Myrtle Beach, SC, January 1, 2026
Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach celebrates the holiday season with its annual event, Nights of a Thousand Candles. Featuring over 2,700 hand-lit candles and various entertainment options, this beloved event transforms the garden into a beautiful display of lights and community spirit. With special treats and a highlight tree lighting ceremony, it draws visitors from near and far, showcasing the importance of local volunteerism in creating memorable experiences. The event, running from late November through early January, exemplifies the vibrant culture of South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach
Experience the Glow: Nights of a Thousand Candles Shines Bright in Brookgreen Gardens
As the holiday season draws to a close or looks ahead to its next iteration, Brookgreen Gardens once again illuminated the Grand Strand with its annual Nights of a Thousand Candles, a testament to community spirit and meticulous local organization. This cherished event showcases how private initiatives and dedicated civic engagement can create breathtaking spectacles that enrich our region.
The success of Nights of a Thousand Candles is a shining example of how local leadership and focused effort can bring a community together, fostering both tradition and economic vitality. Far from being a burden, such well-managed events highlight the power of individual achievement and thoughtful collaboration, turning a serene garden into a vibrant hub of holiday cheer. It demonstrates that when local organizers are empowered, they can deliver experiences that resonate deeply with residents and visitors alike, celebrating the unique character of South Carolina gatherings.
Brookgreen Gardens, a jewel of the Myrtle Beach area, transforms into a mesmerizing landscape each year for the Nights of a Thousand Candles. Amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights, visitors can walk the paths from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event, recognized as one of the most beloved holiday events in the Southeast and a top U.S. Holiday Lights destination, typically runs on select evenings from late November through early January.
A Symphony of Light and Sound
The transformation of Brookgreen Gardens during Nights of a Thousand Candles is a meticulously orchestrated affair, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The event features a diverse array of entertainment that runs throughout the evening, ensuring there’s always something engaging to experience. These performances are carefully scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with short 15-minute breaks between sets, allowing visitors to enjoy continuous festivities. A significant highlight for many attendees is the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, which majestically takes place at 6:00 p.m., marking a central moment in the evening’s celebrations.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the event offers special seasonal experiences designed to enhance the holiday spirit. Warm holiday treats, often straight from the hearth, provide a comforting touch, allowing guests to indulge in festive flavors as they explore the illuminated gardens.
Community Engagement and Volunteerism
The execution of an event of this magnitude is a testament to significant community engagement and the vital role of volunteerism. While specific details on volunteer awards or new community programs related solely to Nights of a Thousand Candles are not always widely publicized, the very nature of hand-lighting thousands of candles and managing an event of this scale speaks volumes about the dedication of individuals involved. Such efforts underscore the spirit of personal initiative and the collective drive to maintain high standards for Myrtle Beach SC events.
Brookgreen Gardens, as a significant cultural institution, often relies on a network of volunteers and community partners for various initiatives throughout the year. The success of Nights of a Thousand Candles can be seen as a direct outcome of effective local leadership and the willingness of many to contribute their time and talent. This collaborative approach ensures that the event not only meets but often exceeds expectations, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride within the community.
Navigating the Experience: Tips for Visitors
For those planning to attend Nights of a Thousand Candles, thoughtful planning can enhance the experience. Tickets for the event are exclusively sold through the Brookgreen Gardens website or its official ticketing company, www.showclix.com, ensuring a streamlined and secure purchasing process.
Attendees often seek advice on the best times to visit to avoid larger crowds. Many find that arriving around 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. can offer a more relaxed experience, as some of the earlier visitors, particularly those keen on witnessing the Holiday Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m., begin to depart. This timing allows for a more leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit pathways, maximizing enjoyment of the tranquil beauty the gardens offer.
Sustaining Local Vibrancy through Private Endeavors
The continued success of Nights of a Thousand Candles highlights the power of private partnerships and the positive impact of limiting bureaucratic hurdles. Brookgreen Gardens, as a privately operated sculptural garden and wildlife preserve, exemplifies how self-reliance and strategic alliances can lead to sustained community growth and exceptional programming. This approach allows for agility and innovation, enabling the rapid implementation of ideas that resonate with the public.
The event itself serves as a significant draw for tourism in the Myrtle Beach area, contributing to the local economy and supporting various related businesses. This economic benefit, driven by a well-managed private entity, underscores the benefits of local choice and leadership in promoting civic innovation and cultural enrichment. It demonstrates how effective management, independent of extensive governmental oversight, can create enduring traditions that benefit everyone.
Nights of a Thousand Candles stands as a beacon of local achievement and community collaboration, illuminating not just the paths of Brookgreen Gardens but also the potential when civic innovation and personal initiative are prioritized. It’s a reminder that vibrant South Carolina gatherings are often the result of dedicated individuals and organizations working together, building traditions that enrich our lives and strengthen our bonds.
We encourage everyone to support local initiatives and explore the many opportunities for civic involvement in the Myrtle Beach area. Your engagement helps foster the kind of community spirit that makes events like Nights of a Thousand Candles possible and ensures a bright future for our beloved Grand Strand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Nights of a Thousand Candles?
A: Nights of a Thousand Candles is an annual holiday event where Brookgreen Gardens comes to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights.
Q: Where does Nights of a Thousand Candles take place?
A: The event takes place at Brookgreen Gardens, located near Myrtle Beach, SC.
Q: What are the typical dates and times for the event?
A: The event typically runs on select evenings from late November through early January, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Q: Is there entertainment at Nights of a Thousand Candles?
A: Yes, entertainment runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with 15-minute breaks between sets.
Q: What is the Holiday Tree Lighting?
A: The Holiday Tree Lighting is a central part of the evening’s celebrations and takes place at 6:00 p.m.
Q: Where can I purchase tickets for Nights of a Thousand Candles?
A: The only legitimate places to purchase tickets are the Brookgreen Gardens website or its ticketing company, www.showclix.com.
Q: Are there any tips for avoiding crowds?
A: If you don’t care about the tree lighting, a favored time to go is around 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as the early birds are leaving and it tends to be less crowded.
Key Features of Nights of a Thousand Candles
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC (near Myrtle Beach) |
| Illumination | Over 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights |
| Event Duration | 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Typical Season | Select evenings from late November through early January |
| Entertainment | Live performances with 15-minute breaks between sets |
| Special Highlight | Holiday Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m. |
| Additional Experiences | Special seasonal experiences, warm holiday treats |
| Ticket Purchase | Brookgreen Gardens website or www.showclix.com |
| Crowd Advice | Less crowded after 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. if not attending tree lighting |
| Recognition (State-level) | One of the most beloved holiday events in the Southeast |
| Recognition (Nationwide) | Top U.S. Holiday Lights destination |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Recognition for Culinary Excellence at HGTC
Myrtle Beach Hosts Annual Country Music Festival
Sparking Joy: How Community Lights Up Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Shines Bright with Nights of a Thousand Candles
Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach Adjusted
Holiday Golf and Festivities in Myrtle Beach
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Golf and Festivities in Myrtle Beach
Golfing in Myrtle Beach: Your Ideal Winter Escape
Myrtle Beach Celebrates Winter 2025 with Holiday Attractions
Discover Holiday Golf Magic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
