Nights of a Thousand Candles is a Brookgreen Gardens Christmas tradition visited by thousands of locals and tourists each year. When Brookgreen Gardens decks the halls for the holidays, it encompasses 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless strings of lights that cover every tree branch, shrub, sculpture – and practically every blade of grass – of the National Historic Landmark in Murrells Inlet. If you’re staying in the Myrtle Beach area – add this to your wintertime bucket list!
Here are the details for the 2026 Nights of a Thousand Candles.
What to Expect at Nights of a Thousand Candles
This year’s breathtaking spectacle will be held from 4-9 p.m. November 27-29; December 3-6; December 10-13; December 17-20; December 29-31, 2026; and January 1-3, 2026. Stroll through the garden paths of Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles, a picturesque Southern winter wonderland that features dazzling photo-worthy light displays, including the 85-foot-tall centerpiece fir tree glowing with 100,000 lights. Explore the seasonal indoor displays as well, where you can find beautifully decorated trees and wreaths and so much more.
Not only are there sights to see, but also the sounds of seasonal music from under tents throughout Brookgreen. This year’s entertainment lineup includes strolling bagpipers, Paul Grimshaw Band, Bill Oberst, Jr. A Christmas Carol, Three Day Weekend, The 100 Grand Band, The Jazz Standard, Gullah Christmas featuring Ron and Natalie Daise, Painted Man, The Accelerators, Tripp Rogers: A Celtic New Year, Matt Parker and The Deacons, and Joshua Allen solo.
Refreshments like hot cocoa, warm apple cider, wine, and snacks will be served at several stops throughout the gardens. Harvest Restaurant will be serving dinner but reservations are required. Multiple Myrtle Beach area food trucks will be there each night rotating throughout the season. Those listed for 2026 include Fish Shak, Let’s Ride BBQ, Lemons & Dough, Surf Dawgs, Black Cat Kitchen, Hot Dog Wagon, Happy Face Funnel, Paulie’s NY Italian Sausage, NOLA’s Stuffed SnoBalls, Sweet T’s Jamaican, Cleaver Clever, and EZ Cheezy.
Ticket Information for Nights of a Thousand Candles
Don’t miss your chance to experience the event named “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina” by Travel + Leisure. Purchase tickets for Nights of a Thousand Candles in advance.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and Nights of a Thousand Candles sells out quickly each year. Admission is $35/adult and $15/ages 4-12 for Members or $40/adult and $20/ages 4-12 for Non-Members. Add the Sparkle and Fun package to your tickets and you’ll receive a glass of sparkling wine or cider and special holographic glasses that add even more twinkle to your lights experience!
Where to Stay
Warm up after the festival with an extended stay at these cozy Myrtle Beach resorts nearby:
Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort offers a quick drive to Brookgreen Gardens and plenty of ways to warm up after the big event. Accommodations at the expansive resort include condos, homes and Fairview villas with one to five bedrooms and baths. An indoor pool and hot tub are located in the Health Center – the perfect place to soak those tired feet after exploring Brookgreen. Other perks at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort include an on-site Starbucks, tavern, ice cream shop and bicycle rentals. Book a tee time at one of the four award-winning golf courses located within the property.
Sandy Beach Resort is one of the most luxury accommodations in Myrtle Beach. This resort offers modern oceanfront suites and fun amenities that guests will surely enjoy. You’ll love the many indoor pools and amenities during your visit to Myrtle Beach. It’s a short drive away from Brookgreen Garden but there are attractions that are a short walk away such as Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf, Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and many more!
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