Home for the Holidays…at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach

Time with family and friends is always great during the holidays, but it is even more special at the beach! Ocean Lakes Family Campground has become a holiday tradition for so many families and we are waiting for our “extended family” to arrive. We never take a break from planning family fun!

This New Year's Eve more than 300+ participants are expected to take the ultimate icy challenge and immerse their bodies in the frigid waters of the Atlantic. Ocean Lakes Family Campground will host its 15th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at 3 p.m., at the oceanfront Observation Deck. Festivities will be open to all guests staying at the campground. Participants will be asked to bring two non-perishable canned items and pay a $6 yearly membership fee for the event. The membership will include entry into the Polar Bear Plunge, a t-shirt naming participants a “Polar Bear,” bragging rights and warm refreshments. Participants are asked to sign up in advance at the Recreation Office by noon that day.

Of course many of our guests love to venture out and enjoy all that Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand have to offer. Perhaps it is a last minute gift, or that something unique and special, or to spend some gift money?  Just south of Ocean Lakes in Pawleys Island is an awesome low country destination, The Hammock Shops.  Known for it’s hand woven hammocks, this historic shopping village features handcrafted items among its gardens and walkways. Stroll under the Live Oaks, shop unique shops, and even dine – all in one location!

Perhaps you’d like to be entertained? Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit like our award winning shows!

Legends in Concert proudly presents a heart-warming Christmas show. Experience the most wonderful time of the year with the world-renowned tribute artists.  Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, and the Blues Brothers™ not only perform their signature classics, but also come together to bring you the magical holiday music of yesteryear.  Whether you want to rock around the Christmas tree, or be uplifted by inspirational songs that capture the true meaning of Christmas, there is something for the entire family. Their newest production gives you the gift of two shows wrapped into one spectacular evening! Show runs through Jan. 2^nd and theater is dark Dec. 20-25^th.

If a pirate adventure is more to you liking, then ye will want to board the Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show, set to sail daily. Join Captain Blackbeard, the most famous pirate to ever sail the seven seas, and his quartermaster Calico Jack as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in an epic battle for lost treasure on land, on deck, in water and high above full-sized pirate ships in a 15 foot deep indoor hideaway lagoon. The Pirate’s are on the high sea through Jan. 2^nd and the theater is dark Dec. 24-25^th.

Celebrating 30 years, The Carolina Opry features an outstanding traditional Christmas show that will really put you in the holiday mood. The award-winning show blends two hours of high-energy music, comedy and dance! “The Christmas Show of the South” is a tradition with so many locals and visitors every year. Owner, producer, and entertainer Calvin Gilmore, works for months to create an unforgettable holiday experience, with his usual signature flair for production. As always, the 2015 Christmas show will bring stunning changes, beautifully blended with time-honored tradition to create a family experience that is second to none. This show runs through Jan. 2^nd and the theater is dark Dec. 23-25^th.

Love Christmas decorations? 

See Brookgreen Gardens come to life amid the soft glow of more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights from 3 - 10 p.m. Walk the paths with a warm cup of cider, hear the sounds of hand bells ringing, carolers singing, and celebrate the season with family and friends. Nights of a Thousand Candles continues to delight guests with beautiful candle and lighting displays and exceptional entertainment. The 80-foot-tall fir tree decorated with 60,000 lights will be lighted in ceremonial fashion at 5:45 p.m. every night.  

Then you will want to plan a trip to the “Festival of Trees” at Ripley’s Aquarium!  Festival of Trees includes 55 Christmas trees decorated to represent the heritage and diversity of our great United States and US Territories. Oh, and let’s not forget the Aquarium’s 14,000 aquatic animals including shark’s and Planet Jellies! What about something JUST for the kids (while mom and dad have a night out)? Try the “Kids New Year’s Eve Sleepover beginning at 8 PM and ending on New Year’s Day at 8 AM (reservations required). Festival of Trees is included with your regular Aquarium admission. Ripley’s Aquarium opens at 9am every day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, including Christmas Day.

Take a holiday and spend the holidays at Ocean Lakes Family Campground.