·

Christmas Comes to Life at a Working Film Set

Hours

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

For years, the Vancouver area has been known as “Hollywood North, ” a result of incentives and the weakness of the Canadian dollar in relation to the US dollar. Area residents have seen the region double as countless American towns. Now, a fictional town has opened its doors to the public, offering visitors a chance to step directly into what feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie set.

If it feels like it, that’s because back lot in Aldergrove, B.C. has been used in Hallmark Christmas movie sets, as a TV screen in one corner of the Merry and Bright event displays clips from movies that have been filmed here.

Martini town was somewhat of an enigma to me for awhile. I passed it frequently and knew it was a movie set. In fact, it is located next to the site of the exteriors to the TV show Bates Motel were filmed (now a frisbee park). Eventually I learned it wasn’t the set for one show, but many.

Last year (2023) I noticed they had a Christmas event. It was sold out but this year I was determined to go and see inside this place that had intrigued me for the past few years.

What is Merry & Bright?

In December, this film lot is transformed by professional set designers from the movie industry into Christmas town.

Walking through the entrance, visitors emerge onto a town square that seems both familiar and fantastical. Store windows gleam with Christmas displays, including one of my favorite touches, a 5 foot high Grinch that shimmied its hips (likely after his heart grew 3 sizes).

  • view of an alley at martini town with icicle lights hung across the alley overhead, lit up Christmas tree in the foreground, lit up snowmen line the entrance to the alley
    Enchanting alleyways
  • view of decorated street at martini town, two story buildings decorated with Christmas lights, perspective is looking up the sidewalk with the buildings on the right
    Street scene
  • storefront with white columns, decorated with white lights and green garland, toys are inside the window display
    Storefront of a toy store

    • The set designers’ expertise is evident in every corner. Illuminated passageways feature glowing snowmen and twinkling trees. A grand manor home and elsewhere brownstone steps provided popular backdrops for family photos.

    Santa’s sleigh (and Santa) stands ready for holiday snapshots. Nearly every visitor seems to be capturing images worthy of next year’s Christmas cards.

    While most buildings are merely facades, one storefront had cocoa and warm drinks for sale through the window.

    Elsewhere, there were food trucks serving donuts and other warm, comforting foods.

    This is a fully outdoor event, so dressing for the weather is a must. While the tickets warned that there were no places to warm up, there were two event tents set up, one labelled “warming tent” and another in the town square was open but had heaters inside as well as tall tables to sidle up to an enjoy your food and cocoa in relative comfort.

  • view from sidewalk of manor house and courhouse at martini town at dusk. The courthouse has two columns at its entrance, the manor house has white Christmas lights around every window
    Courthouse and manor home
  • front of a theatre at Martini town. marquee is lit up and states "Happy Holidays Merry & Bright at Martini Town"
    Theatre front
  • event tent with clear plastic roof and walls rolled up, inside are people and warming towers with fires burning inside them
    Warming area in town square

    • Live entertainment adds to the atmosphere, with performers rotating through the evening, performing holiday music from the courthouse steps.

    Another event tent featured local artisans with tables selling their creations perfect for a little holiday shopping. Handmade soaps, jewelry, preserves and more were spotted as we strolled through.

    The entire experience can be enjoyed in about an hour at a leisurely pace. If you are wanting to snack on some treats or find yourself in a line to take a photo with Santa, you may want to allow a little extra time.

    If you go:

    Location: Martini Town, 1123 272 Street, Langley BC (Aldergrove is part of Langley township).

    Tickets: Advance purchase required

    Parking: Free with admission; carpooling encouraged for groups

    Duration: Your timed entry is for a 30 minute window, but once admitted you can stay as long as you want. Allow 1-2 hours.

    What to bring: Camera, be prepared for cold weather or rain

    What to expect: This is primarily a visual experience focused on holiday lights and photo ops. While beautifully decorated and festive, there are limited things “to do.”

    Food & Drink: A handful of food trucks and warm beverages available on site

    Shopping: Local artisan market located within the event

    Best for: Photography enthusiasts, film set curiosity seekers (and fans of Hallmark Christmas movies), holiday light admirers

    Less suitable for: Those wanting a more interactive experience. This is best for strolling around.