A Q& A with with Myra Starnes of The Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals

Q: What inspired the creation of the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, and how did it all begin?

A: The Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals began when I saw our community’s year slow down after Labor Day, leaving many without work and visitors without a reason to return until summer. I wanted to create something that would keep the spirit and the livelihoods of Myrtle Beach alive through the winter months. The holidays are such a special time, and this event gives friends, families, and especially women a chance to come together for a joyful adventure before the whirlwind of cooking, shopping, and wrapping begins. It’s about more than shopping or entertainment; it’s about laughter echoing down the aisles, memories made in Victorian charm, and neighbors supporting neighbors.

From the start, an important goal has been to bring both visitors and vendors from across multiple states to our community, so that everyone, from hotels and restaurants to small shops and service providers, benefits and thrives. November might be too chilly for a swim in the Atlantic (unless you’re braver than most!), but it’s the perfect time to dive into a sea of holiday magic, history, and community connection.

Q: For someone attending for the first time, what can they expect when they walk through the doors?

A: When guests walk through our doors for the very first time, they’re instantly transported into a splendid Victorian holiday marketplace, alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas past. Each “street” holds a new delight where you might hear the melodic barbershop carolers dressed in their finest, come upon a cheeky Punch & Judy puppet show that’s sure to bring a smile, a wise Tea Leaf Reader ready to share her mysterious insights, and a magician whose sleight of hand will leave you in wonder. But the true magic goes beyond the laughter, music, and Victorian treasures. One of the joys of the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals is that it truly offers something for everyone, from the littlest visitors to the seasoned holiday shopper. Children can step back in time to enjoy Victorian Parlor Games or take part in the Hunt for Scrooge’s Missing Presents, turning the show floor into a lively adventure. Our vendors add to the magic with beautiful children’s clothing fit for holiday portraits, sparkling handmade jewelry, personalized gifts destined to become family keepsakes, mouth-watering candies, and baked delights you simply can’t resist, handcrafted wooden toys and plush companions, festive holiday décor, fine art, fragrant candles, and one-of-a-kind treasures that will light up any child’s holiday morning and warm the hearts of everyone on your list. Guests can also explore our Festival of Worlds, where sponsoring organizations from across the Grand Strand share how different countries celebrate their winter solstice holidays. Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season, sampling special holiday dishes prepared by each sponsor. Best of all, every sponsoring charity keeps 100% of the proceeds from their food sales, making each bite both delicious and impactful.

And of course, throughout the show, guests have the chance to take part in our silent auction, filled with unique items donated by our vendors and community partners. The excitement builds all weekend, leading up to Sunday’s close when we announce the winners, knowing those proceeds will go directly to help our local charities continue their good works year-round.

Throughout the show floor, each charity has its own beautifully decorated space with signage sharing the items they need most. Visitors can stop by, chat with the charity representatives, and discover not only how to meet those immediate needs, but also how to become involved with their mission all year long. It’s a simple, personal connection that turns holiday joy into lasting community impact. The Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals is more than a day of festive fun; it’s a way for our community to come together, celebrate the season, and give back in the most joyful way possible.

Q: Who typically comes to the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals?  Do you mostly see locals, tourists, or a mix of both?

A: The Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals has a way of drawing people back year after year like old friends returning home for the holidays. In just four days, more than 20,000 guests pass through our doors. They come from all over the country, some from just down the road in Murrells Inlet, others from up the street in the Outer Banks of NC, and everywhere in between. Generations of families, lifelong friends, and tour groups have made this a beloved holiday tradition the kind you mark on the calendar before anything else.

It’s not just our visitors who come from near and far. Our vendors travel from across the country to “hawk their wares” in true Victorian marketplace tradition. They bring with them a world of artistry, craftsmanship, and unique finds that make each year fresh and exciting. Now in our 44th year, no show is ever the same. We search the country for new wonders, rare treasures, and unforgettable experiences so that every visit holds a surprise and every guest leaves with that unmistakable “WOW” and a heart full of holiday memories.

Q: What kind of businesses or artisans typically participate, and what opportunities do they gain from being part of the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals?

A: Step into the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, and you’ll find yourself wandering a Victorian holiday marketplace brought to life by an extraordinary mix of businesses and artisans. Each booth is like a shop on a bustling Dickens-era Street, from the baker offering sweet confections, to the woodworker shaping treasures by hand, to the boutique owner displaying one-of-a-kind finds from across the globe. Many are small, family-run businesses that pour generations of skill and heart into their work, while others are seasoned travelers who bring a touch of the wider world to our Myrtle Beach holiday tradition.

For these artisans, the show is more than a chance to sell; it’s a chance to connect. Over four magical days, they meet thousands of guests, share the stories behind their creations, and often see customers return year after year like old friends. They swap tips and laughter with fellow vendors, forging bonds that last far beyond the season. In the end, they don’t just leave with sales, they leave as part of the Dickens family, woven into the fabric of a community that treasures both tradition and the people who help keep it alive.

Q: How has the show evolved over the years, and what new features or additions are planned for the upcoming Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals?

A: Over the past 44 years, the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals has grown from a charming holiday marketplace into a full Victorian-era experience, brimming with history, entertainment, and heart. While we’ve always stayed true to our “step back in time” roots, each year brings new wonders from unique artisans and entertainers to rare historical exhibits that make our guests feel as though they’ve wandered straight into the 1800s.

Among our favorites are the authentic Victorian Bath House on Wheels once used to preserve a lady’s modesty while changing into her bathing costume and even being rolled to the water’s edge where she could enter the water discreetly and the grand Penny Farthing bicycle, a delightful but tricky contraption that’s a true sight to behold. Guests are also treated to the breathtaking Victorian Santas Through the Ages display, showcasing the many faces of Saint Nicholas as he’s evolved over time. And of course, the “real” Santa himself will be here, greeting guests in his Grand Castle and listening to Christmas wishes from the young and the young at heart.

Alongside these experiences, our dedication to community has grown as well. Throughout the show, guests can take part in our silent auction, filled with treasures donated by vendors and community friends. The bidding runs all weekend, and on Sunday as the show draws to a close the charities announce the winners. That moment is about more than prizes; it’s about the joy of knowing the proceeds will go directly to our local charities, helping them continue their good works year-round.

This year promises more dynamic vendors, photo op contests for great prizes, new entertainment (maybe a Victorian Stilt Walker), and more ways to immerse yourself in the magic of the Victorian season all while giving back to the community that makes it possible.

Q: What do you hope visitors take away from the show, beyond just shopping or entertainment?

A: Beyond the shopping bags and the joyful entertainment, we hope every visitor leaves the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals with a heart full of holiday spirit and a deeper connection to the community. We want them to feel as though they’ve stepped into another time where carolers stroll the streets, history comes alive, and simple acts of kindness still matter. We hope they remember the conversations they had with our artisans, the laughter shared with friends and family, and the moments spent learning about and supporting our local charities. Because at its heart, this show isn’t just about what you take home in your hands it’s about what you carry away in your heart: the joy of tradition, the warmth of connection, and the knowledge that together, we’ve made a difference.