Martini Town Merry & Bright in Langley, December 1th, 2023 to January 1th, 2024
What is one thing that comes to mind when you think of the winter season? For many, outside of Santa and trees trimmed, it is Hallmark holiday movies. You know the ones in a picturesque town? where above all odds the female and male protagonist come together and realize their Christmas gift this year is love? Well you can have this Tinseltown experience yourself at Martini Town, a picture-perfect film set in Langley, owned by Martini Film Studios.
They are titling this experience Merry & Bright and it will be running from December 1, 2023 to January 1st, 2024. It gives ticket holders a rare opportunity to walk through a Hollywood-style film backlot, and one that transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Winding sidewalks lined with the facade of brick and motor buildings: a well stocked corner store, a police station with caution tape used as decoration, the small town’s only cinema, and the mayor’s mansion on the top of the hill. There were even wide “streets” outfitted with Christmas arches screaming for a choreographed song and dance to pass through them.
Best described through the press release: “Martini Town, located on a 16-acre outdoor site, boasts building facades and filming streetscape that are unique to the region, making it a hugely popular location for filming television shows and movies. There is an entire small town, a New York-themed Brownstone Street, a movie theatre with a lit marquee, a coffee shop, an urban alley, a courthouse, a diner, a town square and much more to feed film fantasies.”
But not just photo ops and festive displays, you can also enjoy live music, browse through an artisan market, grab a bite at food trucks; and even visit with Santa, on select time and days. During our visit, the food truck options were either southern barbecue from Langley’s own Texas BBQ or artisan pizza made in a real stone pizza oven, outfitted in to a food truck.
Looking for something to drink there are also hot beverages like coffee and tea, plus small sweets to compliment them at the town’s Cafe.
Fun fact: “All Merry & Bright event staff are from the film industry, which gives visitors another behind-the-scenes opportunity to engage with an industry that helps power the local economy. Guests are encouraged to ask staff wearing “I Work in Film” pins about their roles in BC film”. (As taken from the press release.)
“Martini Town Merry & Bright was created to bring some light and joy into the holiday season,” says Gemma Martini, the CEO and Founder of Martini Film Studios. “We acknowledge that many members of our community are facing hardship, and to provide our support, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Langley Food Bank.” “Merry & Bright will be powered using only clean energy, just one of the reasons Martini Film Studios was named a BC Hydro Clean Energy Champion earlier this year.” (As taken from the press release.)
Be warned it is fairly chilly “on set”, so bundle up and dress warmly, as you will be standing around idle for quite a bit. Whether it is to wait in line for a photo opportunity or for the above mentioned food or drink. Similarly, be aware that the attraction is fairly popular and although we went earlier, the parking lot was quick to fill after us.
And for those who want the full circle experience, check out the following Hallmark Channel holiday movies that will feature this set. Playing on W Network: Sealed with a List on December 16, and Friends & Family Christmas on December 17.”
To view the full Merry & Bright event schedule, visit martinievents.ca.
Martini Town Merry & Bright will be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday every week throughout December. Address: 1123 272 Street, Langley.
Hours:
Wednesday – Friday: 4pm to 10pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2pm to 10pm
Tickets:
Priced at $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children (ages 6 and under are free), tickets available for purchase online only at martinievents.ca/buy-tickets.
