of the Park on Pawleys Island
Friday, Nov. 28, at 5 p.m.

Come join the Lighting of the Park celebration on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 5 p.m. on Pawleys Island. The festivities will be at Pawleys Island Nature Park near town hall at the intersection of the North Causeway to the island and Myrtle Avenue. This 5th annual holiday event sponsored by the Town of Pawleys Island is open to all and includes hot chocolate, holiday tunes performed by Tony Starlight & Chorus. A visit by Santa Claus is also on the agenda. Mayor Brian Henry will be the master of ceremonies for this free event.

Nights of a Thousand Candles
Friday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Jan. 4, from 4 to 9 p.m.

The Nights of a Thousand Candles goes into full swing beginning Friday, Nov. 28, as Brookgreen Gardens comes to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,800 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights in the evenings, from 4 to 9 p.m. on select dates Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026.

Walk the garden pathways with a warm cup of cider, cocoa, or wine. Experience the sounds of holiday music, carolers singing, and celebrate the season with family and friends! Dates for the event this season are: Nov. 28-30, Dec. 3-7, Dec.10-14, Dec. 17-21, and Dec. 30-Jan. 4.

Admission for Nights of a Thousand Candles is $35 for adults and $15 for children (members) and $40 for adults and $20 for children (non-members). Due to strict capacity limits, tickets must be pre-purchased. No drive-ups are allowed. Also available for pre-purchase again this year is The Sparkle and Fun Package add-on. For $10 more, this package includes a glass of sparkling wine or cider and holographic glasses to make the lights even more festive. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more arriving together. 

The only legitimate places to purchase tickets to Nights of a Thousand Candles are the website or the ticketing company. Please only purchase tickets from the official sources. If tickets are bought elsewhere, Brookgreen cannot guarantee their validity or whether you will receive them at all. For ticket information, call 844-271-3410, or visit the website at www.brookgreen.org.

Nights of a Thousand Candles has been named “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina” by Travel+Leisure Magazine and was the winner of the 2018 Charles A. Bundy award for excellence in tourism from South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism.

USA Today/10 Best has placed it in the running to be named Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in America for six years in a row. It is once again competing against 19 other events for the designation this year. The contest is decided by public vote. To vote for Nights of a Thousand Candles, click here.

MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights in Murrells Inlet
Open from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31

The MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights walk-through Christmas light experience is returning to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk this season. Bring the family, a friend, or that special someone and stroll the holiday lights on the MarshWalk. Relax and enjoy the salt air breeze while getting into the holiday spirit- and have a Merry MarshWalk Christmas.

It will feature the eight MarshWalk restaurants’ buildings along the half-mile boardwalk outlined in an array of Christmas lights paired with stunning arches synced with festive Christmas music in front of each restaurant. The display includes thousands of lights themed with the best Christmas songs that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The light show starts at the top and bottom of the hour from 5 to 11 p.m. nightly from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31. A huge 20-foot LED Christmas tree will be featured at the end of Veteran’s pier and will make the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. There will also be many festive photo opportunities spread throughout the MarshWalk including a candy cane arch, a gingerbread house, Santa, and a giant Christmas ornament.

Santa’s Village, open Friday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21, will feature children’s activities, a petting zoo, barrel cart rides, visits with Santa, princess and Christmas characters, and so much more. Children’s activities are located in between Wahoo’s and Drunken Jack’s and in the Wicked Tuna parking lot. Santa will be located on the roadside of Drunken Jack’s in front of their building and will be on his sleigh and ready for visits from Friday to Sunday 5 to 9 p.m. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. Vendors will also be available on Saturday nights where people can enjoy Christmas shopping. South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is one of the sponsors of this event.

Admission is free to the MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights walk-through experience. The MarshWalk Group includes the following restaurants: Bovine’s, Wahoo’s Fish House, Drunken Jack’s, Creek Ratz, Dead Dog Saloon, The Claw House, The Wicked Tuna, and Sloppy Jose’s Cantina and Seafood Grille. For more information, visit the MarshWalk’s website.

Photos with Santa at the Gullah Museum in Georgetown
Saturday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to noon

Santa Claus — “Sanyd Claw” in Gullah — is coming to the Gullah Museum of Georgetown to wish you a “Merry Chis’mus!” Take a free photo with Santa between 11 am until noon on Saturday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 13. Bring your own camera or use your cellphone. The museum is located at 123 King St. in Georgetown (Behind the Wells Fargo Bank on Front Street). For more information, contact the museum by email at gullahmuseumsc@gmail.com or call 843-527-1851.

Holiday Events at the Kaminski House Museum in Georgetown
Friday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 30

The Kaminski House Museum in historic Georgetown will host several holiday events, starting with LIght Up the Lawn on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free. RSVP here.

The holiday guided Candlelight Tour will be on Thursday, Dec. 11, Saturday, Dec. 13, and Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by clicking here. Step back in time and experience the beauty of the Kaminski House illuminated by candlelight. Wander through rooms decorated with holiday cheer and immerse yourself in the warmth and charm of the holiday season. There will be live music on the lawn for this Candlelight Tour.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, there will be a Family Fun Night from 5:30-8 p.m. at the museum. Enjoy a festive evening featuring a scavenger hunt for kids & a magical visit to the Kossove Terrace. Warm up with hot chocolate and gather on the porch. Tickets are $15 for adults and $2 for children. Get advance tickets here.

The Kaminski House Museum is located at 1003 Front St. in Georgetown. Contact the museum at 843-546-7706 or visit KaminskiMuseum.org for more details.

Magnolia and Mistletoe holiday events along Front Street in Georgetown
Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6

The Georgetown Business Association is hosting three events for the holiday season along historic Front Street in Georgetown.

On Friday, Dec. 5, there will be a traditional Christmas tree-lighting ceremony from 6-7:30 p.m. at Francis Marion Park. On Saturday, Dec. 6, there will be a Christmas parade starting at 3:30 p.m. And on Saturday, Dec. 13, there will be an ice-skating rink set up at Maritime Park from noon-8 p.m. For more information, visit discovergeorgetownsc.com.

Christmas with Friends of Atalaya in Huntington Beach State Park
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Friends of Huntington Beach State Park will hold its annual Atalaya Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5, with free park admission.

There will be craft vendors, baked goods, and entertainment throughout the day. Atalaya will be decorated for the holidays. All proceeds will go toward Friends projects for the park. The Pawleys Island Concert Band will perform. Huntington Beach State Park is located at 16148 Ocean Highway in Murrells Inlet. For information, visit the park website, or call the park at (843) 237-4440.

Murrells Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m.

This is another family-friendly event all centered around the lighting of the official Murrells Inlet Christmas tree on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4-6 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy hot cocoa, music, and a chance for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The tree-lighting ceremony, sponsored by Murrells Inlet 2020, will be held at Morse Landing Park, toward the south end of the Inlet. Admission is free. For more information, click here.

Night of Misfit Toys Kringle Krawl in Georgetown
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 9 p.m.

The theme for this year’s Kringle Krawl historic Georgetown is Night of Misfit Toys and will be held Saurday, Dec. 6, beginning at 4 p.m. at Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn and end at Gator Grill.

There will also be a special bartender competition, too. Dress up is optional. Having fun is required. Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn, a bed and breakfast with a twist, as it’s really a bed-and-brew, where guests enjoy partaking anytime of the year of the owners’ craft beer. It is located at 824 Prince St. For information, call (843) 997-4812.

Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m.

One day after the Christmas tree is lit in Murrells Inlet, the public is invited to the community’s annual Christmas parade and kickoff another holiday season. The parade is organized by Murrells Inlet 2020, a community organization.

With local high school bands, community groups and businesses participating, this event promises lots of holiday spirit and a fun time. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the intersection of Highway 17 Business and Wilcox Avenue. It will run through the MarshWalk business district and end at the intersection of Wachesaw Road. For more information, click here, or call (843) 357-2007.

Santa Crawl on the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet
Thursday, Dec. 11, 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Whether you are naughty or nice come feel the holiday cheer at the MarshWalk’s 11th Annual Santa Crawl on Thursday, Dec. 11. Starting at 5 p.m., enjoy the delightful spirits with drinks from each restaurant on the MarshWalk while feasting on the unforgettable festive flavors with amazing dinner specials.

Secret Santas will be strolling the MarshWalk looking for the best Christmas attire from 6pm-9pm. Be a Scrooge, Grinch, Santa, or perhaps an elf, no matter what gets you in the Christmas spirit, show us at the MarshWalk Santa Crawl. Contestants must register at the registration table located at Sloppy Jose’s Cantina and Seafood Grille. Please note: You must register between 5 and 7 p.m. to be eligible to win prizes.

Winners will be announced promptly at 9:30pm in between Wahoo’s and Drunken Jack’s. You must be present to win. This event is sure to be a joyous celebration.

Located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet, the MarshWalk is a boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary. The MarshWalk Group includes the following restaurants: Bovine’s, Wahoo’s Fish House, Drunken Jacks, Creek Ratz, Dead Dog Saloon, The Claw House, The Wicked Tuna, and Sloppy Jose’s Cantina and Seafood Grille. For more information, visit the MarshWalk’s website.

Jingle Jam & Joy with The Paul Grimshaw Band at Winyah Auditorium
Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m.

The Winyah Auditorium, a performing arts venue in downtown Georgetown, will present Jingle Jam & Joy with The Paul Grimshaw Band on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Winyah Auditorium website, or call the Winyah Auditorium at (843) 461-1342.

Yuletide Home Tour
Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 to 5 p.m.

The Georgetown Library’s 23rd annual Yuletide Home Tour will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1-5 pm. Visit beautiful holiday-decorated homes, churches, and museums in and around Georgetown’s historic district. It’s a fun day for a good cause: supporting the Georgetown Library.

Tour tickets are $25 per person/$20 for members of Friends groups of any of the ​Georgetown County libraries. This year’s tour features 12 stops, including three homes that have never before been part of the event. Among this year’s most exciting additions is Bethel AME Church, which was last on the tour a decade ago. The historic church, which dates back to 1863, has deep roots in Georgetown’s story. It was once a stop on local history tours and holds a special connection as the home church of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s grandparents.

Tickets for the Yuletide Home Tour are $25 per person/$20 for members of Friends groups of any of the ​Georgetown County libraries. Tickets may be pre-purchased online at the Friends of the Georgetown Library website.  

Or you may purchase them at any of the County Library branches: the Georgetown Library at 405 Cleland Street; the Andrews Library, 105 N Morgan Street; the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Road; the Southern Georgetown County Library, 4187 Powell Road; and the Waccamaw Library, 41 St. Paul Place.

And then tickets and tour information are to be picked up on Dec. 13 any time after 10 am at the Georgetown Library at 405 Cleland Street. In the event you have registered and you are unable to attend, the ticket price will become a fully tax-deductible donation to the Friends of the Georgetown Library.

​

Christmas Concert with the Pawleys Island Concert Band
Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Pawleys Island Concert Band will present a Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Waccamaw High School. Admission is free and it is open to the public. Waccamaw High School is located at 2412 Kings River Road in Pawleys Island. For more information, visit the Pawleys Island Concert Band Facebook page.

New Year’s Eve on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Ring in 2024 on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Each of the eight participating MarshWalk restaurants will feature festive drink and dinner specials, as well as live music. The MarshWalk group consists of the following restaurants: Bovine’s, Wahoo’s, Drunken Jack’s, Creek Ratz, Dead Dog Saloon, The Claw House, The Wicked Tuna, and Neptune Bistro and Raw Bar. For more information, visit the MarshWalk’s website.

New Year’s Eve of Love at Local in Pawleys Island
Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Celebrate the New Year on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at Local Eat Drink Celebrate, one of two restaurants located in the historic Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island. The event will feature a top-shelf open bar, peace-inspired cocktails and heavy hors d’ouevres. For more information, follow Local Eat Drink Celebrate on Facebook or visit the restaurant’s website.

Compiled by Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce