Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens was a magical experience that instantly put me in the Christmas spirit. On December 9, 2020, I visited this spectacular holiday event at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, for the first time. It had been more than 20 years since my last visit to Brookgreen, making the evening feel even more special.

As the sun went down, the gardens came alive with 2,800 hand-lit candles and thousands of sparkling lights. Paths glowed beneath the massive live oak trees, while ponds reflected the twinkling lights and sculptures seemed to take on a completely different character after dark. Everywhere I looked, there was something beautiful to photograph.

I was almost giddy every time I discovered a sculpture tucked beneath the ancient oaks, surrounded by flowers, or standing beside a shimmering pond. The combination of art, nature, and candlelight created an atmosphere that was both elegant and enchanting. It was easy to slow down, wander along the paths, and simply take in the beauty of the evening.

Brookgreen Gardens is much more than a beautiful place to visit during the holidays. It has a fascinating history dating back to 1930, when Archer Huntington purchased the property. He and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, created their winter home on the land. After Archer’s death in 1955, Anna’s studio was moved to Brookgreen, further connecting the gardens with her artistic legacy.

Today, Brookgreen Gardens is home to the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country, with more than 2,000 works by approximately 430 artists. The sculptures are displayed throughout the gardens and natural landscape, creating a setting unlike any traditional art museum. Visitors can also learn more about the area’s history and culture through a variety of tours and educational programs.

Even without the holiday lights, Brookgreen is a remarkable place to explore. Its combination of art, gardens, history, and Lowcountry scenery makes it one of the most distinctive attractions in South Carolina. I found it to be a wonderful place to meander, reflect, photograph, and simply enjoy being surrounded by beauty.

Visiting Nights of a Thousand Candles in December gave me an entirely different perspective on the gardens. The sparkling lights and glowing candles transformed the landscape into something truly magical. After the difficult and unsettling events of 2020, getting out and experiencing such a joyful evening meant even more to me.

This first visit to the Christmas celebration certainly won’t be my last. Nights of a Thousand Candles filled me with a sense of awe and wonder and reminded me of just how powerful beautiful experiences can be. I hope these photographs give you a glimpse of what we saw, although photographs can never fully capture the magic of experiencing Brookgreen Gardens illuminated in person.

If You Go

• Location: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
• Event: Nights of a Thousand Candles
• Best time to visit: December, when the gardens are transformed with candles and holiday lights
• What to expect: Thousands of lights, hand-lit candles, sculptures, gardens, live oak trees, and illuminated ponds
• Allow plenty of time: Give yourself time to wander the gardens rather than rushing from one display to another.
• Photography tip: Arrive around sunset if possible so you can photograph the gardens in fading daylight before capturing the full effect of the lights after dark.
• History lovers: Plan time to explore Brookgreen during the daytime as well. The gardens, sculpture collection, historic sites, and educational programs offer much more than the holiday event.
• Tip: Check the event’s current schedule and ticket requirements before visiting, as dates, admission, and programming can change from year to year.

Reference Brookgreen Gardens

Nights of a Thousand Candles Brookgreen Gardens Photos

South Carolina Hiking and Attraction Map

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