Nights of a Thousand Candles 2026 at Brookgreen Gardens: nights, hours and tickets
The 2026 Nights of a Thousand Candles is Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 2027, at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, according to Brookgreen Gardens' 2026 announcement, as reported by WMBF News. 4 to 9 p.m. on each event night
Every holiday season Brookgreen Gardens, between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, lights more than 2,700 candles by hand plus millions of lights for Nights of a Thousand Candles. It is open only on select nights and tickets are sold only by Brookgreen. Here are the nights, hours, prices and tips, updated every year.
Date, time and place
- Nights of a Thousand Candles
Getting there and parking
- Buy tickets only from BrookgreenTickets are sold on Brookgreen's website and through its ticketing company. Brookgreen says it cannot guarantee tickets bought anywhere else, and all its event tickets are non-refundable. Date changes go through Brookgreen's ticket exchange.
- What you will seeMore than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of lights across the gardens, holiday music and cider. The tree lighting is from 6 to 6:15 p.m. in the Arboretum.
- Music timesFive 45-minute music sets on the Entertainment Stage, at 4, 5, 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 p.m.
- FoodCampbell Catering serves Lowcountry dishes in the Leonard Pavilion, and food trucks rotate near the Entertainment Stage. The Harvest restaurant takes reservations and you also need an event ticket to eat there.
- Getting thereBrookgreen is off U.S. 17 Bypass between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Brookgreen warns that traffic is sometimes heavy on event nights and asks guests to carpool. Dress warmly.
- No petsPets are not allowed, and they cannot be left in cars inside Brookgreen. Service animals are welcome.
Drive times to Brookgreen Gardens
| From | Drive | Main road |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach | about 35 min · 22 mi | |
| North Myrtle Beach | about 55 min · 35 mi | |
| Little River | about 65 min · 42 mi | |
| Conway | about 45 min · 27 mi | |
| Surfside Beach | about 25 min · 11 mi | |
| Murrells Inlet | about 15 min · 5 mi | |
| Pawleys Island | about 15 min · 8 mi |
Plan the trip
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Where to stay near Brookgreen
Compare hotels and rentals in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island and Litchfield.
Help us keep this page right
- Report a change: a new date, a moved event, a rule that changed. We check it with the organizer before we post it.
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Questions people ask
When is the Nights of a Thousand Candles 2026?
The 2026 Nights of a Thousand Candles is Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 2027, at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, according to Brookgreen Gardens' 2026 announcement, as reported by WMBF News. 4 to 9 p.m. on each event night
Which nights is Nights of a Thousand Candles open in 2026?
21 nights: Nov. 27, 28 and 29; Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 and 29-31; and Jan. 1-3, from 4 to 9 p.m., according to Brookgreen's announcement.
How much are tickets?
Non-members pay $40 for adults and $20 for children 4 to 12; Brookgreen members pay $35 and $15. Buy only from Brookgreen: it cannot guarantee tickets bought elsewhere, and tickets are non-refundable.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed and cannot be left in cars inside Brookgreen. Service animals are welcome.
When is the tree lighting?
From 6 to 6:15 p.m. in the Arboretum, according to Brookgreen.
Is there food?
Yes: Lowcountry dishes in the Leonard Pavilion, rotating food trucks near the stage, and the Harvest restaurant by reservation (you also need an event ticket).