We got into the holiday spirit early last year, visiting Myrtle Beach's Palace Theatre for the festive Christmas on Ice show in early November. We also got a little of Christmas shopping done early, too, at nearby Broadway at the Beach.

It's hard to believe holiday music is in the air again. But it is, especially along the Grand Strand.

The music theaters along the Grand Strand have been pulling in holiday music lovers for years with Christmas shows -- featuring traditional and contemporary music and dance, along with spectacular set designs, light shows and costuming. The fun starts this week, with shows opening Nov. 1 and running through New Year's.

It's a great chance to get your family in the holiday mood, and the shows are colorful, fast-moving and entertaining -- keeping even the youngest members of the family entertained. They also offer reduced priced tickets for children.

Here is a sampling of what you'll find:

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special has been wowing audiences for more than 25 years at its theater at 8901 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach.

Among the changes promised for this year are performances by Nathan Herron, known from his appearances on "American Idol" and "Can You Duet." Back this year is acclaimed vocalist Moses Braxton, who returned last year after a three-year absence.

The Christmas Show of the South opens for the season with a 7 p.m. show Nov. 1. The shows continue nightly through the end of the year, with Friday and Saturday shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Some individual days offer two shows. Check the calendar here for dates and times.

The Alabama Theatre presents The South's Grandest Christmas Show, bringing together talent, scenery and special effects.

The show combines traditional Christmas classics with some new twists. This year comedian Ricky Mokel will offer his own take on the Christmas season.

The show opens Nov. 1 and runs at 7:30 p.m. nightly Monday through Saturday at the theater at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, with some 2 p.m. matinees. Check the calendar here for dates and times.

The Palace Theatre brings Christmas on Ice back this year. The theater, located at Broadway at the Beach, is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a 40-foot ice skating rink on stage. The show features champion ice skaters, dancers and the songs of the season.

The show runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Check the schedule here for exact dates and times.

Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage (which opened this summer, replacing Dolly Parton's Stampede) is the newest theater offering in Myrtle Beach. It won’t be producing a holiday show this year because its new pirate-themed dinner show is so popular. But the theater expects to offer a Christmas show in 2012.