Merry & Bright Festival - A Holiday of Lights
Visitors stroll through illuminated grounds and spectacularly lit trees, visit Santa at the Gazebo, and explore a decorated manor house featuring iconic scenes from A Christmas Story. The festivities include campfires for roasting marshmallows, outdoor holiday movie favorites, vintage carnival games, and balloon creations from Mr. Twister. Guests can also explore themed areas like the Secret Gardens, Bumble's Snowball Party, food trucks, and a juried gift show.
What to Expect
Illuminated grounds, Santa visits, and A Christmas Story manor house scenes.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Poplar Grove Plantation
Food & Drink
Food trucks and concessions are available, and campfires let visitors roast marshmallows.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive, nostalgic, outdoorsy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $10 all-ages ticket; children 2 and under free. $35 family pass for 2 adults and 2 children ages 2–11. $100 season pass for 2 adults and 2 children ages 2–11. The page also advertises a 10% off ticket sale Admission includes the lighted grounds, listed attractions, Santa visits, and named themed areas. No separate prices are stated for other activities. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5–9 PM. Santa visitation: starting at 5 PM; last call to enter the line is at 8:30 PM; show ends at 9 PM.
- Pets: Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome on Sunday nights only.
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets online during the It's Fall Y'all sale to take 10% off admission to Merry & Bright.
- If you want to bring your dog, come on a Sunday night, the only night well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed.
- Get in Santa's line at the Gazebo early, because last call to join the line comes half an hour before the show ends.
- Plan to spend the whole evening, with campfires, carnival games, outdoor movies, food trucks and a juried gift show all on site.
- Leave your own drinks at home, since outside alcohol isn't allowed, and keep kids from climbing or pulling on the light displays.
Special Events & Promotions
- Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome on Sunday nights only.
- It's Fall Y'all sale: 10% off tickets booked online.
- Family pass and season pass options each cover 2 adults and 2 children ages 2-11.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does admission include?
Admission covers the lighted grounds and lit trees, visits with Santa, Grinch's Junk Shop, the Secret Gardens, Bumble's Snowball Party and Santa's Boot Camp. It also includes the Spirit of '76 Tavern, which celebrates America's 250th.
What is there for kids?
Mr. Twister makes balloon creations for kids. There are also vintage carnival games, outdoor holiday movies and a decorated manor house with scenes from A Christmas Story.
Where do we find Santa?
Santa is at the Gazebo every night. Get in line before last call, which is half an hour before the show ends.
What is there to eat and drink?
There are food trucks, concessions and campfires for roasting marshmallows. Outside alcohol isn't allowed.
Are there rules for kids?
Parental supervision is required. Kids shouldn't climb, jump on, shake or run around light sets, trees, buildings or garden beds. They also shouldn't pull off ornaments, lights or props.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.