The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

In December of 1986, Calvin Gilmore was just completing his first season of shows on the Grand Strand. While The Carolina Opry had enjoyed an amazing and immediate success in its original location in Surfside Beach, Gilmore had cautiously planned only one weekend of Christmas performances.

Five shows were scheduled for three days. When by mid-November those shows were sold out, Gilmore added a second weekend of five shows. When those were gone, he added the weekdays between the weekends. Every performance sold out. The rest, as they say, is history. The Carolina Opry has remained the most attended and most loved Christmas Special in the Southeast.

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special offers an unparalleled celebration of America's most loved holiday, a heart-warming, funny, and dazzling family tradition that just gets better and better. Now in its 24th year, the Christmas Special (which has been featured on NBC and in USA Today) combines the traditional music of the season with Yuletide comedy for an evening of holiday entertainment you'll long remember. Performed November and December by a cast of 34, in the palatial 2,200-seat Carolina Opry theater.

While The Carolina Opry breaks new ground each Christmas, there are some things that audiences count on enjoying year after year. Among these is Gilmore's 'Beautiful Star of Bethlehem', which has been a fixture in the show since 1986, and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', a full-cast free-for-all which features Bogie acting out all the parts for twelve consecutive verses. And never to be forgotten is the emotional impact of the shows finale: Rita Gumm performing 'He's Alive'.

Featured on NBC and in USA Today:

'It's music, it's laughter, it's dance - it's Christmas!'

'Fabulous costuming and dazzling lighting'.

This show is seasonal and only operates from November through to early January.

Schedule details

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

Departure Point:

The Carolina Opry Theater, Myrtle Beach

Directions to the Theater will appear on your voucher

Departure Time:

Auditorium opens at 6:05pm (12:05pm matinees)
Pre-show starts at 6:30pm (12:40pm matinees)
Must be seated by 6:50pm (12:50pm matinees)
Christmas Special starts at 7:00pm (1:00pm matinees)

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Christmas Special

Inclusions:

• Show Admission

Exclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Food and drinks

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 72 hours of tour date. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• The show is approximately 2-1/2 hours long including a short, 20-minute intermission
• Casual dress
• Smoking permitted outside only
• Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive access to your voucher documentation which must be printed. Exchange your voucher for a ticket at the Group Sales office the night of the performance. Group Sales is located on your right as you enter the lobby of the theater.

Terms and Conditions:

All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.