November 21, 2011
Nights of a Thousand Candles in Murrells Inlet
Last week we took a look at some of the seasonal happenings in two of Festiva’s vacation destinations, Branson, M.O. and St. Augustine, F.L. The journey continues today in Murrells Intlet, S.C., home to Festiva’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East and the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens. The first public sculpture garden in America, Brookgreen Gardens is home to Nights of a Thousand Candles, a top 20 event in the Southeast according to the Southeastern Tourism Society.
Now celebrating its 13th year, Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of South
Carolina’s premier holiday festivals and will be held on the weekends of Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. During the festival the 30 acres that are open to the public are adorned with more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and countless lights, creating a magical wonder land that will leave visitors awe struck as they 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.
Each night there is also an extensive array of musical performances that 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. Be sure to check out the full schedule of musical performers here.
In addition to live music and an extensive display of candles there are two indoor exhibits that can be enjoyed during the festival. Starting one weekend earlier on Nov. 25-27, Signs of the Season in Flora and Fauna is an 
exhibit created by the horticulture staff to help inspire home decor. Bromelaid trees, wreaths, poinsettias and an assortment of natural materials are all masterfully used to create holiday decorations that leave enduring memories for all. Opening the same weekend, Signs of the Season in Art and History will include seasonal paintings and sculpture accented by an array of Christmas trees decorated with Victorian and pre-World War II-era ornamentation. Period costumes made by local fabric sculptor Mary Roehr will accompany the displays as you travel through the history of Christmas in this indoor exhibit.
Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington to help preserve native flora and fauna while displaying art within a natural setting, Brookgreen Gardens has more than 1,200 pieces of figurative sculpture by 350 artists and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark.
