Milner Gardens and Woodland
November 23, 2018 - 12:15pm
Live holiday music, thousands of dazzling lights, sweet treats, a Teddy Bear cottage and visits with Santa Claus are just a few of the reasons families and community members will enjoy a visit to Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach this December.
Be sure to check out the display of delightful gingerbread houses created by VIU’s Professional Baking Program students. You can support the students by buying some of their delicious holiday baking.
“The 15th annual Milner Christmas Magic will put visitors of all ages into the holiday spirit,” says Geoff Ball, Executive Director of Milner Gardens & Woodland. “This is our annual fundraiser to help support programming and enhancements at Milner Gardens & Woodland.”
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the event. The number of lights, activities, and visitors has grown greatly over the years but the charm and magic continue.
Teddy Bear Cottage and Milner Gardens and Woodland. Photo Credit: Vancouver Island University
Guests are invited to dress warmly, bring flashlights and stroll through beautifully lit pathways and trails. Inside the cozy Camellia Tea Room in the historic 1930s-era Milner House, volunteers will serve up steaming cups of tea or hot chocolate, as well as desserts and other holiday treats for a fee on a first-come-first-served base.
Inside the warmth and comfort of Milner House, children and families will enjoy hearing stories read by volunteers, and live music performed by a variety of local musicians.
Sweets, spiced tea and hot chocolate, baked potatoes, chili and hot dogs will also be available at an outdoor refreshment stand. Two gift shops on the premises will allow guests to shop for Christmas gifts, souvenirs, and garden items including fresh Cedar bough wreaths.
Milner Christmas Magic takes place on three consecutive weekends: November 30 – December 2; December 7-9; and December 14-19 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm (last admission at 8 pm). Admission is by donation. Shuttle carts are available at the entrance gate for people with mobility challenges.
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Schedule of musicians for 2018 Milner Christmas Magic:
Friday, Nov 30 Tangerine Swing
Saturday, Dec 1 Serendipity Jazz
Sunday, Dec 2 Spare Tyme
Friday, Dec 7 Briggitte, Carolyn & Margaret
Saturday, Dec 8 McShane Family
Sunday, Dec 9 Sound Connection
Friday, Dec 14 Heart’s Ease
Saturday, Dec 15 Graffiti Quartet
Sunday, Dec 16 Fouray Quartet
Monday, Dec 17 Knox Retro Hand Bells
Tuesday, Dec 18 Patt Scrivener, Harpist
Wednesday, Dec 19 Maureen O’Hearn
Milner Gardens & Woodland is located at 2179 West Island Highway in Qualicum Beach.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Annette Lucas, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
O: 250.741.2020 | C: 250.618.7296 | E: Communications@viu.ca
Tags: Milner Gardens | Tourism | Announcements
