Beach Vacation in December USA: Myrtle Beach Guide
Short answer: Myrtle Beach can work for a December beach vacation in the USA if you want ocean views, holiday lights and outdoor time rather than reliably warm beach weather. The December average air temperature is 60.8°F and the average water temperature is 55.4°F, so pack layers and plan indoor options for chilly days.
What is Myrtle Beach weather like in December?
Myrtle Beach averages 60.8°F for air temperature and 55.4°F for water temperature in December. Average monthly precipitation is 4.06 inches, though day-to-day weather varies.
Cool mornings and evenings are a reason to bring layers, even if the afternoon feels mild. Check the forecast close to departure, then plan outdoor beach time for the warmest part of the day when conditions suit your family. The Visit Myrtle Beach climate table has monthly air, water and precipitation averages.
December is a better fit for beach walks, ocean views and holiday events than for a trip built around swimming. If a warmer-water beach is the priority, compare it with our guide to a December beach vacation in Key West.
Can you swim at Myrtle Beach in December?
You can visit the beach, but the average December water temperature of 55.4°F may feel uncomfortably cold for many swimmers. Treat ocean swimming as a personal choice, not the main activity to count on for a family trip.
Children may be happier with a short shoreline visit, sand play in suitable weather, or an indoor activity afterward. Some resorts promote indoor water amenities during winter, but operating dates, access rules and whether use is included with a stay vary by property. Confirm those details with the resort before booking if a pool is important to your plans.
What should you pack for Myrtle Beach in December?
Pack layers that can handle cool mornings, milder afternoons and changing conditions. A practical family packing list includes:
- Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a warm layer for each person.
- A wind-resistant outer layer for the beach and evening events.
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, plus shoes that can handle sand.
- Extra socks and a change of clothes for younger children.
- Sun protection for time outdoors, even when the air feels cool.
- Swimsuits only if you have confirmed a suitable heated or indoor pool at your accommodation.
For toddlers and preschoolers, keep an extra warm layer and dry clothes easy to reach rather than buried in the car. School-age children may manage longer outdoor visits, but a planned warm-up break can help make an evening light display more comfortable. For a broader family holiday comparison, see our guide to family Christmas vacations in the US.
What is open in Myrtle Beach in December?
Several outdoor and indoor attractions operate during at least part of December, but hours depend on the venue and date. Myrtle Beach State Park offers outdoor time, while the SkyWheel and seasonal light displays provide other options; check each operator’s schedule before setting a day’s plan.
Myrtle Beach State Park: The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from December through February. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors age 65 and older, $4 for children ages 6–15, and free for children 5 and younger, as of October 31, 2026. For a family of four with two adults and two children ages 6–15, admission comes to $24 at those listed rates.
One important planning detail: all state park trails are closed from November through January for maintenance and construction. The Nature Center is listed as open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; check the Myrtle Beach State Park page for updates before you go.
SkyWheel: The SkyWheel says it operates daily year-round starting at 11 a.m., but it is typically closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and weather can affect operations. Its enclosed gondolas are climate controlled. An online adult ticket is listed at $20.99 as of October 31, 2026; check the SkyWheel FAQ for current hours and operating information.
Restaurants and other venues: Opening hours at Broadway at the Beach and individual restaurants, attractions and nightlife venues vary. Check the specific business for your dates, especially around Christmas and other holidays, rather than assuming its usual schedule applies.
Families who want an indoor water option can also compare a dedicated indoor resort stay, such as Great Wolf Lodge in December. That is a different kind of trip from Myrtle Beach, but it may suit children who are counting on pool time.
What Christmas lights can you see in Myrtle Beach?
Two major holiday light options in the area are Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles and North Myrtle Beach’s Great Christmas Light Show. Their formats differ: Brookgreen is an evening garden event, while the Great Christmas Light Show is a drive-through display.
Nights of a Thousand Candles: The 2026 event is scheduled on selected dates from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, generally from 4 to 9 p.m. It is not listed as happening every night, so choose from the official event calendar before arranging dinner or travel. Adult tickets are $35–$40 and child tickets for ages 4–12 are $15–$20, depending on membership, as of October 31, 2026.
For a family with two adults and two children ages 4–12, the listed nonmember tickets total $120; the listed member tickets total $100. During the event, the Lowcountry Trail, Lowcountry Zoo, Floyd Family Farm, Bleifeld Gallery and Offner Center are closed. Check Brookgreen Gardens’ event dates and ticket details before choosing a night.
The Great Christmas Light Show: This two-mile drive-through route features more than two million lights and over 500 displays. For 2026, it is scheduled November 23 through December 30, with closures on Thanksgiving, November 26, and Christmas Day, December 25. See the official Great Christmas Light Show schedule for operating information.
Winter Wonderland at The Beach: The official site identifies the upcoming event as the 2026–2027 season, but its full schedule, parking details and maps are to be posted before opening night. Check the Winter Wonderland at The Beach website for dates and details before making plans.
Are Myrtle Beach attractions open on Christmas Day?
Some attractions close on Christmas Day, and holiday hours are not the same across Myrtle Beach. The Great Christmas Light Show is closed December 25, and the SkyWheel is typically closed that day.
Do not assume a restaurant, resort amenity or other attraction will be open just because it operates during the rest of December. Confirm Christmas Day hours directly with each venue, and build a low-pressure backup plan such as a beach walk if the weather allows. If your trip includes the SkyWheel, check its operating status before heading out.
Is Myrtle Beach crowded in December?
Crowd levels can vary by date and venue, so plan around the specific holiday events you want to attend. A selected light-display night or a holiday date may call for a different schedule from an ordinary weekday.
For a family, the practical approach is to reserve any must-do event for a confirmed operating date and leave room to change plans. If you want an outdoor stop, visit the state park with the understanding that its trails are closed during November, December and January.
How much does a Myrtle Beach December vacation cost?
There is no single family-trip total: lodging, flights and rental cars depend on your travel dates and booking choices. The attraction prices below offer a few concrete costs to use when estimating outings, rather than a complete vacation budget.
| Activity | Listed price | Example family cost |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach State Park | $4–$8 per person; children 5 and younger free | $24 for two adults and two children ages 6–15 |
| Nights of a Thousand Candles, nonmembers | $20–$40 per ticket, depending on age | $120 for two adults and two children ages 4–12 |
| Nights of a Thousand Candles, members | $15–$35 per ticket, depending on age | $100 for two adults and two children ages 4–12 |
| SkyWheel online adult ticket | $20.99 per adult | $41.98 for two adults, before any other tickets |
Prices are in US dollars and are as of October 31, 2026; check official ticket pages for current prices and terms. Confirm Winter Wonderland’s current schedule and details before including it in your budget.
Is Myrtle Beach a good beach vacation in December in the USA?
Myrtle Beach is a good December choice for families who value holiday lights, outdoor walks and attractions that operate in winter more than warm ocean swimming. The average air temperature is 60.8°F, but the average water temperature of 55.4°F makes a swim-focused beach break a less reliable fit.
Keep the schedule flexible: pair an outdoor visit with an indoor alternative, confirm holiday hours, and plan around the specific dates for seasonal events. If you are comparing other winter destinations, our guides to Florida beach conditions and warm-weather November getaways can help you decide which kind of trip suits your family.
Frequently asked questions
Is Myrtle Beach worth visiting in December with kids?
It can be a good fit for holiday lights, outdoor walks and attractions that operate in winter. It is less suited to a trip where warm ocean swimming is the main expectation.
What is the average ocean temperature in Myrtle Beach in December?
The December average water temperature is 55.4°F. Many visitors may find that uncomfortable for swimming.
Is Myrtle Beach State Park open in December?
Yes. Its listed winter hours are daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trails are closed from November through January, so check the park’s updates before planning a walk.
Is the Great Christmas Light Show open on Christmas Day?
No. The 2026 schedule lists Christmas Day, December 25, as a closure. It is scheduled to operate November 23 through December 30, 2026, except for its listed closure dates.
Is Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles worth visiting?
It may suit visitors looking for an evening garden light event. It runs on selected dates, and several garden areas, including the Lowcountry Trail and Lowcountry Zoo, are closed during the event.
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