CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A south Charlotte teen is spreading some holiday cheer with his festive lights show that you can see and hear.
This is the second year that he has put on the show, which he said has gotten bigger and brighter. This year, he added a charity element, and he is raising money for a good cause.
Matthew Desrochers first saw and heard a light show like this when he was just 3 years old. His neighbor put it on every year, and when the neighbor moved away, Desrochers decided to keep the tradition going.
“We have lights around the garage, the windows, the mini candy canes that will dance, the arches,” Desrochers said. “And this year the biggest addition is the mega tree.”
The idea is simple: While you are in your car, set your radio to 88.5. Then you will be able to see the holiday lights dancing along to the music. Desrochers is playing some classic holiday tunes, synchronized to over 7,000 festive lights and decorations.
He is using technology and lighting software to mesh together this spectacular light show.
“It comes down to being creative,” Desrochers said. “How do you want the arches to look, how do you want the mega tree to look and do you want it to go to the beat.”
This year, the festivities have a special meaning for Desrochers. He is raising money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation to help find a cure for Crohn’s disease; a disease he knows too well.
Desrochers got sick last December. He experienced fatigue, and stomach pains and lost a lot of weight. His family said it took months before doctors were able to determine what was wrong with him. After several tests, he was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in May.
With treatment, Desrochers is feeling more like his old self again. He is back to keeping the Christmas spirit alive and making a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease.
“I just really want to get people in the holiday spirit,” Desrochers said. “ I think it is something that will cheer everybody up as we get closer to the holidays and adding a charity is something extra that can help millions of other people.”
You can check out the display at 15333 Prescott Hill Avenue. There's a QR code at the display to connect you to his fundraising page. The light show will play every night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.