Myrtle Beach’s Season of Celebration

From a horse drawn sleigh and ice skaters on stage to angels high above two guys on a mission, the Myrtle Beach area theatres celebrate the season with spectacular holiday productions. Blend in outlet, mall and specialty store shopping options with a host of wonderful events and you have the ingredients for a memorable winter tour.

• This holiday season Calvin Gilmore is pulling out all the stops to bring you the Silver Anniversary season of The Carolina Opry. A holiday tradition for 25-years “The Carolina Opry Christmas Special” brings the spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy and dance. The theatre is transformed into a winter wonderland where the magic comes alive from November 1 through January 1, 2011. Matinees are available on select days. www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

• With traditional classics and contemporary favorites “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” at Alabama Theatre is sure to please every visitor. The theatre’s talented cast of musicians, dancers and vocalist present a spectacular musical experience that will put your tour in the Christmas spirit. This year’s grand production begins November 2^nd and continues through January 1, 2011. Matinees are available on select days. www.alabama-theatre.com

• Legend’s In Concert, now in its 15^th Myrtle Beach season, is dedicated to tribute artists and their music. The holiday line-up will remind you of those great Christmas Specials from the early days of television. Performing this year are Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and a very special act to be announced. The 2010 Holiday Show begins November 1 and continues through December 22. Matinees are available on selected Tuesdays and Saturdays. www.LegendsInConcert.com

• This year The Palace Theatre will present a brand new show, “Christmas on Ice,” starring 16 Ice Skaters from previous Winter Olympics, high kicking dancers and vocalists from London’s West End and Broadway. The Palace Theatre stage will be transformed into a magnificent winter wonderland. “The Magical Spirit of Ireland Holiday Show” returns for its 3^rd season in the intimate King Suite Showroom. www.PalaceMB.com

• This year at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede watch and enjoy as the Sugar Plum Fairy magically brings to life a toyshop filled with colorful, giant toys. The holiday spectacular “Christmas at Dixie” runs from November 5^th through January 2, 2011 and features a Live Nativity Scene, a fabulous four-course holiday feast and plenty of entertainment. www.dixiestampede.com

• For its 15^th season Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament transports the audience back in time to the 11^th century. Enjoy the magic of a medieval holiday in North America’s longest running dinner show. Pageantry and excitement combine in this unique entertainment experience with heroic knights and beautiful Andalusia horses. www.medievaltimes.com

Along with fabulous entertainment at Myrtle Beach’s live theatre venues comes a magnificent variety of holiday events. For a complete list that will expand your itinerary and delight your guests visit www.MyrtleBeachGroups.com. Here are just a few to get you started.

• November 1 to December 30: Ripley’s Aquarium, South Carolina’s most visited attraction, presents the “Festival of Trees.” Over 50 trees representing each state in the United States display the heritage and diversity of our great nation. www.ripleysaquarium.com

• November 11 – 14: The “29^th Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festival” is a journey back to the 19^th century and a Victorian Marketplace with unique gifts, crafts, gourmet foods, clothing, toys and much more. www.dickenschristmasshow.com

• November 14: Carolina Beach Music Awards, Alabama Theatre www.cammy.org or www.alabama-theatre.com.

• November 15-Deecember 31: Broadway at the Beach’s “Christmas at Broadway” features dazzling themed lights, entertainment and special events. www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

• November 25-27: 41^st Annual South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival www.aandabluegrass.com

• November 30 & December 3: The 8^th Annual Holiday FantaSea, co-sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Coastal Network Cooperative, welcomes groups for two free mornings of award-winning entertainment, spectacular giveaways and a ton of Southern Hospitality. This 2009 ABA Top 100 Event is the Myrtle Beach area’s way of thanking groups for visiting. Reserve space for your group by e-mailing Mandy.Holt@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

• December 3-5: Springmaid Beach Resort’s 24^th Annual Winter Arts & Craft Show is where crafters display woodcrafts, glass & jewelry and much more. Admission is free. www.springmaidbeach.com

• December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 16, 17 & 18: Brookgreen Garden’s Nights of a Thousand Candles ushers in the holiday spirit with lights and luminaries, holiday music and Lowcountry food delicacies. A truly spectacular event awaits your group. www.brookgreen.org.