Celebrate the Season on the Grand Strand

If you’ve just moved into Bridgewater or are thinking about making South Carolina your new home, you’ll see how quickly the Grand Strand area comes to life during the holidays. The holidays along the South Carolina coast are nothing short of magical, and there’s no shortage of events and local traditions to help you and your family get into the spirit.

Intercoastal Christmas Regatta | Saturday, November 20, 2025, at 5 pm

Start your celebrations with one of the most iconic local traditions: the Intercoastal Christmas Regatta. This beloved annual boat parade lights up the waterway from Little River to North Myrtle Beach with festive décor and plenty of holiday cheer. Find a cozy viewing spot along the water and watch the boats as they pass!

If you fall in love with the charm of Little River during the regatta, take a moment to explore our Bridgewater community and its available homes.

Brookgreen Gardens Night of a Thousand Candles | November 28-January 4, 2025, 4-9 pm

Brookgreen Gardens is beautiful any day of the year, but during the holidays, it transforms into a scene from a movie. As the sun sets, the gardens start to shine with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and lights. After exploring the gardens, enjoy a cup of cider and listen to live music. Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens is a true South Carolina holiday staple. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

The Great Christmas Light Show | November 24- December 30, 2025, at 5:30 pm

If you love holiday lights, this is the event for you. The Great Christmas Light Show at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex features more than 2 million lights and over 500 displays, making it one of the largest light shows on the East Coast. This 2-mile drive-through event is perfect for families with young children or anyone looking to experience the holiday magic without leaving the comfort of their vehicle.

After the drive, make your way to Santa’s Village for photos, hot chocolate, a petting zoo, train rides, and more!

Admission Prices:    Standard Vehicle - $20 (Non-Village Nights)

Standard Vehicle - $25 (Village Nights)

Oversized Vehicles - $50 (All Nights)

Must-See Christmas Shows

Living in a Chesapeake Homes community means you’re close to some of the region’s best holiday performances. Popular shows include:

-            Christmas on Main at Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre

-            The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

-            The Alabama Theatre’s South’s Grandest Christmas Show

-            Pirates Voyage Christmas Dinner & Show

Each venue brings its own spin on seasonal classics.

A Southern Times Square at the Market Common | New Year's Eve

End the year with one of Myrtle Beach’s biggest celebrations. A Southern Times Square transforms Market Common into a street party with live music, a drone show, family activities, local vendors, and the highly anticipated midnight ball drop! Tickets are required, so grab them early if this is on your holiday bucket list!

Holiday Magic at Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is already one of the most popular spots year-round, but during the holidays, it transforms into a magical wonderland with Christmas lights, seasonal displays, and festive trees. Throughout December, you can enjoy live holiday music and visits from Santa, with plenty of places to pick up gifts.

Celebrate the Season, Chesapeake Homes Style

The holidays shine a little brighter when you live in coastal South Carolina, and every Chesapeake Homes community puts you close to the heart of it all. We’re proud to help you experience everything this special region has to offer.   Explore our community and find the home that brings your holiday season, and every season, to life!