Festivals & Events
Guide to Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

Nights of a Thousand Candles is perhaps the most anticipated annual event of the holiday season. This event, which takes place each December at Brookgreen Gardens, features thousands of lights and hand-lit candles illuminating the beautiful sculpture gardens. Travel + Leisure named Nights of 1000 Candles the “best Christmas lights in South Carolina!”

If you’ve never been to Nights of a Thousand Candles, we’ve put together this guide to enjoying this unforgettable event.

Nights of a Thousand Candles every Thursday through Sunday in December starting Dec. 5-8. Saturday, Dec. 21, is the last night of the event. The gardens will be open from from 3-10 p.m. each night, and the event is held rain or shine unless conditions are too dangerous for the venue’s staff and volunteers. Brookgreen Gardens is located in Murrells Inlet, about 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach. 

Live Entertainment Schedule

Live entertainment is provided throughout Brookgreen Gardens, including musical acts at two tents.  

First Citizens Bank Tent near Pegasus sculpture:

•Dec. 5-8 | Raglan Road (Carolina Celtic Christmas) | 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 5-7 | Palmetto Bronze (Handbell Ensemble) |  4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 8 | Bill Oberst (A Christmas Carol) |  6:30, 8:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 12-15 | Prettier Than Matt (Folk and Pop Christmas) |  3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 12-15 | Paul Grimshaw Band (Rock, Pop, Variety) | 4:30, 6;30, 8:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 19-21 | Beach Brass Quintet (Horns for the Holidays) | 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 19 -21 | Ron and Natalie Daise (Gullah Family Christmas) | 5:30, 7:30 p.m. 

Tidelands Health Entertainment Tent in the Arboretum:

•Dec. 5-8 | Tru Sol Band (R&B, Soul and Dance) | 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 5-8 | Vocal Edition (Choral Holiday Favorites) 4;30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 12-15 | Rockey Fretz (Concert Pianist) 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 12-15 | Bill Oberst, Jr. (A Christmas Carol) | 5;30, 7:30 p.m. 

•Dec. 19-21 | Paul Grimshaw Band | 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 

•Dec. 19-21 | Vocal Edition | 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m. 

By the Numbers 

•4,500 candles are lit each night (volunteers re-light candles if they blow out)

•2 million additional lights throughout the gardens 

•130,000 lights on the Christmas tree

•5,500 nightly visitors, with about 52,000+ attendees total

• 3 months to set up and 2 months to break down

•150 staff and volunteers. 

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets must be purchased before the event and are non-refundable. Tickets may be exchanged for another night based on availability by calling 1-888-718-4253. The deadline to request a ticket exchange is 3 p.m. on the day before the date of your ticket.

Prices:

•Members: $20 for adults and $12 for children.  

•Non-Members: $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Special rates are available for groups of 15 of more arriving together. 

Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 off of Highway 17 Bypass between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.

(843) 235-6000

For tickets or more info, visit www.brookgreen.org