Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving 2026 – Events & Activities

Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving 2026 falls on November 26 and has much to offer.

You get to enjoy the perfect holiday without the stress of cooking or hosting. Restaurants handle all of the meals, and late-November weather stays mild enough for relaxing beach walks and a round of golf. 

Start your Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach with a morning run. The Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot takes runners and walkers through The Market Common on Thanksgiving Day. North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach hold their own races the same day.

During the same weekend, Christmas festivities begin. Myrtle Beach lights up with sparkling displays, attractive decorations, and seasonal entertainment shows, giving you another reason to celebrate Thanksgiving here. 

When you’re done with all of the hustle and bustle, head over to Marina Inn at Grande Dunes for a quieter waterfront escape. It’s a relaxing place to stay after a long day of fun with family and friends.

Table of Contents

1. Thanksgiving Dinner in Myrtle Beach
2. Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot
3. Winter Wonderland at the Beach
4. The Great Christmas Light Show
5. Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
6. Holiday Shows
7. Ripley’s Festival of Trees
8. Black Friday & Holiday Shopping
9. Play Golf
10. Walk the Beach
11. Explore Parks and Gardens
12. Why Stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes for Thanksgiving
13. Conclusion

In this guide, we will go over Thanksgiving dining, events, shopping, and outdoor activities in Myrtle Beach. Plus, we’ll walk you through accommodation options, so you know where to unwind and get a good night’s rest. 

Why Spend Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach?

During Thanksgiving week, Myrtle Beach has many different activities to indulge in, providing you with an opportunity to turn this holiday into a long weekend. Here are a few reasons why you should spend Thanksgiving this year in Myrtle Beach:

• Comfortable weather: NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals show a November average high of about 66°F and a low of about 42°F. It is also the driest month of the year.
• Smaller crowds: The beach and most attractions are quieter than they are in July.
• Golf, walking, and sightseeing: The pleasant weather makes it enjoyable to2 play golf, walk on the beach, or simply go sightseeing. 
• Family-friendly attractions: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is open every day of the year, which gives kids an indoor entertainment option to explore.
• Start of the Christmas season: Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving week is filled with holiday shows and light displays, creating a vibe that’s like none other.

Since the Thanksgiving weekend in Myrtle Beach is much busier than the rest of November, it’s best to book activities, restaurants, and accommodations in advance. Don’t forget to check out our Myrtle Beach in November 2026 guide to plan out your weekend properly.

Thanksgiving Dinner in Myrtle Beach

For a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner in Myrtle Beach, there are several options to explore.

Thanksgiving at Waterscapes Restaurant

Waterscapes Restaurant is Marina Inn’s on-site restaurant. It has an indoor bistro-style dining room and an outdoor terrace and patio with views of the pool. 

For the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner Myrtle Beach has to offer, stop by our signature restaurant. The buffet features a wide range of delectables, including roast prime rib, herb-roasted turkey, apple cider-glazed salmon, seasonal salads, flavorful sides, a children’s table, and much more. 

Here are the prices for our Thanksgiving buffet: 

• Adults: $79++
• Children ages 7–12: $35++
• Children ages 0–6: Free
• A 22% service charge applies.

Build up your appetite at the Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot and head over to Waterscapes for a satisfying fill. Call 843-913-2845 to reserve your table before they’re all booked. 

Other Thanksgiving Restaurants

There are many other dining options you can explore. But it’s essential to note that buffet menus and prices haven’t been announced for most of them yet. We will keep an eye out for important information and reservation details when they become available.

When you contact Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving restaurants, ask about:

• Set menu or regular menu: Some restaurants switch to a fixed-price holiday menu, so ask what it includes and costs.
• Seating times: Ask which times are open on Thursday, November 26, since some restaurants seat guests in set time slots.
• Kids and dietary needs: Ask about a children’s menu and gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan choices.
• Takeout: Ask whether you can order to go and eat back in your room.
• Reservation policy: Ask how far ahead to book and what happens if your plans change.

Confirm that a restaurant is open on Thanksgiving Day before you plan around it, then book as soon as it posts its menu. For year-round options, see our guide to Places to Eat in Myrtle Beach.

Thanksgiving Events & Activities

Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving events begin with Turkey Trots on Thursday morning. From there, there are many events and activities that’ll keep you busy throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.

Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot

Here are the details for the 20th Annual Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot 5K run:

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026. The 5K starts at 8 a.m., and the Kids’ Dash starts at 9 a.m.
• Location: Grand Park Lake Courtyard at Farrow Parkway
• Tickets / Registration: Register online only. The 5K costs $50, and the price rises after November 2. The Kids’ Dash is free. Registration closes at 6 a.m. on race day.
• What to Expect: The Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot is a family-friendly 5K for runners and walkers. The course does not allow strollers.

Other Grand Strand Turkey Trots

Three more races run the same day, including:

• Surfside Beach Turkey Trot: The 5K starts at 8 a.m. at 11 Ocean Blvd S, Surfside Beach, SC 29575. 
• North Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot: The $50 5K starts at 8 a.m. at Barefoot Landing.
• Calabash Turkey Trot: Just across the North Carolina line, this race has a 10K at 7 a.m. and a 5K at 8 a.m., plus a one-mile run. The 5K costs $50.

Winter Wonderland at the Beach

Enjoy fun activities at Winter Wonderland against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s what to expect:

• Date: Opens Friday, November 27, and runs nightly through January 2, from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
• Tickets / Registration: Free admission.
• What to Expect: A walk-through oceanfront lights display. Organizers have not yet published the full 2026 schedule, and we will add other programming when they do.

The Great Christmas Light Show

For a visually stunning evening, head over to North Myrtle Beach Park for The Great Christmas Light Show. Here are the details:

• Date: Nightly from November 23 through December 30, except Thanksgiving Day. Gates run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Santa’s Village is open Thursday through Sunday from November 27 through December 6.
• Location: North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, 150 Citizens Circle.
• Tickets / Registration: Pay at the gate because there are no online tickets. Standard vehicles cost $25 on Santa’s Village nights, with oversized vehicles and chartered buses priced at $50 and $100.
• What to Expect: A two-mile drive past more than 2 million lights. Park your car and walk through Santa’s Village for free activities like a petting zoo, photo ops, and Santa’s Rockin Christmas Tree Show. Train rides cost $3 per person.

Intracoastal Christmas Regatta

Besides the Turkey Trot and Winter Wonderland, there are many other things to do in Myrtle Beach on Thanksgiving weekend, including the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. Here’s what to expect:

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026. The maritime parade starts at around 5 p.m. and finishes at 7 p.m.
• Location: The Intracoastal Waterway, from Little River Inlet south to Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach.
• Tickets / Registration: Free to watch, but spectators are encouraged to donate new unwrapped toys, cat food, dog food, and kitty litter.
• What to Expect: Boats decked out in holiday lights travel south past viewing spots along the waterway, including Blue Drum Waterfront, Crab Catchers, Cherry Grove Marina, and many more.

Holiday Shows

For enchanting holiday performances, the following are three theaters that have Christmas productions in 2026:

• Carolina Opry Christmas Special: The show is at 8901 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. The performance runs from November 1 through December 31. Expect artists like Gary Brown, Tangena Church, Brand Long, and many more. Value tickets cost $29.95 for children and $53.50 for adults.
• Greg Rowles Christmas on Main: The show is at 701 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach. The season opens November 2, and showtimes are 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except for Tuesday and Thursday, when shows are at 1:30 p.m.
• Alabama Theatre’s The South’s Grandest Christmas Show: The South’s Grandest Christmas Show is on six nights a week at 7 p.m., with select matinees at 1:30 p.m. It runs from November 2 to December 31 at the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing. Ticket prices start at $49.95 for adults and $21.95 for children. 

Ripley’s Festival of Trees 

Ripley’s Aquarium traditionally hosts its Festival of Trees during the holiday season. It has not yet announced 2026 dates or admission details, and we will update this guide when more information becomes available.

Black Friday & Holiday Shopping

Black Friday falls on November 27, and Small Business Saturday follows on November 28. A Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving trip gives you plenty of outlets, open-air shopping districts, and local boutiques to choose from. Here are some that should be on your list:

• Tanger Outlets: Tanger has two Myrtle Beach locations, on Highway 17 and Highway 501. The Highway 17 center is about 3 miles from Marina Inn.
• Broadway at the Beach: Broadway at the Beach is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day, hours are between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hours for individual stores may differ.
• Barefoot Landing: It is in North Myrtle Beach, about 6 miles from Marina Inn, and has shops like Ron Jon Surf Shop and The Christmas Mouse.
• The Market Common: This walkable, open-air district has Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, and Barnes & Noble.
• Local boutiques: The Shops on Main in North Myrtle Beach has small local stores. Small Business Saturday is a good day to browse them.

Stores set their own holiday hours, so check the websites for Tanger and The Market Common before you go. For more options, see our Myrtle Beach Shopping 2026 guide.

Outdoor Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend

For a memorable Thanksgiving weekend, Myrtle Beach has many outdoor activities that you can enjoy, including: 

Play Golf

The iconic Grande Dunes Resort Course offers a golfing experience like no other. Perfect your swing on its par-72 layout, which has stunning views and holes along the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy a wide range of golf packages that include legendary Myrtle Beach golf courses, accommodation, and much more. 

For a memorable Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving 2026, make sure to reserve Thanksgiving-week tee times early.

Walk the Beach

To wind down after a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, Myrtle Beach has many beaches for a relaxing stroll. Myrtle Beach during winter is cooler, making sunrise walks the next morning and shell collecting great ways to enjoy the beach.

Explore Parks and Gardens

When you’re free, make sure to visit:

• Brookgreen Gardens: This Murrells Inlet sculpture garden hosts Nights of a Thousand Candles on November 27, 28, and 29, from 4 to 9 p.m. Buy tickets on Brookgreen’s website.
• Myrtle Beach State Park: This oceanfront maritime forest has a nature trail and a fishing pier.
• Huntington Beach State Park: It has a wide beach, marsh boardwalks, bird-watching, and Atalaya, the Huntington family’s former winter home.

Why Stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes for Thanksgiving

For a Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes gives your group a quiet place to stay along the Intracoastal Waterway. Here are a few reasons why you should stay with us: 

• Space for families and multi-generational groups: Marina Inn’s accommodations range from guest rooms to one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, perfect for families and multi-generational groups. 
• On-site dining: Waterscapes Restaurant and Reflections Kitchen & Bar are on the property, so you can eat without driving.
• Golf access: The Grande Dunes Resort Course and many other golf courses are nearby for a fun evening filled with games and conversations. 
• Pools, hot tubs, and spa: Marina Inn offers an outdoor infinity pool, two hot tubs, and many other resort amenities for you to enjoy. Choose one of our holiday packages, which come with an upscale room, secluded beach access, fine dining, and much more. Until November 30, you can take advantage of the Fall Escape offer, which provides a 20% discount with a 7-day advance purchase. 
• Holiday activities nearby: Marina Inn is conveniently located, with many North Myrtle Beach holiday activities just a few minutes away.

Tips for Planning Thanksgiving Weekend in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few tips to help you plan your Thanksgiving weekend in Myrtle Beach: 

• Book Thanksgiving dinner early: Reserve a table as soon as a restaurant posts its 2026 menu.
• Reserve your room early: Thanksgiving weekend can fill up, so lock in your dates first.
• Register for Turkey Trots in advance: Prices rise after November 2 for the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach races. Register as soon as possible.
• Buy holiday tickets ahead: Some Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving events require tickets, so make sure to purchase them in advance if online sales are available.
• Request golf tee times early: Ask Marina Inn’s golf concierge before Thanksgiving week for tee times. 
• Expect Black Friday traffic: Roads near shopping areas can get heavier on November 27, so plan accordingly.
• Check holiday hours: Thanksgiving hours can vary, so make sure to check them for retail outlets, malls, and attractions such as The Great Christmas Light Show.
• Bring layers: November averages a high near 66°F and a low near 42°F. Bring winter clothes for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Recheck schedules before you travel: Winter Wonderland has not yet published its full 2026 schedule.

Holiday schedules can change, so verify event, dining, and attraction details directly with the organizer before you visit.

Conclusion

With so many fun activities, from Turkey Trots and Christmas shows to golf, beach walks, and shopping, Myrtle Beach Thanksgiving 2026 works well for a holiday getaway. Plus, the weather is cooler, and the vibe is welcoming, making every event even more memorable. 

If you’re looking forward to a long Thanksgiving weekend in Myrtle Beach, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes offers a luxurious, quiet place to stay on the Intracoastal Waterway. Book your stay early, as rooms can fill up fast this time of year!