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.
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.
December 7, 2009
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Christmas is near and the Lights are here! Brookgreen Gardens’ Night of a Thousand Candles is here. Brookgreen’s most popular annual event has been named one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society. There are more than 4,000 candles lit each night and 145,000 mini and traditional lights on display.
Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve just south of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The 9,200-acre property includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures, the Low Country Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems on the property.
The ‘Night of a Thousand’ visitors will stroll through the gardens and view spectacular lighting displays along with hand-lit candles that illuminate garden paths.
Visitors will walk through the gardens to view the light and candle displays as well as open entertainment. Visitors are recommended to wear comfo
rtable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Adult tickets are $10, kids ages 6-12 are $4 and children under 5 are free!
If you are in the area and would like to hear about this event call the Festiva Resorts Welcome Center (843)357-5239. Don’t forget to ask about our gift packages; all you have to do is meet the qualifications!
