A core crew of staff at Darvonda Nurseries has spent long hours during the past two weeks getting rid of the Harvest Glow gardens and replacing them with a Christmas-themed show in time for this Thursday’s opening.
For the second year in a row, the greenhouse company that runs Milner Village Garden Centre is converting 4,000-square-feet of space under glass into a massively themed indoor holiday playground.
Following the success of the inaugural Glow Christmas event last year, producer Daryl Driegen and his team decided to not only keep Glow alive, but to expand it.
They introduced Harvest Glow in October of this year, and are expanding the Glow Gardens to Edmonton, Alta. and Barrie, Ont. this year.
Meanwhile, back in Milner, the final touches are going on to this year’s show, which designer Breanne Kanis is overseeing.
This year’s festival will again host a variety of local vendors including Blank Canvas Catering, a division of the Joseph Richard Group, as the marquee beverage provider.
And again recognizing what was successful in last year’s Glow Christmas, this year’s festival is back and set to be bigger and brighter than ever before, Kanis explained.
An estimated one million lights create an immersive and interactive experience for guests as they explore this year’s “Glow Around the World” theme.
Kanis has designed Mayan temple to represent Mexico, the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysees from France, the Big Ben clock tower from England, a windmill representing Holland, a dancing dragon for the China section, and India’s Taj Mahal.
The popularity of this annual event can be attributed to the unique setting, allowing for families to be immersed in the Christmas spirit without having to brave the unpredictable weather that can be a common deterrent for other holiday festivals, Driegen said.
Families can enjoy the magic castle playground, LED swings, and even pay a visit to jolly Old St. Nick.
“There’s truly an Instagram-worthy moment at every turn,” Kanis said.
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Guests can explore a Christmas themed light gardens that will also feature hundreds of Darvonda’s own poinsettas.
The experiences are endless, and to encourage interaction, guests will receive Glow Passports to get stamped as they visit each country, Kanis explained.
This year’s Glow Christmas runs Nov. 22 to Jan. 19.
To learn more about this year’s event, including how local charities will benefit, and for hours of operation and tickets, go online to www.glowgardens.com.
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WIN!
A family-pack of tickets to Glow Christmas is up for grabs.
All you have to do is visit The Times’ Facebook post about this story, tell us why you want to go, and you’re automatically entered to win the tickets. Draw will be made Wednesday, Nov. 28. Preference is given to local residents.
LAST YEAR’S EVENT: ‘Glow Christmas’ opens for the holiday season (Video)
