Destinations: A Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

Located between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island just off U.S. 17 Bypass, Brookgreen Gardens is a treasure. Founded in 1931 by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens is home to the largest and most significant collection of American figurative sculptures in the country and a recognized leader in sculpture and environmental conservation.

The Huntingtons discovered Brookgreen in 1929 while searching for a place to build a winter home. They bought 6,600 acres of land with the vision of creating a place to exhibit large American figurative sculptures. In 1932, Brookgreen Gardens officially opened to the public, with Anna Hyatt Huntington’s sculptures as the primary exhibit. Today the property encompasses more than 9,000 acres.

This National Historic Landmark contains a collection of more than 2,000 works by 430 artists. Life-size and larger sculptures are displayed in a stunning outdoor garden setting, and smaller works, as well as paintings, and other pieces of art, are featured in three indoor galleries.

During the holidays, visitors are invited to experience the gardens in a different way during the spectacular Night of a Thousand Candles event. Each year, the 550-acre outdoor sculpture garden is illuminated with the glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and enhanced with an installation of millions of twinkling LED lights. From the ponds, trees, and sculptures, the display of lights transforms the entire property into a scene from a fairy tale.

In addition to lights, the family-friendly event features holiday art displays and musical performances.

In the heart of the garden, located at the end of Live Oak Alleé, the Old Kitchen restaurant serves delicious small bites, homemade soups and beer, wine, warm cider, and Brookgreen’s signature hot cocoa. Harvest Restaurant, which features shrimp and grits and other local inlet seafood, will also be open for reservation-only dining. Combined with a tree-lighting ceremony and the sounds of carolers singing – the evening has plenty of magic to put you in the holiday spirit.

Nights of a Thousand Candles begins November 26, 2022, and continues through January 1, 2023. Tickets are $35 per adult and $17 for children, 4 to 17, and children under 3 are free. Advance purchase is required. For tickets and more information, visit brookgreen.org

YOU CAN GO

NIGHTS OF A THOUSAND CANDLES

PREVIEW PARTY

Friday, November 25, 2022

This annual holiday event kicks off with an elegant party in the garden. Enjoy delicious fare, wine, and live music during a stroll down the pathways leading to the illuminated sculpture gardens and breathtaking light display. Dress for the weather and for the walk. Tickets are $150 per person and space is limited. Tickets and more info at brookgreen.org

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in November