The 2024 edition of Qualicum Beach's Moonlight Madness kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, along Primrose St., with the annual night market set up on Veterans Way. (Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce)

By Jordan Davidson

christmas kick off

‘An incredibly fun night:’ Moonlight Madness in Qualicum Beach ignites holiday cheer

Nov 21, 2024 | 1:54 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — It’s the official start of the holiday shopping season for many mid-Islanders.

Hosted by the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, Moonlight Madness happens on Thursday, Nov. 21, with the night market kicking off at 4:00 p.m. with all festivities taking place downtown.

Chamber CEO Jared Shaw said this family-friendly event has been happening for over 20 years, and is a great way to show off their unique community.

“Qualicum Beach is a magical place. It’s unlike any other, just from the respect that everything is owner-operated, and there’s just a level of care that goes into that that you don’t see in many other places. I’d like to see this extended into a week, and I’d like to see more events happen like this over the summer.”

The opening ceremonies start at 5:20 p.m. at Glassford Square on Primrose St. in front of the library, complete with carolers, a bagpipe marching band, and the lighting of the Christmas tree by Mayor Tunis Westebroek.

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The night market will be in place along Veterans Way., and will be operating until 8:30 p.m.

Ten food trucks will also be on hand, with local restaurants and business also keeping their doors open as late as 9:00 p.m.

Shaw said the big guy is also expected to make an appearance.

“The Qualicum Beach Inn and Cafe, they’ve flown in Santa and they’re hard at work baking cookies for him right now, and he’s going to be in front of the TD Bank on 2nd Ave. It’ll be a nice, safe venue. There’ll be carolers, and crossing guards so everybody can get around safely. Should be a fantastic night.”

Primrose St. between First and 2nd Ave. will be closed off to vehicle traffic from 4:00 p.m. until around 8:00 p.m., with suggested parking at the Civic Centre (747 Jones St.) with a shuttle service available.

Shaw suggests dressing warmly and getting down there early to beat the crowds and find the best deals, with thousands of people expected to take part in this annual event.

“It’s a community piece, so you’re getting everybody in the surrounding areas together, and it’s just an incredibly fun night,” said Shaw. “And then for our merchants, it’s going to be one of their biggest sales days ever.”

Since area parking will be at a premium, Shaw suggests taking advantage of the nearby Qualicum Beach Civic Centre parking lot.

More information can be found here at the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce website.

– with files from Ian Holmes

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