night of 1000 candles: tips for taking kids
Night of 1000 Candles at Brookgreen Gardens is easily my top favorite event in the South Strand. Taking kids increases the stress factor a little bit but ours have always done very well at this event. It’s just always good to have some idea of what to expect before you go… So read on!
what to expect
Night of 1000 Candles is Brookgreen Gardens annual Christmas celebration. The whole garden area is transformed through lights, lanterns, candles, and more. Plus there is live music, food trucks, a tree-lighting, and more.
IT WILL BE CROWDED | This event sells out and it will feel crowded during any of the dates before Christmas. Just expect that, especially if you’re bringing a stroller.
IT WILL BE DARK | Duh. The lights of the garden do illuminate most parts very well but there are parts of the garden that are less lit. It’s hard enough keeping an eye on kids in full daylight so be extra vigilant if you have a runner.
IT IS A LOT OF WALKING | If you get there anytime after 5:30pm then you’ll be parking a good ways away. And, of course, to cover the garden grounds you’ll be walking a lot too. It is stroller friendly but again, note that the crowds might make navigation a little more difficult.
top tips
LET THE INITIAL CROWD IN | We live right by Brookgreen and people start arriving as early as 3pm and the entry gates get crowded. The traffic stretches out onto the highway and is honestly just unsafe. To avoid that unnecessary congestion and frustration, the earliest I’d plan to arrive is 4:15 to give that initial crowd time to get in.
BUT DO GET THERE EARLY-ISH | Since it gets dark so early you won’t be waiting around for hours to really see the lights (like you do for Summer Lights: Art by Night). I think 4:30-5pm is ideal. It’s nice to let the kids run through the Children’s Garden while there is still some daylight or go ahead and see the train exhibit then.
KNOW THE GROUNDS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BEFORE GOING | If you’re a passholder and already have a good feel for the gardens then navigating it is easy. But if you’re not familiar then it’s worth reviewing the map ahead of time or even going for a daytime visit! It helps so, so, so much to know where the different garden sections connect and to just make sure you don’t miss one. There are guides throughout the grounds to help with directions too – it is easy to get turned around, especially at night!
GET TO THE BACK AND WORK FORWARD | If you get there early enough to head toward the back (Children’s Garden/Poetry Garden) then you can enjoy a few area’s while it’s less crowded. Inevitably the crowds will arrive but by starting toward the back you can avoid crowds for longer and then be working against some of the traffic.
ENJOY FOOD & MUSIC – OR NOT | We skip this part with kids for 1000 Candles (but we love it for Summer Lights). Since you’re not looking to kill as much time waiting on the sun to set, this element isn’t as much of an appeal for us.
CONSIDER GOING AFTER CHRISTMAS | For the most enjoyable and least crowded experience, after Christmas is the way to go. It’s so much less crowded! Last year we went on Dec 31 and it was still a mild night plus we didn’t feel jammed in at all. This year we went on Nov 27 and felt so packed in it was hard to enjoy parts of it. We have tickets to return on Jan 1 and I’m already anticipating that being a more pleasant experience.
PLOT OUT THE BATHROOMS | There are not many bathrooms out in the gardens. There is one by the Children’s Garden and one at the entrance. Be sure to take advantage of those as you’re passing by.
Other good to knows
PLAN FOR ~2 HOURS | We saw everything in the main gardens thoroughly in about 2 hours. Plan for more time if you want to see the tree lighting or enjoy food/music.
THE TRAINS ARE ON DISPLAY DURING DAYTIME ADMISSION | If you have an annual pass then you can come see the trains during the daytime hours. The display is up and accessible but the trains themselves are not running except during the evening.