Moonlight Madness will see plenty of festive cheer in downtown Qualicum Beach on Thursday, Nov. 23. (Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce)

By Ian Holmes

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Moonlight Madness to draw thousands to downtown Qualicum Beach

Nov 22, 2023 | 4:20 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Picturesque downtown Qualicum Beach will be transformed during an annual tradition signaling the start of the holiday season.

Moonlight Madness features a popular Christmas tree light-up and around 75 participating retailers open late offering various discounts on Thursday, Nov. 23, said Paul Trudeau, manager of member services with the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce.

“On top of that there will be lots of street performers, live music, specialty food trucks and of course, Santa himself will be there,’ Trudeau told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Moonlight Madness happens between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday evening, which will see Primrose St. closed between First and 2nd Ave, while many participating businesses are decked out in holiday lighting and decorations.

Mayor Teunis Westbroek will light up the Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m. in front of Town Hall.

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Music and refreshments will follow at a ‘warming station’ at the Qualicum Beach Seniors Activity Centre on Memorial Ave. beneath Qualicum Foods.

Trudeau said caregivers are encouraged to bring their children to Remax Anchor Realty (113 2nd Ave. W) between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to write, decorate, and send letters to the North Pole, which will personally be responded to by Santa Claus.

A new draw this year is the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Veterans Way starting at the Qualicum Curling Centre.

More live music and food trucks will be set up at the farmer’s market.

“We work closely with the farmer’s market for all kinds of events, but this is their first opportunity to try a night market out. They’ve got over 85 vendors, so it looks like it’s going to be a big success.”

Trudeau said Moonlight Madness is an integral event in promoting downtown Qualicum Beach merchants to locals and visitors.

“We have over three blocks of locally owned shops and restaurants. You won’t find any chains or franchises on Second Ave., or in and around our village, but you’ll certainly find some wonderful stores and great people running really unique shops.”

With no precipitation in the forecast, several thousand people are expected to attend this year’s edition of Moonlight Madness.

Trudeau said there is plenty of parking available in the area, including ample availability at the nearby Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes