The crisp winter air in Mooresville, North Carolina, is alive with the glow of holiday cheer, but one home on Cherry Bark Drive shines brighter than the rest. Seventeen-year-old Gavin Schmidt has transformed his residence into a dazzling spectacle of synchronized lights, music, and animatronics, captivating the entire neighborhood.
Gavin’s passion for Christmas lights ignited early. As a young child, he delighted in setting up inflatable decorations, a simple joy that blossomed into an ambitious artistic endeavor. Inspired by a desire to create something truly magical and perhaps even land a spot on the “Great Christmas Light Fight,” Gavin began meticulously planning and designing his displays.
This year’s show is a testament to his dedication and technical prowess. Months of planning and construction culminated in an elaborate display featuring over 43,000 lights choreographed to a dynamic soundtrack of holiday classics. The centerpiece of the show is a pair of whimsical elf animatronics, meticulously crafted by Gavin himself. These intricate creations, each boasting 28 servo motors and controlled by three separate boxes, sing along to the music, adding a touch of whimsical movement to the dazzling spectacle.
Gavin meticulously programmed the display using xLights software, ensuring precise synchronization between the lights, music, and even the bursts of fog that erupt in dramatic fashion, timed perfectly to the beat of the music.
“I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces,” Gavin shares. “It brings joy to the community at Christmas time and offers something free for families to come and enjoy.”
Gavin’s passion for technology extends beyond the holiday season. He operates a YouTube channel called “Chilling Props” where he showcases his skills in creating animatronics, a hobby that has grown into a burgeoning interest.
“I was obsessed with plugging in all my inflatables and rearranging the yard,” he recalls. “I became fascinated with animatronics and their mechanisms, which led me to create my YouTube channel.”
Gavin’s creativity extends beyond his own home. He has previously orchestrated light shows on his grandparents’ dock on Lake Norman, his grandparents’ home, a friend’s house in Mooresville, and even his neighbor’s house two doors down, synchronizing their displays for a truly spectacular street-wide spectacle.
While still exploring his career options, Gavin is confident in his abilities and eager to continue exploring the world of technology and engineering. He advises aspiring creators, “YouTube is a very helpful tool with great information for learning and troubleshooting. And I’m always ready to mentor anyone who is interested.”
Gavin’s Christmas light display is more than just a festive decoration; it’s a testament to his creativity, dedication, and desire to bring joy to others. Next year, Gavin plans to collect donations for Piedmont Animal Rescue, a local charity that holds a special place in his family’s heart.
Gavin’s Christmas light display is a source of joy for the entire community, a reminder that even the smallest of communities can be illuminated by the brightest of spirits.
