November is one of our favorite months on the Grand Strand. The summer crowds are gone, the afternoons are still mild enough for a walk on the beach, and by the end of the month the whole coast starts lighting up for the holidays. Whether you live here year-round or you’re down for Thanksgiving, here’s what’s happening around Myrtle Beach this month.
Can’t-Miss November Events
Mythical & Medieval Fest (Nov. 7–8 and 14–15)
Knights, fairies and fire shows take over for two weekends. The festival has an artisan village, a fairy forest, medieval combat demonstrations and live music, and it runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Costumes are welcome but not required, and proceeds support Caleb’s Dragonfly Dreams, a local nonprofit for children in group homes and shelters.
Carolina Beach Music Awards (Nov. 8)
Beach music is about as Grand Strand as it gets. The “Cammys” honor the performers, songwriters and DJs who keep the sound alive, with the awards show at the Alabama Theatre at 3 p.m. and related festivities running Nov. 5–8.
Dickens Christmas Show & Festival (Nov. 12–15)
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center turns into a Victorian holiday marketplace with hundreds of costumed vendors, strolling musicians and Santa. It’s one of the easiest ways to knock out a chunk of your Christmas list in one afternoon.
Myrtle Beach Songwriters Festival (Nov. 13–14)
This free, first-year festival brings more than 50 songwriters to downtown venues for intimate song-swap rounds, with donations supporting Backpack Buddies. Grab dinner downtown and catch a couple of sets.
Art in the Park at The Market Common (Nov. 14–15)
The Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild sets up in Valor Park with painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, woodworking and glass. It runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and is a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift from a local artist.
Syrup Day in Conway (Nov. 14)
Head inland to the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, where volunteers show how sugar cane becomes cane syrup, the way Horry County farm families did it for generations. It runs 9 a.m. to noon, admission is free, and kids love the old-fashioned games.
Thanksgiving Week on the Grand Strand
Start Thanksgiving morning (Nov. 26) at The Market Common with the Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot 5K at 8 a.m. and the Gobbler Kids’ Dash at 9 a.m. (registration required). On Black Friday (Nov. 27), the Tanger Outlets on Highway 17 and Highway 501, Coastal Grand Mall, Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach all get busy, so go early or go late.
The Springmaid Craft Show also returns Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 27–28) with three floors of handmade gifts, coastal art and specialty foods, plus free admission and parking.
The Holiday Lights Start Early Here
One of the best things about November in Myrtle Beach is that the Christmas lights come on before Thanksgiving:
- Broadway at the Beach tree lighting – Nov. 14, with live performances, Santa and fireworks at 8 p.m.
- Dashing Through the Glow – Nov. 20–21, a fun walk/run through The Great Christmas Light Show route before it opens to cars.
- Lighting of the Landing – Nov. 21 at Barefoot Landing, with a tree lighting and fireworks over the water.
- The Great Christmas Light Show – opens Nov. 23 at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex (closed Thanksgiving Day).
- Nights of a Thousand Candles – begins Nov. 27 at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. Buy tickets ahead; popular nights sell out.
- Winter Wonderland at The Beach – the oceanfront lights display downtown kicks off in late November and runs into early January.
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta (Nov. 28)
Boats decked out in lights parade down the Intracoastal Waterway, leaving Little River Inlet at 5 p.m. and reaching Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach around 7 p.m. It’s free to watch, and spectators are encouraged to bring a toy donation for local kids.
Local Tip: Get Outside While It’s Mild
November is prime time for things that are miserable in July. Take a guided kayak tour through the marsh around Waties Island in North Myrtle Beach, walk the trails at Myrtle Beach State Park, or spend a morning on the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet. Bring a light jacket for after sunset.
Look Sharp for the Holidays
Between Thanksgiving dinner, family photos and holiday parties, November and December are the busiest months of the year for a fresh cut or new color. If you want to look your best for the holidays, plan your visit early. Grand Strand Hair Design is at 5919 N Kings Hwy in Myrtle Beach, with a full-service barber shop and hair salon under one roof.
Event dates and times were current when this post was published. Please check with each organizer before you go, as schedules can change. For more, see the Visit Myrtle Beach events calendar.
Top photo: “Myrtle Beach ferris wheel” by The ed17, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.