It happens just once on the annual calendar, at the happiest time of year. Merry & Bright returns to Martini Town this holiday season, transforming the Langley-based outdoor film set—famous for its appearances in popular movies and TV shows—into a festive wonderland.
From November 21 through December 31 (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays), you’ll be able to wander a Hollywood-style backlot, with its quaint facades and authentic sets transformed into a time-limited, must-see holiday wonderland. Santa, of course, will visit nightly, right up until December 23. To amplify the feel-good flow, a portion of all proceeds from Merry & Bright will be donated to the Langley Food Bank.
“Opening our backlot to the public allows those who cherish the holidays to step right onto their own film set, creating and capturing Christmas movie-quality memories,” says Gemma Martini, CEO of Martini Film Studios. “Only once a year, we invite guests to explore an imaginary town centre designed, built and decorated by BC’s talented film crews.” Martini says, “We’re so proud to share a bit of movie-style magic and holiday cheer with our community.”
Among the myriad vignettes to see and enjoy, your holiday-loving crew will want to slow down and explore the meticulously detailed, nostalgic window displays. Reminiscent of iconic department store tableaux, these windows are updated and enhanced every year. There’s always something new to see, such as little visual winks and hidden treasures embedded into the scenes.
Capture the most festive holiday photos twirling under a gentle flurry of film-style “snow” generated at Merry & Bright. Although it takes place entirely outdoors, a large, clear-roofed tent covers the Town Square, creating a cozy environment to watch performances, and protects guests from any actual inclement weather.
Check even the hard-to-shop-for off your list with fresh and unique holiday gifts. The Market Lane, housed in a heated, enclosed tent, is open every day during Merry & Bright. It spotlights a curated selection of local artisans and businesses: some will remain throughout the season, and others appear on weekly rotation.
For a taste of the holidays, sip hot seasonal beverages from Martini Café. Returning food trucks include Texas Smoke BBQ, Mini Donuts, Urban Wood Fired Pizza and Tacosaurus. Two new pop-up shops cater to the sweet-toothed: Fort Langley’s Bar Down Bakery has cookies, sweets, and breads, while Sticky’s Candy from Langley has fudge, plus imported candies and rare sweets. A sheltered area with tables and chairs, near the food truck zone, provides a comfy spot to sit and eat.
Daily entertainment keeps Merry & Bright hopping and lively. Expect the sweet sounds of Victorian carolers, groove-worthy stylings by vintage vocal troupe The Dimes, and a dynamic lineup of local musicians. In keeping with the theatrical vibe, this year brings new immersive entertainment: look for roaming characters including “The Green Christmas Grouch” and “The Ice Princess,” who will make their debut this season at Merry & Bright.
