The Ultimate Guide To Nights Of A Thousand Candles 2024–2025: Dates, Tickets, And Magical Highlights
As of December 22, 2025, the annual "Nights of a Thousand Candles" at Brookgreen Gardens remains one of the most celebrated and enchanting holiday events in the entire Southeast, a must-see spectacle that transforms the historic grounds into a glowing, candlelit wonderland. This article provides the most current details, dates for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 seasons, and an in-depth look at what makes this Lowcountry tradition a truly unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
The event, which has been named the "best Christmas lights in South Carolina" by *Travel + Leisure*, goes far beyond a simple light display, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and holiday cheer. Held on select nights from late November through December, planning your visit in advance is essential, as tickets for this hugely popular event sell out quickly every year.
Nights of a Thousand Candles: The Essential 2024–2025 Event Details
The "Nights of a Thousand Candles" event is synonymous with Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, just south of the popular Grand Strand area. It is a meticulously choreographed celebration that utilizes both natural flame and modern lighting technology to illuminate the country's first public sculpture garden.
Here is the core logistical information for planning your visit:
- Venue: Brookgreen Gardens
- Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (near Myrtle Beach)
- 2024 Dates: The event typically runs on select nights, usually Thursday through Sunday, from late November through the end of December. The 2024 season is confirmed to begin around November 30, 2024.
- 2025 Dates: The 2025 season is scheduled to kick off around Friday, November 28, 2025, and continue on select nights (Wednesdays through Sundays) into the New Year, with specific dates like Sunday, December 7, 2025, already confirmed.
- Time: The gardens are open for the event from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Admission (Typical Pricing): While prices can change, general admission is typically around $35 for adults and $15 for children for members, with non-member pricing slightly higher. Early booking is highly recommended.
The event is known for its dedication to tradition and its massive scale. Despite the name, the display features far more than 1,000 candles. Visitors can expect to see more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling, colorful lights transforming the landscape.
The Lowcountry Magic: What to Expect from the Candlelit Spectacle
The true draw of "Nights of a Thousand Candles" is the unparalleled atmosphere it creates. The soft, warm glow of natural candlelight reflecting off the intricate sculptures and ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss offers a vastly different experience than a typical, static holiday light show. It's a sensory experience that combines visual beauty with the distinct sounds and tastes of the season.
Illuminated Art and Nature
Brookgreen Gardens is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the United States, a collection originally founded by Anna Hyatt Huntington. During the event, these masterpieces are brought to life in a dramatic new way. The soft glow of the candles and the strategic placement of millions of twinkling lights highlight the texture and form of the art, creating shadows and depth that are invisible during the day.
Key areas and entities to look for include:
- The Live Oak Allee: This iconic, centuries-old pathway is draped in a canopy of lights, creating a breathtaking, tunnel-like effect that is a favorite for photographs.
- The Sculpture Garden: The main garden rooms are illuminated to emphasize the works of art, turning the space into a luminous, open-air gallery.
- The Arboretum: The location for the nightly Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, which typically takes place at 6:00 PM.
Live Entertainment and Southern Holiday Cuisine
Beyond the visual spectacle, the event offers a full program of live entertainment and dining options, making it a complete evening outing. The entertainment is carefully curated to enhance the festive, Southern-inspired ambiance.
A Stage of Seasonal Sounds
Multiple stages throughout the gardens feature performers playing five 45-minute sets each night between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The musical acts range from traditional holiday carols to regional favorites, providing a soundtrack to your candlelit stroll. Specific, recurring entities in the entertainment lineup often include:
- Three Day Weekend: Known for their diverse musical styles.
- Prettier Than Matt: An acoustic duo offering soulful performances.
- Gullah Christmas: A cultural performance that celebrates the unique heritage of the Lowcountry, often featuring Ron & Natalie Daise.
This commitment to local and regional talent ensures that the experience is authentically South Carolinian, reinforcing its status as a beloved Lowcountry holiday tradition.
Dining Under the Lights
To complete the experience, a variety of dining options are available to visitors. The main Harvest Restaurant is typically open for full-service dining, but reservations are essential and often booked far in advance. For a more casual and flexible experience, the event features a rotating selection of food trucks located near the Entertainment Stage. These food trucks offer a diverse array of local cuisine, from classic Southern comfort food to quick, festive treats, ensuring every guest can find something to enjoy while walking the glowing paths.
Tips for Securing Tickets and Making the Most of Your Visit
Given the event's immense popularity—it is often cited as the Grand Strand's most anticipated annual event—planning and preparation are key to a successful visit.
- Book Early: Tickets for "Nights of a Thousand Candles" go on sale months in advance, often in the late summer or early fall. Due to the limited capacity each night, they frequently sell out within minutes of release. Check the official Brookgreen Gardens website for the exact on-sale date.
- Choose a Weeknight: If your schedule allows, selecting a Wednesday or Thursday night can sometimes offer a slightly less crowded experience than the peak Friday or Saturday dates.
- Dress for the Weather: The event is held rain or shine, and the gardens can get quite chilly after sunset, even in the Southern climate. Layers are a must for maximum comfort.
- Arrive Early: Arriving right at 4:00 PM allows you to secure parking and enjoy the twilight hours as the candles are being lit, offering a beautiful transition from day to the full nighttime glow.
The "Nights of a Thousand Candles" is more than just a holiday light show; it's a cherished annual pilgrimage for many, offering a serene, elegant, and deeply festive way to celebrate the season. With its thousands of hand-lit candles, millions of twinkling lights, and world-class sculpture garden, it truly is a magical experience that justifies its reputation as one of the Southeast’s premier holiday destinations.
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