Sleighbells ring, streets are glistening, in Gingerbread Alley lights are sparkling, it’s a beautiful sight at Merry & Bright as you’re walking in a winter wonderland at Martini Town. The Langley-based outdoor film set – appearing in many popular films and TV shows – has once again been transformed into a festive holiday hometown.
Open from November 21 to December 31 (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays), visitors are able to wander the streets and squares of the Hollywood-style backlot, as its facades and sets glow with spirit of the season. The Martini design and decorating elves have spent 1500 hours over the last month to bring comfort and joy to each Merry & Bright setting. Even Santa and Mrs Claus make nightly visits 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 merry myriads of vignettes to see and enjoy, holiday lovers will want to slowly stoll and explore the meticulously detailed, nostalgic window displays. Reminiscent of iconic department store windows straight out of “A Christmas Story”, updated and enhanced every year. There’s always something new to see, throughout the sets look for hidden treasures and little visual hints and nods to Martini Town’s cinematic history.
While sipping a Hot Chocolate from Martini Café, capture festive holiday photos under a gentle flurry of film-style “snow” fluttering over the Main Street. Nibble on Mini-Donuts as you gather on the front stoop of one of the New York-style brownstones and listen to the wandering Victorian Carollers. Merry & Bright is an entirely outdoor event however a large, clear-roofed tent covers the Town Square with heaters to allow visitors to get out of the elements but enjoy the night sky as they watch performances by The Dimes and other entertainers on the Town Hall steps. Keep your eye out for new roaming characters including “The Green Christmas Grouch” who’s out to steal the Christmas spirit or thaw the frozen heart of “The Ice Princess”.
If exploring the village leaves you hungering for something more substantial, wander up to the food trucks including Texas Smoke BBQ, Urban Wood Fired Pizza and Tacosaurus. As well, 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 to sit and eat with tables and chairs, near the food truck zone, with washrooms nearby.
Market Lane, in a heated, enclosed tent is the spot to find handcrafter gifts, unique stocking stuffers, and tempting treats. Open throughout Merry & Bright, Market Lane highlights a curated selection of local artisans and businesses: some featured all season, while others rotate weekly.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town is open from 3 to 10pm November 21 to December 31, 2025 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays except December 22, 23, 29 and 30). Located at Martini Film Studios’ Martini Town at 1123 272 Street, Langley, BC (5 minutes south of Downtown Aldergrove).
Visit merrybright.ca for directions, the daily entertainment line-up and advance tickets (ticket sales not available at the gate)