Garden Lights illuminate Middleton Place with art, color, and history after dark
by Hanalei Potempa | Contributing Writer
Located along the Ashley River in Charleston, Middleton Place is America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens, standing as a National Historic Landmark.
The historic preservation and interpretation of this site highlight the intertwined contributions of the Middleton family and the enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and worked there, telling stories that reflect a microcosm of American history from the Colonial era through the Civil War and beyond.
This winter, Middleton Place is inviting visitors to experience that history in a new way. The gardens will host Garden Lights from January 29 through February 16, offering a rare opportunity to explore the landscape after dark, fully illuminated.
‘We invite guests to experience the landscape of Middleton Place as it’s transformed into an immersive celebration of art, nature, and history,” says Alana Long, Marketing & Communications Manager at Middleton Place Foundation. “The illuminated pathways will have colorful light installations that highlight the beloved garden vistas at the height of camellia season.”
The 65 acres of gardens were designed in the 18th century, inspired by European formal design, and evolved through generations with contributions such as early American camellias. The after-hours setting also encourages visitors to slow their pace and take in details that might otherwise go unnoticed during the day.
“Experiencing Middleton Place at night invites families to slow down and connect with the beauty of the gardens themselves, seeing this historic landscape in a new light while gaining an appreciation for the care, resources, and stewardship required to sustain it for future generations,” says Long.
To mark the nation’s 250th anniversary and honor Arthur Middleton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s presentation will include a bold red, white, and blue light display. Rather than traditional holiday-style decorations, the event uses professional lighting techniques to highlight the landscape’s natural features.
“When guests hear that we are lighting up the gardens, they typically think of traditional string lights like what you would see during the holidays,” she says. Instead, Garden Lights features a lighting effect called uplighting which dramatically illuminates the gardens without covering them up. The light fixtures are on the floor and are pointed up to highlight specific areas. This method truly makes the historic gardens glow.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the event supports Middleton Place’s broader mission of preservation and education. A portion of each ticket contributes to The Middleton Scholars Education Assistance Fund, which benefits members of the African American descendant community connected to the site.
“It is important for the Middleton Place Foundation to use this fund to invest in education and as a tool for opportunity and equity,” Long says. This event takes place during Black History Month and we take this opportunity to support our descendant community with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Middleton Scholars Education Assistance Fund.”
For organizers, the evening is about more than lights — it’s about honoring history while creating new memories for visitors.
“Garden Lights is truly a way to celebrate America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens and to experience Middleton Place in a whole new light,” Long says
Together, the evening blends history, reflection, and celebration — illuminating not only the gardens themselves but also the stories, stewardship, and community that continue to shape Middleton Place today.
Garden Lights at Middleton Place runs through Monday, Feb. 16. Last entry at 8:30 p.m., lights off at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adult, $20 for Foundation members, $10 for kids 6-14, and free for 5 and under. Beer, wine, and other beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event, along with a rotating selection of food trucks every night. Middleton Place is located at 4300 Ashley River Road. For more information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org.
