Santa Sightings: Where To Meet Santa in Myrtle Beach

November 28, 2023

Seeing Santa in Myrtle Beach during your holiday getaway is easier than you might think because this jolly fellow makes his rounds all over town. When it’s time to get your little ones a meet-and-greet with the man in red to pose for pictures and whisper their wish lists in his ear, we have you covered. Consult our handy list of Myrtle Beach Christmas parades, holiday events, and tree-lighting celebrations to find the Jolly Old Elf himself in Myrtle Beach.

See Santa at Myrtle Beach Holiday Festivals

Attending holiday festivals in Myrtle Beach is a sure way to get a glimpse of Santa—and likely a photo too. These family-friendly events feature a variety of activities for kids, adults, and everyone. See what holiday events are happening in town during your visit to the Grand Strand this winter:

November 24 to December 30 – Head 22 miles from Compass Cove to The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach to see the spectacular displays and visit Santa’s Village for photos and fun.
December – Hop on the Polar Bus Express at The Market Common, 3 miles from Compass Cove Resort, to enjoy an hour-long trip to the North Pole that ends with a visit with Santa; tickets are required for rides on select Fridays and Saturdays in December.
December 1 to 3 – Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is the site of Winter Wonderland at the Beach, a festival that offers kids’ entertainment, visits with Santa, and a holiday market, just a few miles up the shore from Compass Cove Resort; the free oceanfront light show continues throughout the season.

Find Santa at Parades in Myrtle Beach

Although he might be too busy to pose for a selfie, Santa serves as the grand marshal of several local Christmas parades. Whether you want to capture some great action shots or simply wave hello as he makes his jolly way through, here are the dates and locations of parades where Santa plans to appear:

November 25 – The Intracoastal Waterway Christmas Regatta may be the coolest spot to see Santa; head to Filet’s on the Waterfront to catch this flotilla of decorated boats, 28 miles from Compass Cove Resort.
December 2, 11 a.m. – A Very Broadway Christmas Parade at Broadway at the Beach begins near Dave & Buster’s and ends near WonderWorks, 5 miles from Compass Cove.
December 2, 5:30 p.m. – Drive 27 miles to the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade, which begins at 2nd Avenue North and proceeds to Main Street with Santa leading the way.
December 3, TBA – Murrells Inlet Christmas parade is 11 miles from Compass Cove along the MarshWalk, so find a seat and grab a bite along the route.
December 9, 10 a.m. – Catch Santa downtown at the Conway Christmas Parade, a beloved annual event just 16 miles inland from Compass Cove Resort.
December 9, 2 p.m. – The Surfside Beach Christmas Parade runs from Ocean Blvd. to Surfside Drive, offering a variety of fun floats and probably a Santa sighting (or two!); this community is only 6 miles from Compass Cove.

Santa Meet-and-Greets at Myrtle Beach Shopping Centers

Whether you prefer spur-of-the-moment visits with Santa or a well-planned, reserved time slot, there are opportunities for either one all season long in Myrtle Beach. Santa makes many stops at local stores, restaurants, and other venues right around the corner. Here are stores and shopping complexes hosting Santa visits in Myrtle Beach:

Santa’s Wonderland: Bass Pro Shops on Highway 17, 13 miles from Compass Cove Resort is transformed into Santa’s Wonderland from November 4 to December 24; make a reservation online for your free photo.
Coastal Grand Mall: Visit Santa’s Workshop at the Coastal Grand Mall in Myrtle Beach for professional holiday photos with Santa, available by appointment in November and December (walk-ins also accepted but not guaranteed); the Coastal Grand Mall is only 3 miles from Compass Cove Resort—get your holiday shopping and photos done in one stop!

Where To See Santa at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach

Compass Cove Resort in Myrtle Beach is only a 7-minute drive from The Market Common, which offers loads of meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with Santa throughout the season. Make plans to catch Santa at any of these events:

December – Santa will be available for photos every Sunday and Thursday in December from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
December 4 & 21 – Bring your pet to take photos with Santa from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
December 7 – Santa is visiting the Southern Living store for Ladies Night from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
December 9 – Have tacos and meet Santa at Nacho Hippo from noon to 2 p.m.
December 13 – A cocktails with Santa event will be held at Tupelo Honey restaurant from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
December 16 – Catch Santa at Nailed It DIY Studio during a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, complete with cocoa, crafts, and photos.
December 16 – The Seacoast Gallery is hosting Santa photos from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
December 17 – Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Seawitch Café between 10 a.m. and noon.
December 22 – Join in a happy hour with Santa at Gordon Biersch from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
December 23 – Make a reservation between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to have breakfast with Santa at Tupelo Honey.

Santa Sightings at Myrtle Beach Tree Lightings

Attend Myrtle Beach tree lighting ceremonies to kick off the holiday season and see Santa during your visit this winter. Nearly every shopping complex has its own festive affair, and the nearby communities do too, so there are endless chances to attend. If you’re in Myrtle Beach at the beginning of the holiday season, you can find Santa at these tree lighting ceremonies to get your name on his good list early:

November 11, 6 p.m. – The Broadway at the Beach tree lighting in the Hangout Courtyard happens 5 miles from Compass Cove and features live entertainment, special visits from you-know-who, and fireworks.
November 18, 6 p.m. – See Santa just 3 miles from Compass Cove at the Market Common’s tree lighting, which includes photos with Santa, live performances, and free carriage rides until 8 p.m.
November 18, 6 p.m. – Travel 14 miles from Compass Cove Resort to the Lighting of the Landing ceremony and a fireworks show; visits with Santa continue until 8 p.m.
November 30, 6 p.m. – Stop by downtown Conway for its Christmas tree lighting and welcome Santa to town as this little city 15 miles from Myrtle Beach kicks off a season of holiday events.
December 2, 4 p.m. – Led by Santa himself, the Christmas tree lighting in Surfside Beach features local choir performances, cookie decorating, and face painting, a 15-minute drive from Myrtle Beach.
December 2, TBA – Murrells Inlet tree lighting ceremony takes place annually at Morse Park, 13 miles from Compass Cove, and features Christmas crafts and treats plus visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Where Will You Find Santa?

It’s easy to join in all the holiday happenings when you book your stay at Compass Cove Resort in the heart of it all. Enjoy Santa meet-and-greets by day and relax at a luxury resort by night. The amenities at Compass Cove—indoor lazy river and pools, and bubbling hot tubs—make everyone’s holiday wishes come true. With comfortable accommodations and endless oceanfront views, your family’s getaway at Compass Cove Myrtle Beach will be the best gift of all.