Christmas Cheer in Myrtle Beach: Holiday Movies to Watch!
Even though Coastal Carolina might not be your go-to spot for a classic snowy Christmas, it sure knows how to spread the holiday cheer! While we might not have flurries falling outside, Myrtle Beach is glowing with festive spirit—making it the perfect backdrop for holiday movies.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Filmmakers have caught on to the charm of this beach town, wandering around Horry County to capture the essence of the holidays. Kathryn Hedgepath, a local expert who shares tidbits of history through her tours with Myrtle Beach History Trolley & Step-On Tours, noted that while the area hasn’t been the centerpiece for many films, a couple of heartwarming holiday flicks have put it on the map. Grab your hot cocoa, and let’s dive into some delightful movies filmed right in our backyard!
Finding Love During the Holidays
First up is a romantic gem from 2020 that tugs at the heartstrings! The story revolves around Elle, a career-driven woman who has lost her Christmas spirit. What happens next? She meets Wesley, who pulls her into his hometown in South Carolina. Although we don’t catch mention of Conway in the movie, those familiar streets like the Rivertown Bistro and the enchanting Riverwalk are unmistakably featured, transporting us into the warm embrace of holiday romance. You may even find it curious when they’re said to be gallivanting in Baltimore! Where to watch? It’s available on Amazon Prime Video (rent it for $2.99), Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel.
A Touch of Holiday Sadness
If you’re in the mood for something a tad more emotional, check out a film that tugs at the heartstrings with a holiday twist. Set in 2013, it showcases the unbelievable lengths a husband goes to for his terminally ill wife. Outside of joyous scenes and laughter, this tale reveals a man who builds a splendid Ferris wheel in their backyard to create one final Christmas memory before it’s too late. Starring familiar faces like Mary-Louise Parker and Mandy Moore, it’s a touching story that resonates with anyone who appreciates a good holiday sacrifice. Although filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, any true Oprah fans know that the vibe captures a similar essence to our beloved Coastal Carolina. Watch it on Hallmark Movies Now, Plex, and Pluto TV; rent it for $2.99 on Prime Video.
Myrtle Beach Magic
Just recently in 2022, a heartwarming holiday romance added more sparkle to our local film scene. Featuring against the backdrop of Myrtle Beach’s iconic Sky Wheel and boardwalk, the film follows an elementary school teacher who’s lost her holiday spirit until her childhood friend returns home and invites her to spend Christmas with his family. Who wouldn’t want to be swept away in that adventure? This sweet film is streaming now on Prime Video (rent for $1.99) and The Roku Channel.
Christmas in Paradise
Let’s not forget the independent film full of Christmas spirit that premiered in 2020, which showcases various local spots in Myrtle Beach, Loris, and Conway! The movie is set in a fictional coastal town, Paradise, South Carolina, where the new city inspector despises Christmas and threatens to shut it all down. But can the community come together to save their cherished holiday? Locals put their heart into this delightful film during the COVID pandemic when many theaters went dark. You can watch it on Vimeo.com for just $2.99. It’s a fantastic way to support local filmmaking while indulging in some feel-good holiday spirit!
So, whether you’re snuggling up with a warm blanket or sipping on that hot chocolate, there’s no shortage of festive options this Christmas season in coastal Carolina. Grab your loved ones and get ready for a cozy movie marathon set right in the heart of our Myrtle Beach magic!
