Grand Strand Christmas

Weatherwise, we can’t start singing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” but step into five Myrtle Beach theaters and you’ll feast your eyes and ears on the splendor and sounds of Christmas.

Here’s a rundown on the array of live holiday shows.

‘Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show’

This show begins its fourth year with a yuletide edition. Diners of a four-course meal – a vegetarian option also is available – will join Captain Scrooge and Bob Cratchit in an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, on a journey to Christmases past, present and future in search of “the true reason for the season,” seeing giant toys come to life, performing acrobatics, as well as gymnastics and a live nativity.

WHERE: On U.S. 17 Bypass, near northern junction of U.S. 17 Business in Myrtle Beach

WHEN: 6 p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 2-3, 8-10, 13, 16-18, 20-23 and 28-31 and Jan. 1-2; 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 19 and 26-27.

TICKETS: $48.81; $27.11 ages 4-11; free for 3 and younger on lap of parent. To order: www.piratesvoyage.com.

‘The Carolina Opry Christmas Special – The Christmas Show of the South’

For the finale to the 30th season of The Carolina Opry – which in 1986 premiered the Grand Strand’s first Christmas show – founder/owner Calvin Gilmore has “hand-selected” all the songs. The repertoire will include such talents as Rocky Fretz, an original cast member and pianist, back for the season; the addition of a brass section, and the All That! hip-hop clogging group known for competing in two seasons of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and took part in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

WHERE: Calvin Gilmore Theatre, on U.S. 17 Business, near northern junction of U.S. 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach

WHEN: 7 p.m. Nov. 30; Dec. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16-17, 21-22 and 26-31 and Jan. 1-2; 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 3-5, 8, 10-12, 15 and 18-19.

TICKETS: Plus tax, $39.95, $49.95 or $54.95. For ages 3-16 and any student with ID): $28 or $36. Budget tickets, online only, and if available per show: $37.21; $22.33 for ages 3-16. To order: www.thecarolinaopry.com.

ALSO: “Thunder and Light,” with clogging troupe All That! – 4 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 17 and Jan. 2; $32.51; $20.42 for ages 3-16; $25.99 and $16.75, respectively, for budget seats. “Laser Light Shows,” in “Holiday,” “Classic Rock” and “Family Fun” themes – Check theater for times and dates. $15; $12 for ages 3-16 and students with ID.

Palace Theatre’s ‘Christmas Wonderland’

This new show begins a two-year run, also returning to for the 2016 holidays, with chorus girls kicking their legs high, Santa and elves taking audiences on a trip, and two Russian championship ice skaters, Oleg and Iuliia Tsimbaliuk, a married couple lacing up their boots to glide on an ice “pond.”

WHERE: Palace Theatre, Broadway at the Beach, at 21st Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach

WHEN: Through Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Thursdays.

TICKETS: Plus tax, $34.95, $39.95 or $44.95 (evening shows) and $29.95 (matinees). $9.95 for ages 3-12 for all shows. To order: www.palacemb.com.

‘The South’s Grandest Christmas Show’

The 2015 edition of the “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” includes five new cast members, seven new holiday numbers, new a special effects lighting accents, and LED lighting in costumes during some numbers. Grant Turner, the longtime comedian and co-host playing Ricky Mokel, also will chime in with skits about the season.

WHERE: Alabama Theatre, in Barefoot Landing, on U.S. 17 in North Myrtle Beach.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through Dec. 19, and Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 1-2; 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 15; Fridays-Saturdays through Dec. 19 (but not Dec. 18); 3:15 and 9 p.m. Dec. 31. To order: www.alabama-theatre.com.

TICKETS: $42.95, $49.25 or $52.90; $19.95 for 16 and younger.

ALSO: Eddie Miles’ “An Elvis Christmas,” Dec. 6 ($22.95, $26.95 or $31.95). “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” starring Gail Bliss, Jan. 15-16 ($29.95, $34.95 or $39.95).

‘Legends in Concert Christmas’

This lineup of tribute artists to close 2015 and ring in 2016 includes three holdovers from the autumn roster, but changing their tunes, of course: Jake and Elwood Blues and Elvis. Joining them are entertainers who are channeling Nat King Cole, Dolly Parton. Elvis Presley and Rod Stewart (Rob Caudill), and the Blues Brothers. The Christmas songs also will include duets – besides the Blues Brothers’ set – such as “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” by Dolly and Rod.

WHERE: Legends in Concert, 925 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach, at U.S. 17 Bypass and 29th Avenue North, across from Broadway at the Beach.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through Dec. 19; 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 8, plus on Dec. 5 and 12.

TICKETS: Plus tax, $38.95 or $43.95; $13.95 or $18.95 for ages 3-16. Booth: $49.95 and $24.95, respectively, per age group. VIP seating: $46.95. To order: www.legendsinconcert.com/myrtle-beach.

ALSO: Regular (non-holiday) shows 8 p.m. Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 1-2. New Year’s Eve shows 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31 (tickets $10 more in all tiers for later show, including simulcast Times Square ball drop and party favors)

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

This show showcases dressage and jousting on horseback, but does not shift to a yuletide version of the performance; the show continues year round.

WHERE: Medieval Times, 2904 Fantasy Way, close to U.S. 501 and George Bishop Parkway, just west of Myrtle Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway

WHEN: 6 p.m. Dec. 2, 4-5, 9-12, 18-19, 20-24 and 26-30 and Jan. 1-2; 5 p.m. Dec. 25; 5 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31.

TICKETS: Plus tax and processing fees, $53.95; $26.95 for ages 3-12; 2 and younger free if seated on a parent’s lap. To order: www.medievaltimes.com/myrtlebeach.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 6:39 AM with the headline "Grand Strand Christmas."