Brookgreen Gardens transformed by candlelight, dinner at Uptown Prime, and an evening you won't forget.
This trip is a Coastal Carolina Crew evening — motorcoach pickup in Leland and Calabash, so it's for our members close to home. If you've never been to Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens, this is the year to fix that. Every December, the gardens are transformed — 5,500 hand-lit candles flicker along the pathways, every tree and sculpture is wrapped in soft white light, choirs sing carols under the live oaks, and the whole place takes on the kind of magic that's hard to describe and impossible to forget.
We're making a beautiful evening of it. The motorcoach picks up in Leland and Calabash in the afternoon. We start with a leisurely three-course dinner at Uptown Prime — an upscale steakhouse with the kind of warm, refined atmosphere that sets the right tone for the night. Then on to Brookgreen for a couple of hours of strolling, listening, and soaking in the wonder.
By the time we're back on the bus, you'll be warm, well-fed, and quietly delighted. The kind of evening that becomes a tradition the moment you finish it.
Murrells Inlet, SC
Nine thousand acres of sculpture gardens, historic landscapes, and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. In December, it becomes one of the most beloved holiday traditions on the East Coast — thousands of hand-lit candles, twinkling lights woven through every tree, and choirs singing under the open sky.
Myrtle Beach, SC
One of the most respected steakhouses on the Grand Strand — prime cuts, fresh local seafood, an elegant dining room, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you want to linger. We have a private reservation set aside for our group.
Dress comfortably — we'll be walking outdoors at Brookgreen, often in cooler December evening temperatures. Layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm coat are your best friends. The dinner at Uptown Prime is nice but not formal — what you'd wear to a good restaurant on a cold night.
Brookgreen Gardens involves a fair amount of strolling at your own pace. The paths are flat and well-maintained, and there are plenty of benches if you want to sit and take it in. If walking is challenging, you can experience much of the magic from a smaller area near the entrance.
Yes — this is one of our couples-welcome trips. Husbands, partners, and significant others are all warmly invited. It's a beautiful, easy night out together.
Brookgreen runs Night of a Thousand Candles rain or shine. We'll bring back-up umbrellas on the motorcoach. Light rain often makes the candles even more atmospheric.
Click the Book Now button below, or call Frances directly at 931-801-9900. Space is limited and these holiday trips fill up — early booking is highly recommended.
Want to bring a friend? Tell her to mention your name when she books — we love a referral.
Same evening, same beautiful experience — one week later. Perfect if you have a conflict or want to bring extra friends along.
See December 10 Trip →