Moonlight Madness in Qualicum Beach starts on Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. (Town of Qualicum Beach Facebook page)

By Ian Holmes

Christmas cheer

Moonlight Madness holiday kickoff takes over downtown Qualicum Beach

Nov 24, 2022 | 2:35 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — An annual tradition to provide a holiday season boost to Qualicum Beach businesses returns to full strength.

Moonlight Madness, featuring a Christmas tree light-up, entertainment, late-night shopping and a visit from Santa Claus, happens Thursday, Nov 24 between 5:30 p.m. and about 9 p.m., said Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce president Kim Burden.

Scaled back in 2020 and last year, Burden said the event is shaping up to offer its usual strong tradition of participation from the business community, locals and visitors to the area.

He said the event is critical for merchants and hopes it’s at the top of shoppers’ minds.

“Everybody’s had a struggle, everybody’s had to find different ways to attract customers. It’s nice to get back to the activities that we’ve done in the past and see the full participation from both visitors and residents of Qualicum Beach.”

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Primrose St. between First and Second Ave. will be closed during the event, while most businesses will be open and lit up with Christmas decorations during the event.

At 5:30 p.m. a large Christmas tree will light up in front of the Qualicum Beach Town Hall.

Several entertainers including dancers and bagpipers will be in attendance.

A photo booth to take pictures in Santa Claus’ sleigh will be on hand.

Burden said this year’s Moonlight Madness has the potential to draw a few thousand people downtown.

“A ton of activity, carolers moving around the community, going into stores singing Christmas carols – tis’ the season and this is the kickoff.”

Town crews were busy over the last week getting things ready for Moonlight Madness. (Town of Qualicum Beach Facebook Page)

Burden said the event is a great opportunity to expose people to the many unique shops and services Qualicum Beach has.

“You can get most things within the village of Qualicum Beach in terms of gifts and things that you need personally. There’s a huge variety of stores in the community.”

Also on the evening of Thursday, Nov 24 the Ladysmith Light Up event takes place in that community’s downtown. The large street-party-style event with a parade, entertainment and fireworks opens the Festival of Lights.

About 200,000 Christmas lights will be turned on by Santa Claus in downtown Ladysmith at 6:35 p.m.

The Ladysmith event typically draws tens of thousands of people.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes