Milner Christmas Magic is a stunning, labour-intensive collection of Christmas lights strung up throughout VIU's Milner Garden & Woodland property. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

annual tradition

Dazzling Milner Christmas Magic lights display returning to Qualicum Beach

Nov 28, 2022 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — A mid-Vancouver Island holiday season re-ignites this weekend with the return of Milner Christmas Magic.

Starting Friday, Dec. 2 more than 100,000 holiday lights will turn on at Milner Gardens & Woodland’s sprawling wooded property in Qualicum Beach, located at 2179 Island Hwy. West.

The VIU property occupying a 70 acre waterfront property is decorated in a twinkling lights strung along the garden paths to the historic Milner House and Gardener’s Cottage.

“We’re looking forward to hosting our community, bringing together families and friends for a memorable holiday experience,” Milner Gardens executive director Geoff Ball stated in a news release.

Milner Christmas Magic takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from Dec. 2 to Dec. 11, then nightly from Dec. 16 to Dec. 21, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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Admission is by suggested donation of $5 for adults, $2 for children and $12 for a household.

This year’s annual holiday lights display at Milner Gardens includes an expansion into the Rhododendron Species Garden.

Milner Christmas Magic includes an opportunity for shopping at the Gingerbread Gift Shop, while hot food and refreshments are also available for purchase at in front of Milner House.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the opening night of the 2021 Milner Christmas Magic. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Letters for Santa Claus can also be dropped off in the North Pole Mailbox and Santa’s sleigh will be positioned on site for picture-taking.

Attendees are asked to be cautious while parking along the shoulders of Hwy 19 while accessing and leaving the event.

Milner Christmas Magic launched in 2003 and has grown annually to become a staple winter destination for people throughout the mid Vancouver Island region and beyond.

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