QUALICUM BEACH — Thousands of people are getting set to converge on downtown Qualicum Beach for festive cheer and to offer local businesses an early holiday shopping season boost.
Hosted by Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce (QBCC) Moonlight Madness takes place Thursday, Nov. 20 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The longstanding annual tradition features live music, family-focused entertainment, late-night shopping, and special promotions from downtown businesses.
“Most of them are all open and often have something to celebrate inside the store. There will be carol singing, hot chocolate, and food,”mayor Teunis Westbroek told NanaimoNewsNOW. “It’s a good time to bring the family and enjoy this time of year.”
Event Itinerary for the 2025 offering of Moonlight Madness, happening Thursday, Nov. 20. (Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce)Westbroek begins a countdown at 6 p.m. to tree light-up the large Christmas tree Town Square on Primrose St., which will be ignited ten minutes later.
“I usually invite a couple of children to pull the switch to turn the lights on,” he said.
According to the QBCC, choirs and quartets fill the downtown streets with carols from 5:30 p.m. and perform into the evening.
Performances by Qualicum Beach School of Dance are slated for 5:45 p.m., followed by the Qualicum Beach Legion Pipe Band at 6 p.m.
Santa Claus makes his entrance at 6:30 p.m.
Westbroek called Moonlight Madness a highly valued local event.
“We’re all part of the same community, we want encourage people to have first shot at shopping at the local stores, and also to be generous to the folks that man the kettles for the Salvation Army — it’s a time to share with people who are less fortunate.”
Several other winter holiday-themed events are taking place throughout the mid-Island region, with Moonlight Madness being one of the larger gatherings.
Undoubtedly the most sizable spectacle is Ladysmith Light Up happening on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 27.
Tens of thousands of people cram downtown Ladysmith where about one million lights will be turned on along 1st Ave., followed by a large parade.
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