Each year as the holidays draw closer, some hard-to-miss signs that Christmas is right around the corner begin to pop up on the Grand Strand. The temperatures begin to drop (a bit, anyway) on our stretch of the Carolina coast, the festive, red-and-green Christmas decorations begin to adorn area storefronts and local homes, and — marking a uniquely Grand Strand tradition — the area’s entertainment venues begin to present their annual holiday-themed shows.
Among the area’s most cherished and longest-running Christmas shows is The Carolina Opry Christmas Special — also known as “The Christmas Show of the South” — which enters its 33rd season this year and can be reached via an easy, 6-minute drive inland from Ocean Reef Resort on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront.
Highlighted by the smooth and deep baritone voice of the legendary Moses Braxton — who is returning for his first season with the holiday presentation in eight years — the 2018 edition of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special will bring the spirit of Christmas to life through music, comedy and dance. Other talented performers joining Braxton on the Carolina Opry stage include emcee Steve Sifford, comedian Kym “Bogie” Shurbutt and new cast member Delvin Choice (whom many may recognize from his appearances on NBC’s The Voice).
And the list keeps on going from there. The lineup of additional performers joining the show include new, 18-year-old cast member Rory John Zak, renowned clogging group All That!, Nashville recording artist Brad Long, Tangena Church, Christie Templeton, Chas Croft Sorrells, the Margaret Rice dancers, a bonus seasonal brass section, and the Calvin Gilmore orchestra led by Kevin Hughes. Further, a collection of over 35 of the nation’s most talented musicians, singers and dancers round out the award-winning cast.
Another shining star of the show is the Carolina Opry itself, which is decked out in extravagant Christmas decorations for the performances. The cheerful embellishments include a towering, 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with 25,000-plus lights, more than 35 additional Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, 5 miles of tree-lighting strands, countless ornaments and mounds of snow. And sure to please the kids are the magic tricks, Santa appearance and real horse-drawn sleigh that accentuate the cheerful atmosphere.
The Christmas Show of the South is set for near-daily presentations (and twice-daily presentations on select dates) throughout the months of November and December, and even into the first week of January. To get a sneak peek at the show and to plan your visit/purchase tickets, visit thecarolinaopry.com.
After loading up on holiday cheer at The Christmas Show of the South, return to Ocean Reef Resort to spend some quality family time in your comfortable oceanfront accommodations and to pamper yourself with some of the resort’s many amazing amenities. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation today — and get ready to soak up some Christmas spirit in Grand Strand style!
