For over 30 years a visit to Woodland Gardens to enjoy the spectacular Christmas light display and a visit with Santa during December has become a holiday tradition for many Comox Valley families.

Throughout the years the nearly 25 acre privately owned gardens with its many trails and features has become one of the Valley鈥檚 favourite locations that helps people get a taste of the wonders of Mother Nature. However as the dark days of winter come upon us the gardens at night turn into a winter wonderland of multi-coloured lights.

Each year Bryan Zimmerman, owner of the gardens, spends countless hours stringing lights along the many pathways and this year is no exception. As part of his on-going plan to be energy efficient he has been switching out the old traditional bulbs to the more energy efficient LEDs.

鈥淚鈥檝e never really stopped to count the bulbs,鈥� says Zimmerman, 鈥渂ut after over 30 years of adding strings there are literally thousands.鈥�

鈥淵ears ago when we operated as a Christmas tree farm鈥� Zimmerman continued, 鈥渇amilies would come out to cut their own trees and while we don鈥檛 grow Christmas trees anymore many of these same families, now with grown up children, come out to enjoy the spirit of the season.鈥�

While there are no trees to cut anymore visitors will experience the joy that comes by walking through this awesome display of Mother Nature鈥檚 trees wrapped in twinkling lights.

While the light display is constantly changing the one attraction that has not changed is Santa鈥檚 Barn. Decked out from floor to ceiling with cedar bows, ornaments and Christmas trees that are just begging to be surrounded by presents on the big day.

And of course Santa himself will be on hand from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. from December 14 right through to December 23. So make sure you鈥檝e got your wish list ready and have checked it twice. Also available while Santa is in his barn will be hot dogs, hot chocolate, brownies and delicious sweet and savoury crepes.

Another highlight of the festivities adding to the magic of the evening takes place on December 18 and 20. Beginning at 7 p.m. members of the Island Voices Chamber Choir will be on hand with choristers stationed at various locations along the pathways singing traditional Christmas carols.

Making spirits bright is what Christmas at the Gardens is all about. Along with the glittering lights there鈥檚 often a roaring bonfire surrounded by log benches near Santa鈥檚 barn that makes for a perfect gathering place.

While the gardens are open daily at 11 a.m., the lights are turned on every night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Dec 1 right through until January 2. Regular garden admission applies. Cash only. Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is located on Whittaker road just 15 minutes north of Courtenay off the Old Island Highway.

For further information visit the website www.woodlandgardens.ca or call 250-338-6901.