And then there was light

BC’s year-round evergreen provides the perfect setting for twinkling lights.  Need proof? Qualicum Beach’s Milner Christmas Magic shows how it’s done, thanks to Vancouver Island old-growth Douglas firs and cedars decked out in shimmer, musical interludes by local talent and sweet treats in the tearoom during the first three weekends in December. www.milnergardens.org

Bright Nights in Stanley Park, a yearly fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, is a favourite Vancouver holiday draw, with hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts, roving performers, choirs, a “North Pole” featuring Santa and a forest-fringed train ride through two million sparkling lights, December 2 – January 2.  Nearby, the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden, December 9 – January 1, will transform a spectacular garden setting into a winter wonderland, thanks to 1.4 million luminescent lights. www.vancouverparks.ca; www.vandusengarden.org

If you like to sing while you sightsee, the Vancouver Trolley Company provides Christmas crooners with unique transportation during the Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour, December 9 - 24.  Highlights — or high notes — of the tour include a memorable musical journey through the lights display at Stanley Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden.  Cue the music. www.vancouvertrolley.com

Along Vancouver’s shores, a sea of sparkles awaits during the Carol Ship Parade of Lights. This gathering along Coal Harbour, December 2 – 23, will spotlight boats bedecked in shimmer, complete with a chorus of singing voices. www.carolships.org

In the Thompson Okanagan, things are going to get wild December 9 – January 2.  The Wildlights Celebration at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops is set to showcase 360 shimmering rope-light sculptures and over 600,000 twinkling lights, alongside wagon rides, a Wildlife Miniature Train, a Giant Maze and spectacular nightly displays of lights and festive fireworks. www.bczoo.org

Further east in the Kootenay Rockies, the funky ski town of Rossland looks to stir the holiday mood during the 18^th annual Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas, December 4.  This festive day unfolds with a Reindeer Prance Parade featuring Santa Claus, a winter market, carolling, bonfires, complete with roasted chestnuts, and the lighting of the town Christmas tree.  www.rossland.com 

For a final show in the Great Outdoors, set your compass for Prince George’s Northern Lights Festival, December 2 – January 3. Bundle up the whole family for this scenic drive through Connaught Park, where you’ll witness views of animated displays that run the wintry gamut, from Santa’s reindeer frolicking in the snow to artful arrangements of prehistoric creatures. www.tourismpg.com