Fall is in full swing in the Lowcountry, and nestled in the heart of it all is Brookgreen Gardens — an autumnal escape in Murrells Inlet. Throughout November, the National Historic Landmark will offer a dynamic lineup of events and educational activities for guests, culminating in the highly anticipated kickoff of the 26th annual Nights of a Thousand Candles season, which brings the gardens to life with thousands of hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights across its sprawling grounds.
Exhibitions:
NEW: Treasured Holiday Memories, Nov. 28 – Jan. 4
Bringing to mind cherished memories from past holiday seasons, this nostalgic exhibit invites visitors to enjoy Lionel and American Flyer trains traversing landscapes crafted by department staff, including a new vintage American Flyer layout from the 1960s in the Mize Gallery. Returning highlights include an “Amusement Park and Pavilion” reminiscent of the historic Myrtle Beach Pavilion and vintage 1950s trains from a private collection, all displayed in the Rosen Galleries. The exhibit will be open during general daytime admission, although the trains only operate during Nights of a Thousand Candles.
LAST CHANCE: The Color of Air, Oct. 11 – Nov. 23
“The Color of Air” showcases landscape paintings by South Carolina artist Clay Johnson that capture the quiet drama of trees, light and atmosphere. Painted often in the early morning, Johnson’s work balances close observation with a sense of timelessness, inviting viewers to slow down and experience the natural world with fresh attention.
Special Events:
MUST-SEE: Nights of a Thousand Candles, Nov. 28 – Jan. 4, 4 – 9 p.m. *Select Evenings
Returning to Brookgreen for its 26th year this holiday season, Nights of a Thousand Candles will cast a warm glow across the 9,127-acre nature preserve on 22 enchanting evenings from Nov. 28 – Jan. 4, featuring over 2,700 candles and millions of twinkling lights adorning ancient live oaks and illuminating the Garden’s breathtaking array of large-scale sculpture. Each evening will commence with a ceremonial lighting of the iconic Holiday Tree, an 80-foot, live China Fir, accompanied by live holiday music, seasonal beverages and festive bites. For over a quarter-century, Nights of a Thousand Candles has become a must-see tradition, providing a breathtaking backdrop for meaningful moments and cherished holiday memories while supporting Brookgreen Gardens’ broader mission to conserve the region’s natural flora, fauna and rich history for future generations.
NEW DATE: In the Pink Walk, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.
Guests can join Tidelands Health to support the fight against breast cancer by participating in the 20th annual In the Pink Walk, now held at Brookgreen Gardens. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt and complimentary Gardens admission. Visitors will join others in the region to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer care, with proceeds benefitting the Tidelands Health breast care fund.
Harmony in Nature Series
Designed to deepen the connection with the natural world amidst the lush tranquility of Brookgreen, these curated events offer participants an invigorating blend of relaxation and discovery.
Breakfast With the Birds, Nov. 4, 18, 7 – 9 a.m.
Get to Know Trees, Nov. 4, 10 – 11 a.m.
Zumba, Nov. 10, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Brookgreen Labyrinth Walks, Nov. 15, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Yoga In the Gardens, Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Paleo Roadshow, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Think Antiques Roadshow but
Presentations:
Gullah Geechee Seasons, Secrets, and Signs, Nov. 5, 19, 1 – 2 p.m.
Visitors are invited to join author, Emmy-nominated performing artist and cultural interpreter Ron Daise as he presents readings that focus on the Seasons, or the production stages of Carolina Gold Rice; the Secrets of family and community members; and the Signs, or cultural markers, revealed through dreams and prayers. Excerpts are drawn from his historical novel, “Raptors in the Ricelands.”
"A Mighty Floating Fortress": The Battleship USS South Carolina (BB-26), Nov. 6, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Described in 1910 as “one of the greatest fighting machines ever devised by the brain of man,” the USS South Carolina (BB-26) was a mighty symbol of American naval innovation. This event, led by South Carolina Maritime Museum curator and historian Justin McIntyre, invites guests to journey back to a time when battleships ruled the seas and uncover the remarkable, if bittersweet, story of the USS South Carolina—a vessel that once stood at the forefront of American maritime might.
Called to Curate, Nov. 11, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For those who have wondered what the role of an art museum curator entails, Liz Miller, curator of the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, will lead an engaging discussion about her work behind the scenes, including how exhibitions are selected, planned and installed. Hear about her path to becoming a curator, memorable installation challenges and her proudest moments creating accessible, exciting visual art experiences for the Grand Strand community and its visitors.
Brookgreen 101, Nov. 20, 1 – 2 p.m.
Brookgreen 101 is a public information program offered by Robin Salmon, vice president of art and historical collections and curator of sculpture, with topics covering various aspects of Brookgreen, including the collections, property history, people, poetry, art history, corporate history, the founders and purposes. This month’s topic is “Brookgreen Patriots: Celebrating 250 Years.”
Classes and Workshops:
Holiday Sips and Seasonal Wreaths, Nov. 6, 3 – 5 p.m.
Visitors are invited to celebrate the season with a hands-on floral design experience where they’ll learn how to craft a beautiful mixed-green wreath using evergreens such as pine, magnolia, and cedar, accented with pinecones and dried embellishments. Guided by artist Natalie C. Jones, participants will discover wreath-making techniques that are both approachable for beginners and inspiring for those with floral design experience.
Open Studio, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Now located in the new Simpson Art Center, Open Studio provides guests the chance to learn from a sculptor and witness the techniques used to build a sculpture from clay to bronze.
Wick It Good: Candle-Making Workshop, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This hands-on candle making workshop blends creativity, culture and storytelling, allowing guests to learn about the technique of candle making, essential oils and fragrance blending as they craft their own custom candle and explore the history of scent as a form of personal and cultural expression.