A Guide to Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles

By Last Updated: September 24, 2025 5 min read

Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles is a much-anticipated annual event in Myrtle Beach and a wonderful addition to any winter itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a date night idea or a festive way to kick off the holidays, seeing Brookgreen Gardens illuminated by 1,000-plus candles is a memorable, magical experience.

While you shouldn’t need too much convincing to take a beach vacation mid-winter, this event is one of many spectacular reasons to visit Myrtle Beach in December. Tourist crowds have thinned, reservations at the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach are aplenty, and there’s no shortage of holiday events to check out. If you plan to spend evenings attending the Broadway-style Christmas shows in Myrtle Beach, save one night to be wowed by a thousand candles glimmering on winding garden paths at Brookgreen Gardens. 

Anyone who’s been to Brookgreen Gardens before knows why it is one of the top Myrtle Beach attractions: The elegant sculptures and blooming botanicals are stunning sights. Now imagine walking these gardens while they’re decorated with 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of lights—it’s magnificent.

Once you’ve booked your oceanfront hotel in Myrtle Beach, it’s time to get your tickets to this festive winter event. Use the guide below to start planning your visit to Brookgreen Gardens to experience Nights of a Thousand Candles for yourself.

Event Dates and Times

Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles events for 2023 are held Thursdays through Sundays, from November 25th through December 17th. The program breaks for the holidays and returns on Wednesday, December 27th, running nightly until December 31st. 

Nights of a Thousand Candles opens nightly at 4 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m.

Entertainment Lineup

Nights of a Thousand Candles features a variety of entertainment throughout Brookgreen Gardens, beyond meandering the lit pathways and decorated gardens. Bagpipers Peggy and Mark Gaudreau stroll the grounds playing tunes that give the gardens a festive ambiance. 

Bands and singers also perform on two stages, beginning at 4 p.m. and wrapping up at 9 p.m. While entertainers vary, these performances showcase some of the area’s most talented vocalists and musicians. Nights of a Thousand Candles hosts a tree-lighting ceremony each evening from 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the Brookgreen Gardens tree is as fabulous as you’d expect.

Food and Drink at Nights of a Thousand Candles

It’s ok to arrive at Nights of a Thousand Candles hungry. With several dining options, guests can pause exploring to eat anytime. Indulge in delectable bites while listening to a band, or order a holiday beverage like cider or wine, to sip as you walk. Purchase food and drinks from any of these vendors: The Old Kitchen in the heart of the sculpture garden offers small bites, soup, and beverages. Brookgreen Beverages Stations provide libations including beer, wine, and homemade cocoa. A rotation of on-site food trucks will serve a variety of casual cuisine.  Reserve a table at Harvest Restaurant at Brookgreen Gardens for a full-service dining experience (for ticket holders, only).

Tickets for Nights of a Thousand Candles

Purchase tickets for Nights of a Thousand Candles in advance to reserve your spot, as capacity is limited. Tickets are non-refundable and unused tickets are considered donations to Brookgreen Gardens. If your plans change, ticket dates may be changed online but restrictions and fees apply. 

Tickets prices for Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles 2023: Admission for members costs $30 for adults and $14 for children Admission for non-members costs $35 for adults and $17 for children Inquire about special group rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nights of a Thousand Candles good for kids?

Brookgreen Gardens welcomes children for Nights of a Thousand Candles, though parents should gauge how well their kids handle crowds and dark environments before bringing the entire family along. The grounds are stroller-friendly and most children appreciate the festive displays and music just as much as adults.

What if it rains on Nights of a Thousand Candles?

Nights of a Thousand Candles is a rain-or-shine event as long as the weather doesn’t pose serious danger to attendees, so plan to bring an umbrella if the forecast looks bleak; entertainment and food are available under covered tents and the lights look just as beautiful under the sheen of a light rain shower.

How long should I spend at Nights of a Thousand Candles?

Give yourself at least two hours at Brookgreen Gardens to enjoy Nights of a Thousand Candles, but consider arriving when the gates open and staying four or five hours to have adequate time to explore the miles of lighted paths, listen to a set or two of music, and grab a bite to eat without rushing. Because this event ushers in thousands of visitors each night, you’ll want to factor in time for ticketing and lines as well.

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