BELLE — For the past five holiday seasons, one Belle resident has been quietly transforming his home into a synchronized Christmas light show that has become a seasonal tradition for families across the area.

Mark Grigg said what began as a practical decision quickly turned into a full-scale creative hobby.

“I started off by wanting to put up permanent lights so I didn’t have to get on a ladder anymore,” he said. “Once I found out about these ‘pixel’ lights and how they worked, it grew from there. The shows you can put on are amazing. Me being the techy that I am just made it an awesome hobby.”

Since that first year, the display has continued to grow in both size and complexity. Grigg adds new elements annually, refining the overall look while introducing fresh ideas. One of the most striking features is the mega tree, which has expanded dramatically over time.

“It started off as 1,600 lights and now it’s up to 4,800 lights on it,” Grigg said. “Each additional prop or element makes it look fuller and more visually stunning.”

Behind the scenes, the effort is a year-round commitment. Grigg begins planning as early as March or April, using the spring and summer months to design props, budget and order materials, often months in advance to secure better pricing. August and September bring a push to prepare for a Halloween show, which allows him to test about half of the props before the Christmas season. By November, much of the display is already installed and ready.

As for the cost, Grigg jokes there is “only one rule in ‘Light Club’ — we don’t talk about the money spent on ‘Light Club.’” More seriously, he said the key has been gradual investment. By budgeting a little each year, he has been able to expand and maintain the show without overwhelming expense.

“After five years, I probably could have bought a nice used car,” he said.

His favorite part of the display remains the mega tree, which he describes as the most visually appealing element.

“It’s like a giant TV screen,” he said.

Community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Grigg said he initially worried the flashing lights might bother neighbors, but those concerns never materialized.

“They all love it,” Grigg said. “They talk about how beautiful it is. The people parked outside watching doesn’t even bother anyone. Everyone has been so supportive and kind.”

The project is very much a one-person operation. Grigg handles the design, construction and programming himself, while his wife enjoys seeing the finished result. For him, the work is both relaxing and creatively fulfilling.

“It lets me express myself with the design, engineering and programming to make the sequences that you watch,” he said.

Challenges remain constant, from budgeting and time constraints to programming issues and delayed parts. Grigg said learning multiple software programs is part of the process, along with troubleshooting alongside others in the hobby through online meetings. Over time, he has built connections with vendors and fellow enthusiasts across the country who share the same interest.

What began as a personal project has grown into something larger. Grigg said seeing community posts and messages on Facebook asking whether the show will return each year is what keeps him motivated.

“I’m just glad that I can do something that I enjoy and that the community loves,” he said.

The Grigg family light show is located at 506 Trades Dr. in Belle. Visitors can tune their car radios to 95.9 FM to enjoy the music synchronized with the lights. The show runs daily from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 4, with new songs added each Sunday. The final week, Dec. 28 through Jan. 4, will feature all new 2025 selections and popular favorites.

The Grigg family has a special message for everyone, “Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.”