Categories: Conway, SCEvents/What's HappeningHolidaysNews

Conway’s Christmas Tree Lights Up Holiday Spirit

The Conway Christmas tree lighting event brings joy to the community.

News Summary

Conway’s Christmas tree lighting event filled the city with festive cheer, despite the mild weather and low chances of a white Christmas. A surprise flurry of snow added some winter charm, but residents can expect sunny skies and comfortable temperatures for Christmas Day. While snowflakes may be a rarity this year, the holiday spirit remains strong as families gather to celebrate.

Conway’s Christmas Tree Shines Bright Amid Mild Holiday Weather

Christmas is just around the corner, and in the charming city of Conway, the holiday spirit is alive and well! The city’s Christmas tree was officially lit on Thursday night, bringing joy and festive cheer to the community. But this year, it seems that the magic of white snow won’t be part of the celebrations for Horry County.

In a delightful twist, a sudden flurry of snow surprised residents during the lighting event, adding a touch of winter wonderland vibes. However, it’s not expected to stick around for long. Meteorologists have dashed a few dreams for a snowy holiday, as the chance of a white Christmas in Horry County is **“climatologically very low.”** It appears this year has joined the ranks of Christmases past without the fluffy white precipitation.

Prepared for a Sunny Celebration

As we look towards Christmas Day, the forecast predicts a lovely and mostly sunny day with high temperatures settling comfortably in the mid-to-upper 50s. So, while snowflakes may be sparse, sunny skies will be a welcome sight. Residents should be ready for some cool breezes with overnight lows dipping into the high 30s—perfect weather for cozying up by the fireplace after festive celebrations.

A Little History on Snowy Christmases

For those dreaming of a *white Christmas*, the last time a significant snowfall blanketed the Grand Strand was way back in 1989, when a whopping 14 inches fell in Myrtle Beach just in time for December 24. Fast forward to recent history, and the last measurable snowfall was in 2018, where lucky spots enjoyed up to three inches of the white stuff.

Unfortunately for snow enthusiasts, this year doesn’t look promising at all. The odds of seeing snow on Christmas Day are sitting at a neat zero percent, thanks to a warming trend. There’s some good news, though! For those REALLY itching for a snowy escape, the closest spots with an inch or more of snow are in the mountains of south-central West Virginia. A little road trip could be in order!

Holiday Plans Taking Shape

As residents in Myrtle Beach prepare for Christmas eve, it appears the skies may remain gray with a sprinkle of cold rain, with temperatures hovering around the low 40s. However, there’s hope for those eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival! As Christmas Eve rolls on, skies are expected to clear up just in time for his descent into Myrtle Beach—talk about perfect timing!

Once Christmas Day arrives, those crisp sunny skies will allow families to bask in the holiday warmth, with temperatures expected to reach the low 50s. A pleasant day for gatherings, feasts, and the joyful spirit of the season.

Marine Hazards and Weather Tips

If you’re planning any beach activities, take heed! Ongoing winds in the Atlantic Ocean are creating marine hazards through Wednesday, so it’s best to stay cautious if you’re heading out to the water. Safety first, as always!

A little peek into the past reflects that the last snowfall in Myrtle Beach was in January 2022, while the last sighting of snow around Christmas on the Grand Strand happened on December 26, 2010, where a delicate half-inch dusted the area. Most years only grant about a 1% chance of a white Christmas in Myrtle Beach and Florence, and this year is no different with that zero percent chance looming large.

Keep the Spirit Bright!

Even without snow, the holiday spirit shines brightly in Conway, and Santa will surely make his rounds despite any weather challenges. So gather your loved ones, enjoy the sunny warmth, and create special memories this Christmas—snow or no snow!