Christmas Magic Returns this Holiday Season to VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland

Outdoor festival of lights runs Fridays to Sundays during the first three weeks of December.

The garden paths and buildings at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland will twinkle and glow with thousands of lights during Milner Christmas Magic this holiday season.

After cancelling last year’s event due to COVID restrictions, the annual outdoor festival of lights is back.

“I’m thrilled we are able to welcome our community back again for a chance to walk through the Christmas lights and to help everyone get in a festive spirit,” says Geoff Ball, Executive Director of Milner Gardens & Woodland.

Attendees can stroll through more than half a kilometre of lighted paths, shop for Christmas gifts at the Gingerbread Gift shop, enjoy hot beverages and food at the outdoor refreshment stand and stop for a photo-op at Santa’s Sleigh. People posting their photos on social media are encouraged to use the hashtag, #MilnerChristmasMagic. Visitors can also drop off their letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox onsite. Milner’s house and cottage will be closed, but a series of lights and festive holiday displays will be visible through the windows. Masks are required for entry to the Gingerbread Gift Shop.

Milner Christmas Magic runs Fridays to Sundays during the first three weeks of December – Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 – from 5-8 pm, with viewing up until 8:30 pm. Admittance is by a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and $12 for a family (two adults and up to three children under 19 years). A shuttle cart service for people with accessibility and mobility needs is available between the Welcome & Interpretive Centre, Gingerbread House Gift Shop, Gardener’s Cottage and Milner House.

Milner Christmas Magic is a fundraiser for Milner Gardens & Woodland, a seaside garden in Qualicum Beach, located at 2179 Island Highway West. For more information about the event please visit the Milner Christmas Magic Tips and Suggestions website.

If required, any weather closures will be posted online on the Milner Gardens’ special events website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Milner Christmas Magic’s 2021 presenting sponsor is Windsor Plywood.

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Media Contact:

Rachel Stern, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.618.0373 l E: Rachel.Stern@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews