Night of a Thousand Candles

Night of a Thousand Candles is an annual event at Brookgreen Gardens where the gardens are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland.  The gardens are beautiful by day as well, but seeing them at night is completely different, especially when the old oaks are draped in white lights and candles appear to glide on water.  It is absolutely stunning.  Visitors can make an entire evening out of this event since there are three entertainment tents that you can circle through, and with a full food menu and beverages, there are plenty of options to fill your belly.  Here are some photos to transport you there:

Ben took me for the first time last year (I know! It's hard to believe I have lived on the Grand Strand for so many years and had never been to this), and I was blown away with how spectacular it was.  We went this year on the opening weekend, and it was, again, very impressive.  I stood and walked in awe at the beauty of this seemingly magical place.  Our friends Brian and Nancy also joined us this year, and it was great to watch them as they were seeing everything for the first time.  We also listened to some of the musical entertainment and indulged in some delicious food.  This year it was much warmer, so we were able to enjoy being outside in the cool night air.  My personal favorite is the Palmetto garden where they have large Chinese-style lanterns weaving between the trees above the pathway.  You feel as if you have been transported to some fictional land, until you are almost run over by someone in a wheelchair or a family with three strollers and kids running about.  I think this is a great family event, and it is great to see children enjoying the lights.  An "adult only" evening would be wonderful, even if it was on a weeknight.  I would be willing to pay a little extra to not have to be bumping into strollers and hearing crying children.  It would definitely lend itself to being a peaceful night, where guests really can be transported into a magical place.  It was a very enjoyable evening regardless, and it is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
This is definitely a must see!  If you can't make it during the Christmas season, Brookgreen Gardens is still a very beautiful place to visit, especially in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom.  Just don't forget those allergy meds!
http://www.brookgreen.org/NOTC.cfm