Milner Gardens is preparing for its opening night on Thursday, Dec. 4 with upwards of 200,000 lights laid out over the expansive property near Qualicum Beach. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

magical experience

‘Around 150,000 to 200,000 lights’ ready to sparkle for annual Milner Christmas Magic

Dec 3, 2025 | 4:28 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — One of the mid-Island’s most iconic holiday events is ready for its return.

Milner Christmas Magic takes guests through a beautifully lit and decorated walk through the Milner Gardens property on Hwy. 19A in Qualicum Beach, with gates open Thursday to Sunday between Dec. 4 and Dec. 21.

Executive director of the Gardens, Geoff Ball, told NanaimoNewsNOW the event continues to grow year after year, and the feedback they receive indicates it holds a special place in people’s holiday traditions.

“I think the first year, we had about 2,000 people, and we’re now, if the weather cooperates, we’re up around 15,000 or so. Weather can play a big factor, but it does get quite busy. It’s really grown in popularity and it’s one of those events that’s on a lot of people’s annual lists.”

Proceeds from the annual event go back into garden operations and events they host year round. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Gates open at 5 p.m. each night of the display, with final admissions at 8 p.m.

Entry is by a suggested donation of $8 per adult, $4 per child or $20 for a household, with all proceeds going towards continued operation and maintenance of the garden property and its buildings.

A free shuttle bus service is available on Saturdays and Sundays, to and from the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, leaving regularly starting just before 5 p.m., with final departure from Milner Gardens around 8:45 p.m.

Ball said lights start getting hung on the roughly 700-metre-long, fully decorated pathway and trail system in mid-September by a team of dedicated volunteers and staff at the facility.

“We tried to estimate one year just by tallying, and we were getting well above 50,000. So, going off of that, I think we’re probably around 150,000 to 200,000 lights out there now.”

Included is an immersive umbrella display, debuted in 2023, as well as a few new elements for this season, which Ball remains coy on.

“It’s looking just fantastic,” Ball said on the setup so far. “They’ve been adding on, there’s a few little new things, a few changes, and a few new things for people to discover. I think people will be quite happy the with the show overall.”

An umbrella display which debuted in 2023 will return again this year. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He said the annual event still means a lot to him personally, as it’s easy for him to get caught up in the magic and the spirit of the season.

Ball added he’s “one of the few lucky souls” who gets to walk the gardens, shutting off the lights each night.

Unfortunately, Santa and Mrs. Claus will not be in attendance this holiday season due to scheduling conflicts with their responsibilities at the North Pole.

Musicians and storytellers will take their place at Milner Gardens through the holiday season.

(File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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