Merry & Bright is a unique holiday event hosted by Martini Town in Langley. The outdoor film set is transformed into a Christmas attraction in December.
The winter holiday attraction made its debut last year. Its first day of the season was December 1st. After that it ran on select dates until New Year’s Day in 2024.
Merry & Bright will return during the 2024/25 holiday season, but exact dates are to be confirmed as of early September. For tickets and full details, visit the Martini Town Events website.
This article contains the following information about Merry & Bright:
Dates and Hours | Admission | Entertainment Schedule | Merry & Bright Video | Hallmark Fan Experience | Tips & Advice | Other Information
Merry & Bright at Langley’s Martini Town
Martini Town is a film backlot used by all sorts of movies and television shows. Built in 2020, the 16-acre property looks like a small town somewhere in North America. Some of the set design resembles New York architecture. Exterior facades include a movie theatre, coffee shop, diner, alley and other locations.
During the holiday season last winter, Martini Town became a Christmas wonderland. The large outdoor set was decorated with lights and Christmas displays for the Merry & Bright event. There was also a small artisan market with local vendors, along with live music and food trucks. Santa Claus was on-site at select times as well.
Merry & Bright runs for about one month during the Christmas season. There’s also a special Hallmark Fan Experience with several actors on-site, but just for one day (which, in 2023, was on Saturday, December 2nd).
Martini Town’s address is 1123 272 Street in Langley. It’s just south of downtown Aldergrove, about an hour’s drive from Vancouver.
Dates and Hours
Merry & Bright ran on most days from December 1st, 2023, until January 1st, 2024. It was open from Wednesday to Sunday each week. The attraction also operated on the Tuesday of December 26th.
Hours vary depending on the day. The place is open from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekdays and from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Details for 2024/25 are TBC.
Merry & Bright Admission
Tickets for Merry & Bright are purchased in advance online. Tickets for the attraction in 2024 go on sale after Thanksgiving, so after October 14. Entry timeslots are staggered 30 minutes apart, but folks can stay for as long as they’d like. Last year’s holiday season prices are listed below. This year’s attraction will likely be comparable in pricing.
- Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $22
- Seniors (65+) – $18
- Children (ages 6 to 12) – $12
- Little Kids (ages 5 and under) – Free
- Families (2 adults and 2 children) – $60
A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Langley Food Bank, which is a great cause!
For tickets to the holiday attraction, see the Martini Town Events website.
Entertainment Schedule
In addition to all of the holiday lights and decorations, Merry & Bright offers live entertainment. There’s at least one musician or group featured each day.
Performers last year included the Angelus Christmas Caroling Trio, Dan Wenzel & Chris Dloughy, the Joy Vox Community Choir, Peace Arch Chorus, Scott Jacobs, the Second Inversion Barbershop Quartet, Soundscape Chorus, Thomas Beckman & Kitty Lam, and the West Coast Harmony Choir.
For the full schedule of live entertainment, visit the Martini Town Events website.
Merry & Bright Video
For a better idea of what to expect at Martini Town’s Merry & Bright event, check out the video below. It was filmed in 2023. As you can see, the set is full of beautiful lights. The festive decorations are on all of the buildings and trees. There are singers and visits from Santa Claus at set times as well. The event is a sight to see!
Hallmark Fan Experience
In addition to the general attraction, there’s also a one-day special event for Hallmark movie enthusiasts. The Hallmark Fan Experience features a panel discussion with seven actors from Hallmark movies filmed in Martini Town. Last year’s celebrity guests included Benjamin Ayres, Julia Benson, Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad and others. The experience also includes lunch, a signed and framed photo with the actors, and a free pass to Merry & Bright valid for another day.
The Hallmark Fan Experience happened on Saturday, December 2nd. It ran from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, as well as from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets were limited and cost $175 per person. There was also a VIP edition of the experience. It cost $300 and allowed you to act in a short professionally filmed scene.
For tickets to the Christmas attraction, see the Martini Town Events website.
Tips & Advice
The following tips and suggestions are good to know before going to Merry & Bright.
TIP #1: The location isn’t accessible by public transit. There’s a bus stop in Aldergrove at 276 Street and Fraser Highway, but it’s far away. If you don’t have a car, call a taxi or a different ride service from the bus stop. If driving yourself, free parking is available, but limited. Organizers recommend carpooling.
TIP #2: Merry & Bright is an outdoor event. It operates rain or shine. Be sure to bring warm jackets, gloves and toques!
TIP #3: The attraction is a real film set. There are so many great photo opportunities. Don’t forget your camera!
Other Information
For more information about the holiday attraction, visit the Martini Town Events website.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Best Christmas Activities in Vancouver
- The City and Township of Langley
- Fraser Valley Attractions and Events
- December Calendar of Events