November 12, 2010
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
Celebrating its twelfth year, Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of South Carolina’s premier holiday festivals not to be missed. Thousands of candles and lights illuminate the garden paths and sculptures while carolers and bells echo in the distance. Come see why the Southeastern Tourism Society calls Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.
Brookgreen Gardens, the first public sculpture garden in American, was founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington to help preserve the native flora and fauna while 
displaying art within that natural setting. Today, the gardens have over 1,200 pieces of figurative sculpture by 350 artists and an accredited zoo while being listed on the Register of National Historic Places as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1999 Brookgreen Gardens started Nights of a Thousand Candles and each of the past 11 years has hosted the festival over the first 3 weekends of December.
During the festival the 30 acres that are open to the public are adorned with over 5,000 hand-lit candles and countless lights, creating a magical wonderland that 
will leave visitors awe struck as the meander about the 10 unique garden areas. Candles aboard colorful floating bulbs drift softly in the fountains and ponds surrounding the sculptures as white lights gently cling to the limbs of mossy oaks, all illuminating the gardens with the magic of the holiday season. There are also two indoor exhibits than can be enjoyed during the festival. Signs of the Season in Flora and Fauna features evergreen trees, wreathes and plaques decorated with natural materials. Holiday sculpture, painting and decor dating from the late 19th century to the present will be on displayed during the Signs of the Season in Art and History exhibit.
Each night an extensive array of musical performances can be heard throughout the gardens as local choral ensembles, handbell choirs and jazz groups play classical and current holiday favorites. Bagpipes can also be heard as a bagpiper strolls the illuminated paths carelessly wandering about the grounds as visitors enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles will be held Dec. 3-4, 10-12 and 16-18 from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. just minutes south of Murrells Inlet. Gather friends, family and loved ones and come enjoy the beauty that is Nights of a Thousand Candles. For accommodations check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East located in Murrells Inlet.
