5 Places to Shop for Arts & Crafts Over the Holidays

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Holiday shopping is like an Olympic sport for some folks, like a pentathlon of bargain-hunting, coupon-clipping, cart-racing, parking and packing. Those who do it successfully deserve a medal for going the distance, but it doesn't have to be all work. For those who like to do a little Christmas shopping during their Grand Strand vacation, there are lots of opportunities to pick up some hidden treasures without the rat race at these holiday festivals featuring arts and crafts:
 

  • Visitors to the Dec. 17 – 20 Nights of a Thousand Candles show are usually so focused on the aesthetic beauty of the Lowcountry botanical sculpture garden to notice the unique shopping opportunities at Brookgreen Gardens' holiday event. In addition to the usual souvenirs available for purchase in the on-site gift shop, special holiday-themed arts and crafts are on display for guests to take home a piece of the property with them or pick up for someone on your shopping list.
     
  • The new North Myrtle Beach Sports and Recreation Complex hosts the inaugural Christmas Wonderland event throughout the month of December, featuring a hayride light display, fireworks and lots of fun for all ages. But there's also a small shopping village filled with arts and crafts by local vendors. Pick up some holiday-themed goodies for stocking stuffers or some unique paintings of Grand Strand scenes. Let the rest of the family stay occupied with the 3D North Pole Playland while you browse for bargains.
     
  • If you have children who are into arts and crafts, there are several local outlets during the holidays. Bass Pro Shops' Santa's Workshop features lots of activities for kids to get creative and make gifts for family and friends. The Children's Museum of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach also offers daily activities that include holiday-themed arts and crafts, as do the local libraries. Chapin Memorial Library in Myrtle Beach and other branches in Horry County have full schedules of events.
     

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be all big-box stores and shopping malls when there are so many fun-filled events where you can find great arts and crafts. Enjoy the experience and then come back to Ocean Reef Resort for a peaceful night on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront and a happy holiday vacation.