FAQ

Weather

As always, we are hopeful for excellent weather throughout the Festival. Maybe even a little snow this year to make us all feel that much more festive! That said, should we have to cancel due to dangerous weather or ice conditions we will contact all ticketholders to let them know. Refunds will be processed for any cancelled dates. Watch Facebook, Instagram, and/or our Website for updates. Please note that Merry & Bright is an outdoor winter walking event, and we do go ahead in messy weather. Please dress appropriately. Please also note that our weather on Mount Scio might not be the same as the weather at your house. Our cancellation decisions are based on our local conditions.

Tickets

How do I purchase tickets? Tickets are available to purchase online only, starting late November.

Can I buy tickets at the door?
No, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Can I use coupons or passes?
Sorry! Garden admission passes, Season Passes, and Friends of the Garden memberships are not accepted for this annual fundraising event.

Can I return my tickets?
All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable. If you can no longer attend for whatever reason, including illness, you may choose to gift or sell your tickets to friends or family.

Can I change nights?
No, exchanging already purchased tickets for another evening is not possible. Please be sure of your dates and times before you make your purchase. 

I purchased tickets for 5:00pm, what time should I arrive?
Tickets are sold over 5 time slots each night. These timeslots are in place to help control the flow of visitors, so that everyone can enjoy the experience without too much waiting and crowding. You can arrive at the Garden any time during your hour-long time slot. You do not need to leave at the end of your time slot. Except of course for the final slot, which ends at 8:00pm, the end of the event. The doors open at 5:00pm. Please do not arrive before this time.

What is the schedule for the buses?
There are three shuttle buses on duty each night. The first one leaves the Marine Institute for the Garden at approximately 4:45pm. They then run on a continuous load-and-go basis until they get everyone back to their vehicles at the end of the event.

Should I have gotten a confirmation email with barcode tickets?
Yes! If you have not received an email, please check your junk/spam folders. If you still don’t see the email, please contact us at garden@mun.ca.

I accidentally deleted my email with the tickets! Help!
No problem! You can log back in to the ticketing system to access your tickets at any time. We will also have a print-out on hand listing everyone who purchased tickets each night.

Pets, Pictures, and Paths

Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, but no. This is not an appropriate event for pets. For everyone's enjoyment, please leave pets at home. Only registered service animals will be permitted entry. Appropriate documentation will be required. 

Why do I have to stay on the paths?
Our plants are rather special and many will be damaged or die if stepped on. In addition, their sharp labels could pose a safety risk to you if you go into the plant beds. These labels are hard to see in the dark – even more so if we have a blanket of snow!

Can I take my wedding pictures at Merry and Bright?
Sure! We can’t guarantee a special spot, but you are most welcome to take any special occasion pictures on paths and open areas not planted, or, of course, at our special ‘photo-op’ stations. No additional charges apply but do note that wedding/party/special occasion vehicles will not be permitted in the Garden parking lots.

Other Questions

How accessible is the event?
The Festival is a winter walking experience, and accessibility depends on the weather conditions. As an outdoor event, accessibility can be compromised by snow and ice. Visitors should be aware there are areas with steep grades where assistance is recommended for mobility aids, wheelchairs, and/or scooters.

How long did it take to string all those lights?
Good question! Our amazing team spends about 8-10 weeks hanging lights to show off the Garden at its winter best.

How many lights you ask?
A lot! We lost count but estimate we use approximately 125,000 LED lights to create this magical night time experience.

Can I buy hot chocolate?
You bet! There will be hot chocolate and yummy chocolate chip cookies available for purchase on site. These treats are provided and sold by our partner, the Postmaster’s Garden Cafe.

Can I shop for Christmas gifts?
Absolutely! Garden Gifts in the Field Centre will be open, with seasonal specials.

What nights are choirs scheduled?
We will provide a schedule closer to the event.