When a group of tech-savvy friends debuted the Christmas Light Show on a residential street in Wall in December 2005, the Walt Disney World-quality display of lasers, pyrotechnics and synchronized holiday music quickly became a local sensation.
Nearly two decades later, as imitators have sprung up across the landscape, organizers hope audiences will continue to flock to the performances. The free 30-minute show, which raises money for charity, will take place on Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM and on Saturday, December 21 at 6:00 PM at Pyanoe Plaza on Main Street in Belmar.
“Our show uses theatrical, large-scale event lighting, but some other houses do a pretty good job with flashy lighting,” says lead producer Dan Brateris, a Wall resident and professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. “The kits that help you do these things are much more readily available (to the general public), but I still think we have a very unique show. When you see our show, with the sound system, the laser lights and the flamethrowers, it’s still like going to a rock show instead of looking at Christmas lights.
During past holiday seasons, more than 12,000 people have attended the show over several evenings. This is the third year it has taken place in the Connelly-Campion-Wright building at Pyanoe Plaza, located at Ninth Avenue and Main Street in Belmar.
A scene from the 2023 Christmas Light Show at Pyanoe Plaza on Main Street in Belmar.
Even more holiday fun: Holiday Lights Fest at Freehold Raceway Mall, plus more things to do this weekend
After undergoing some changes due to the pandemic and Wall’s relocation process, the show has returned to its original scale: “thousands of lights, fire and computer effects, all synchronized with a thunderous, concert-sized sound system,” Brateris said.
The free show raises money through donations for RallyCap Sports, a local nonprofit organization that sponsors sports programs for children with special needs. Suggested donations are $25 for a family of four and $15 for an individual adult.
The all-volunteer Christmas Light Show crew will be visited by Santa and Mrs. Claus in Belmar.
Parking is available in the Belmar Mall parking lot and surrounding streets. Participants are urged to arrive 30 minutes early, dress warmly and carpool if possible. In case of bad weather the show may be moved. Visit www.TheChristmasLightShow.com after 2:00 PM on the day of the show for status information.
Jerry Carino is a community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues of the Jersey Shore. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Belmar Christmas Light Show 2024 will feature lasers and flames
