Milner Gardens hosts its annual family festival of lights and music this December.
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens and Woodland.
The seaside garden in Qualicum Beach hosts its annual family festival, called Milner Christmas Magic, this December. Volunteers have been stringing up thousands of lights over the past few months to turn the woodland and garden trails into a twinkling realm of Christmas cheer.
“This is our 17th annual Milner Christmas Magic and thanks to a surge in volunteers helping with setup we anticipate this being one of our best shows yet,” says Geoff Ball, Executive Director of Milner Gardens and Woodland. “We are delighted to host this event each year for our community to come wander through the lights, enjoy the festivities, and share time with their friends and family at this time of year.”
People are advised to dress for the weather conditions, wear comfortable walking boots and bring flashlights for the half-kilometre trail walk. After the stroll, guests can warm up with a mug of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider, along with some delicious desserts, in the Camellia Tea Room. Hot dogs, smokies and loaded baked potatoes are also available at the outdoor refreshment stand at Milner House.
Popular family favourites back again this year include the Teddy Bear Cottage, storytelling and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Attendees are also invited to check out the gingerbread houses display created by students in VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program.
Milner Christmas Magic runs December 13-15 and 18-22 from 5 - 8:30 pm with last entry at 8 pm. Admission is by donation. Shuttle carts are available to take people between the Welcome Centre, Gift Shop and Milner House for anyone with accessibility needs.
Local musicians will perform in the Milner House dining room every evening between 6-8 pm.
Schedule of musicians for Milner Christmas Magic 2019 include:
- Friday, December 13: Tangerine Swing
- Saturday, December 14: Flute Cocktail
- Sunday, December 15: Sound Connection
- Wednesday, December 18: Tranquil Harp
- Thursday, December 19: McShane Family
- Friday, December 20: Fouray Quartet
- Saturday, December 21: Graffiti Quartet
- Sunday, December 22: Heart’s Ease
Robert and Eva Jarvis will perform December 14 and 15 at the Milner Gardens’ Welcome and Interpretive Centre.
If Milner needs to close because of inclement weather, notices will be posted on Milner’s Facebook page and Twitter account.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Stern, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6560 l C: 250.618.0373 l E: Rachel.Stern@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews
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