Creating holiday magic – volunteers bring cherished holiday tradition to life

Stories from Milner Christmas Magic volunteers and staff.

Each year, Milner Gardens & Woodland transforms into a dazzling wonderland thanks to the dedication of volunteers and staff who bring Milner Christmas Magic to life. 

“We started from humble beginnings more than twenty years ago using tea lights in tin cans to light the driveway, to today, using thousands of LED lights and immersive experiences,” said Geoff Ball, Executive Director of Milner Gardens & Woodland. “Another evolution I have noticed is a shift from this being an event families and friends would come to see once to something that has become part of their yearly holiday traditions.”

Milner Christmas Magic runs December 5 to 8, 12 to 15 and 19 to 22 from 5 to 8 pm, with viewing until 8:30 pm. Entry is by suggested donation of $8 per adult, $4 for children and $20 per household.

This cherished holiday tradition is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of volunteers and staff behind the scenes. We caught up with volunteers and staff to ask them what makes Milner Christmas Magic so special. Below they share some thoughts.

How do you feel when you see the lights turned on for the first time each season?

It’s always exciting to see the lights go up and to anticipate seeing the community’s reaction to the displays, both original and new. Knowing how much work goes into hanging each strand and seeing it all come together creates a great sense of pride in what our volunteers come together to accomplish. Year after year, it never loses its sense of magic.

Geoff Ball, Executive Director

How would you describe the reaction from visitors?

I have the pleasure of working primarily at the Welcome Centre during Milner Christmas Magic, helping to greet all our guests. There, we get to see first-time visitors who may be skeptical of what they’re about to see, sometimes unsure that they will give in to the magic, only to see them on their way out with stars in their eyes and smiles on their faces saying they will be back again next year! 

We get to watch the pure joy in visitors young and old, when they try on their first pair of Holiday Specs, turning the festive lights into reindeer, elves, snowflakes and much more. And, we get to hear the gratitude in people's voices when confirming that admission is by donation. The tradition of entry by donation with this event goes back to the beginning. Keeping this experience as accessible as possible is important to us. All of this before you barely even enter the lights! I feel so lucky to get to be a part of bringing this event to our community.

Natalie Dickson, Visitor and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Do you have a favourite area or display within the garden that you enjoy each year?

We have traditional features that have been around since the beginning of Milner Christmas Magic and hold a lot of meaning, and of course, we introduced new exhibits last year like the umbrella garden, snowflake archway and kissing ball. But I think one of the most exciting parts is the momentum these new displays have created. All year long we find ourselves asking how can we add to them, and what new idea can we bring to life next year?

Denise Winter, Horticulture Coordinator 

What keeps you coming back year after year to volunteer at this event?

Every shift so many guests expressed thanks to us volunteers for making their evening such a wonderful experience. The joy and gratitude on people’s faces is what makes me want to be a part of this celebration of lights for years to come.

Jim T, Volunteer

Do you have a particular story or memory with volunteers that you could share?

I have the privilege of working directly with two very special volunteers – Santa and Mrs. Claus! They have been coming to our event since it began more than twenty years ago, despite having to travel all the way from the North Pole to do so. 

My favourite moments are when young adults line up to see Santa because they’ve been coming since they were children, and it’s even more special when young families bring a second generation of kids to see the same Santa and Mrs. Claus their parents visited. The Clauses are so patient and gentle and truly take the time to chat with each child. I love seeing kids who aren’t so certain about meeting Santa leave their visit in awe because they’re convinced that they’ve just met the real Santa and Mrs. Claus. I’ll be honest – I usually wrap up the Christmas season feeling like I have, too.

Pam Murray, Shoots with Roots Coordinator and Lead Interpretive Guide

How does it feel to be part of something that brings holiday cheer to so many people?

It’s true – Milner Christmas Magic puts everyone in the holiday spirit. It puts a smile on their faces and joy in their heart. For many, it’s an annual tradition – they’ve been coming for years, bringing their children, grandchildren, friends, neighbours! On those busy nights, you can just feel the energy throughout the garden. Afterward, you know that you’ve been part of something special.

John D and June B, Volunteers

Are there behind-the-scenes tasks that might surprise visitors? 

There is so much involved in Milner Christmas Magic beyond the integral job of setting up the lights. For example, we have a small crew of volunteer bakers who help Chef Mel roll, cut, bake and decorate thousands of gingerbread people – we joke they must be dreaming about giant gingerbread cookies for the rest of the year! 

 The beautiful holiday items glittering and glowing in the Gingerbread House Gift Shop have all been selected, unpacked, price-labeled and displayed by a mighty team of two volunteers. The warm and cozy holiday ambiance you see through every window display in Milner House is thanks to another one of our creatively inclined volunteers – down to every last perfected detail. 

We are also treated to live music with two local violinists volunteering their time to come foster a festive energy up at the Welcome Centre. And not to forget our fantastic Volunteer Coordinator, Natalie, who starts communicating with volunteers and scheduling more than 100 positions as early as September to help make all this possible. It’s such an incredible show of team effort all around – everyone’s got their place and contributes where they can.

Emily Weeks, Operations Coordinator