Your guide to Night of a Thousand Candles 2021

There’s an event this holiday season sure to lift your spirits. Night of a Thousand Candles will open on Nov. 30, a spectacle display you’re not going to want to miss. This marvelous display of gardens and sculptures comes alive in a whole new light.

It’s a scene of lights and food and fellowship that travelers come to take part in every year.

If there’s a way to go over the top with taste, Brookgreen Gardens does it. The grounds shine in the light of 2,800 hand-lit candles and more sparkling lights. Holiday lights and art meld into an incredible experience.

What is Brookgreen Gardens?

It’s a cultural center in Murrells Inlet, founded in 1931. Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington wanted to put sculptures and landscaping on display. By tour or your own wanderings, explore exhibitions year-round at Brookgreen Gardens.

How Long will Night of a Thousand Candles Run?

The exhibit opens Friday, Nov. 26, and the last show will be Sunday, Jan. 2. Hours are 4-9 p.m. each day, generally every Thursday through Sunday. Brookgreen Gardens will host a preview benefit on Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m.

What’s Special About the Preview Benefit?

It’s raising funds for programs that reach hundreds of families and students. Through generosity, Brookgreen can teach about the area’s arts, environment, and history. 

The Gardens make limited preview tickets available. Admission includes beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. nightly for Lighting of the Trees at the Leonard Pavilion. Note: There are no refunds. Brookgreen Gardens will consider unused tickets as a donation to fund initiatives.

How Can We Enjoy the Display?

Guests can walk garden pathways and enjoy cider, cocoa, and wine. Carolers will fill the air in this traditional celebration of the season. This night has earned a prestigious Travel+Leisure Magazine designation. The magazine named this event “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina.”

Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Need a scooter or wheelchair? We recommend these suppliers.

What if We Get Hungry?

We’ve had food available in the past. Plans for food trucks are still in the works for 2021, but Brookgreen’s onsite options will be open:

THE OLD KITCHEN | Head to the center of the sculpture garden for beverages, small bites, and soup.

BROOKGREEN BEVERAGE STATIONS | Stop by for beer, homemade hot cocoa, hot cider, and wine.

INLET AFFAIRS | We encourage reservations for indoor seated dining. Brookgreen will hold tables for 15 minutes before offering them to the next party. Call 843-235-6030 for reservations.

What if it Rains?

The show will go on! Bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Candles won’t be lit, but the many other lights in the display will be in full effect.

You’re in for a Super Stay at Litchfield Inn

For a clean, well-appointed room and friendly staff, Litchfield Inn is the choice. Stay steps from the beach and enjoy excellent meals with onsite dining. See photos of how beautiful it is to stay at Litchfield Inn, and book your stay today.

It’s a scene of lights and food and fellowship that travelers come to take part in every year.

If there’s a way to go over the top with taste, Brookgreen Gardens does it. The grounds shine in the light of 2,800 hand-lit candles and more sparkling lights. Holiday lights and art meld into an incredible experience.