Merry & Bright at Martini Town — Attraction in Township of Langley

I give 4/5 stars, becuase I'd compare Martini Town to a really good appetizer that you wish had main course portions.

If you haven't been, and photo opportunities is your thing, then this place is definitely one to check out. If you are looking for activities or anything interactive, you might be disappointed.

At $22 per adult, I'd say this price for admission is fair. For seasonal events/venues such as this, or Glow Langley, you have to expect prices will be moderate/fair to high. Especially for the mini donuts or food truck options.

If you go to the PNE, spend money there and expect pricing to be different here or Glow, you're only kidding yourself.

Parking is free, however I do wish was more illuminated as I stumbled over a small traffic cone in the lot becuase of how dark it is.

If you are relying on GPS to get here, it will direct you to the usual main gate, however an attendant with a light stick will point you further down to the entrance to the gravel lot.

Walking to the entrance of the venue was a little confusing. There was a line up for people waiting to get in (i only found out that they were there for a later entrance time by asking an attendant what the line up was for (as I didn't see any signs and didn't want to bypass everyone) luckily I asked otherwise I would've waited with the 7pm entry lineup when I had a 630pm entrance.

Entry was smooth with ticket scan.

You are greeted with the main "city centre" where The Dimes are performing. The "City hall" building doubles as a performance stage and photo op in between shows. You get hints of Main Street at Disneyland, or Tram Tour at Universal Studios.

Immediately the background holding and circus set tents stand out to provide cover from the rain while you eat and enjoy the entertainment. Unfortuantely, it was raining when I went but that is beyond all control.

There are heaters which you can standby to warm up in the main area. People will crowd around close to you by the warmers to try and make you uncomfortable to the point that you just leave, even when you're not ready to. It gets competitive for the bar tables set up around the heaters.

If you just want to enjoy and sightsee, you can clear the place in 25-30 minutes as a couple. If you are there for photo ops, or as a family, you can clear Martini Town in 60-75 mins. Breezing through the market, catching a bit of The Dimes, Carolers, and grabbing food included.

In a dream version of Martini Town, the "store fronts" would be actual walk-in shops just like on main street at Disneyland. The Diner front would have been amazing as an actual Diner you can dine at. You're left wanting more interactive activities or things to do and see because it teases theme park vibes. With how festive and well decorated Martini Town is, you have to remind yourself that it is not =-) I can imagine guests just beggin to line up for a picture with the Grinch or some sort of mascot/costumed character in addition to Santa and Mrs Claus. Perhaps a Snow Queen or Ice Princess strolling around the venue?

All in all, I prefer Martini Town to Glow. It's a unique experience to walk on a set used for movies/shows. It's like walking on set for the ultimate Hallmark movie haha. I'd say teens to young adults would enjoy it the most. Younger kids entertain themselves after the novelty of all the lights and decor wear out.

The main center would've benefitted from a bench or two. More direction signs in parking lot to exit would have also been helpful. I just followed the direction where all the cars were heading.

I hope and expect this place to be bigger and better in the coming years. Otherwise, if it doesn't evolve, I can see it becoming a been once and done experience. Obviously, the goal is to have people coming back every year and maybe more than once during a season.

Good Job to Martini staff and event organizers for a very creative and...

I attended the much-anticipated event a few days ago, and I can't express how disappointed I am. The hype surrounding this event was palpable, but unfortunately, the reality was a far cry from what was promised.

First and foremost, the venue was shockingly small for the number of people in attendance. It felt like a sardine can, with barely enough room to breathe, let alone move. The organizers clearly underestimated the interest in the event, and it was evident in the lack of space provided. Navigating through the overcrowded venue became a tiresome and frustrating task, making the overall experience incredibly uncomfortable.

Despite its initial disappointment, holds great potential for improvement. One key solution to the overcrowding issue would be implementing a strategic limit on the number of tickets sold.

By carefully regulating the number of attendees, the organizers can create a more enjoyable and intimate atmosphere for everyone involved. This approach not only addresses the problem of overcrowding but also enhances the overall experience for ticket holders. With fewer people in the venue, attendees can move around more comfortably, enjoy performances without being constantly jostled, and take advantage of amenities without enduring excruciatingly long lines.

Implementing ticket limits would require careful consideration of the venue's capacity and the type of experience the organizers aim to provide. It may mean sacrificing some potential revenue, but the resulting positive impact on attendee satisfaction and the event's reputation could be well worth it.

Moreover, a capped ticket system can create a sense of exclusivity, making the event even more desirable and sought after. Attendees are likely to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind such a decision, leading to increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth promotion.

While my recent experience was marred by overcrowding, I believe that implementing a strategic ticket limit is a viable solution. By prioritizing the quality of the event over sheer attendance numbers, organizers can transform future gatherings into truly memorable experiences for all.

Moreover, the event's amenities were sorely lacking. The lines for food and drinks were unbearably long, and the limited options available left much to be desired. It's disheartening to spend a significant amount of money on an event only to be met with subpar facilities and services.

In summary, this event was nothing short of a letdown. The hype raised expectations to a level that the organizers simply couldn't meet. A more thoughtful approach to crowd management and overall event planning is desperately needed. I regret investing time and money into an event that turned out to be a small,...

A bit pricey but a definite must see for the holiday season.

Martini Town encompasses everything bright and showy and magical in a way only available on TV Christmas specials. I was transported far away from Langley here into a whimsical winter cityscape. This is the kind of Christmas we all grew up expecting as kids, in a quaint neighbourhood where everyone knows each other.

Bring a good camera and a selfie stick or two. There's tons of photo ops for you and your loved ones from the old time cinema to the festive facades of New York during the holidays. The snow machine above the grocers was a charming touch that really brought out the movie magic for me.

Don't come if you're expecting a huge expanse of sprawling Christmas displays (I'd suggest Glow for that). This is a comfortably sized movie set, not too big and not too small. I'm excited to see what growth can come from the event planners here, hoping for more food trucks possibly, but overall this is a fantastic way to get yourself in the Christmas spirit 😊

What cost them the last star on my review was the head of staff at the café. It was either past her bedtime or she just hates people in general, but I've never encountered someone so cold and flat as I did her. If they didn't take cash I'd hope there was a sign up, but on asking whether or not they did I was met with a glare that would make old Saint Nick cry. No answer, just a hard cold glare until my boyfriend offered to pay with debit. No idea what her problem was, no idea what made her decide to behave the way she did, but it was definitely a souring experience that left me feeling like I was in the wrong. Even the food truck staff agreed she wasn't the jolliest of elves.

I'm not one to be negative in my reviews, even as I'm writing this I can't help but wonder if I'm being obtuse, but I'd suggest she sit next Christmas season out. Some people just aren't meant to be in customer service and she's at the top of the list.

Overall what an experience! I'm not one for the Hallmark specials on TV but I can see now how people get caught in the magic of them. Get your tickets if you still can, buy mini donuts and frolick in the fake snow, peer in at the diner set and take a moment to bask in the absolute best event that Hollywood North has to offer this...