Merry & Bright Nights at Sherman Library (Formerly Nights of 1000 Lights)
Merry & Bright Nights is the after-hours holiday celebration at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. On select December evenings the botanical garden fills with lights, music, Santa visits and a holiday dance party. Entry is by timed ticket, and some time slots sell out well ahead.
This is the event many locals still know as Nights of 1000 Lights. Sherman ran it under that name for 10 seasons, most recently in 2024, and calls the 2026 version an all-new event.
| Dates | December 3–6, 10–13 and 17–22, 2026 (14 nights) |
| Hours | 5–9 PM; timed entry at 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM |
| Location | Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 |
| Tickets | $45 members, $65 non-members, free for ages 3 and under |
| Ticket sales | Members from October 5, 2026; general public from October 19, 2026 |
| Parking | Free in two lots off Dahlia Avenue, plus street parking |
| Phone | 949-673-2261 |
| Website | thesherman.org |
Merry & Bright Nights 2026 Dates & Entry Times
The 2026 schedule is split into three December stretches: Thursday through Sunday, December 3–6; Thursday through Sunday, December 10–13; and Thursday, December 17 through Tuesday, December 22. Each night runs from 5 to 9 PM, and every ticket is for either a 5:00 PM or a 7:00 PM entry.
Most people spend an hour to an hour and a half in the gardens. Sherman suggests arriving close to your entry time so you have enough time to see everything.
Merry & Bright Nights Tickets
Admission is $45 for Sherman members and $65 for non-members. The non-member price is the same for adults, kids 4–17 and seniors, and children 3 and under are free. Members could buy starting October 5, 2026, and general sales open Monday, October 19, 2026. You can buy online or at the Sherman box office.
All sales are final. Tickets aren’t refundable, can’t be moved to a different night or time, and there’s no group rate. Reciprocal garden memberships don’t qualify for the member price. A Merry & Bright Nights ticket covers the evening event only; daytime garden visits (10:30 AM to 4 PM daily) need a separate ticket.
Membership + Ticket Packages
Joining Sherman can cost less than buying non-member tickets for a group. Each package includes a one-year membership:
- Family Package: $335 for a Family Membership and four tickets
- Adult Dual Package: $230 for an Adult Dual Membership and two tickets
- Senior Dual Package: $205 for a Senior Dual Membership and two tickets
Get tickets on Sherman’s Merry & Bright Nights page.
What to Expect at Merry & Bright Nights
Sherman’s 2026 description promises lit-up garden scenes with plenty of photo spots, visits with Santa, the Wishing Tree, a holiday craft table and a model train circling a seasonal display. There’s a dance floor with holiday tunes, plus Mexican food and adult drinks for purchase.
The Garden Shop stays open during the event for plants, garden goods and holiday gifts. Paths are suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Earlier editions of Nights of 1000 Lights included separate members-only nights. Sherman hasn’t listed a separate Member Night for 2026.
Parking, Food & Know Before You Go
Parking is free in Sherman’s two lots off Dahlia Avenue: one at the corner of Dahlia and East Coast Highway, the other behind the building. Street parking is also available. All spots are first come, first served, so leave a few extra minutes to find one.
A taco cart sells tacos, quesadillas, water and hot chocolate (cash only), and a no-host bar serves beer and wine. You can’t bring outside food.
- Weather: The event is outdoors and runs rain or shine, with no weather refunds or date changes.
- Pets: Only ADA service animals are allowed.
- Photos: Phone and camera photos are fine, and monopods or selfie sticks are OK if used carefully. Tripods, drones and professional photography aren’t allowed.
Check before you go
- Double-check the date and entry time on your ticket. Tickets can’t be exchanged for another night or time.
- Look at Sherman’s event page before you leave for sellouts or schedule changes.
- Bring cash if you plan to eat. The taco cart doesn’t take cards.
- Wear warm layers and pack an umbrella. The event goes on in any weather.
Merry & Bright Nights FAQ
When is Merry & Bright Nights in 2026?
The event runs December 3–6, 10–13 and 17–22, 2026, from 5 to 9 PM. Tickets are for a 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM entry.
How much are Merry & Bright Nights tickets?
Tickets are $45 for Sherman members and $65 for non-members. Kids 3 and under get in free. Membership packages with tickets start at $205.
Where do you park for Merry & Bright Nights?
Parking is free in Sherman’s two lots off Dahlia Avenue, and street parking is nearby. Spaces are first come, first served.
What happens if it rains?
The event takes place rain or shine. Tickets aren’t refunded or rescheduled because of weather, so bring an umbrella and dress warmly.
Is Merry & Bright Nights the same as Nights of 1000 Lights?
Both are Sherman Library & Gardens’ evening holiday event. After 10 seasons as Nights of 1000 Lights, Sherman is presenting the 2026 edition under the Merry & Bright Nights name and billing it as all new.
