SHARE

New Milford Native's Christmas Display In Paramus Will Brighten Your Night

PARAMUS, N.J. — If you find yourself driving down Spring Valley Road in Paramus this month, make sure you're tuned into 87.9 FM.

Kevin, left, and Wayne McCarthy of Paramus spend weeks programming their annual Christmas lights display.

Kevin, left, and Wayne McCarthy of Paramus spend weeks programming their annual Christmas lights display.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine

Homeowner Wayne McCarthy and son Kevin say their house doesn't make sense without the music this time of the year.

The pair, who both work in electrical and IT fields, have been programming their home's Christmas lights to music for four years.

It started in 2013, when they saw another local display and began researching how it worked.

"It seemed a lot simpler," said Wayne, a New Milford native.

But the father-son duo have the hang of it now.

"We try to start putting it up in September and try to have it finished by Thanksgiving," said Kevin, 27. "It's a pain but it's worth it in the end."

The dancing arches, blinking roof lights and colored chains running up and down the trees have to match every beat of every song. It can take up to 20 hours just to program one song, the pair explained.

The display draws dozens of cars each day, even though it's located on a fairly busy street -- the corner of Spring Valley Road and Montana Street.

Two years ago, a woman pulled up with her family and several lawn chairs, and watched the display for an hour on the lawn.

"It's a little hobby and you can only do it for a little bit," the elder McCarthy said.

Wayne's theory is that fewer families have been putting up lights, but his house certainly makes up for it, and he and Kevin are both proud to provide the entertainment.

And don't forget to say hi to Santa in the window.

SPRING VALLEY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY IS LOCATED AT 445 SPRING VALLEY ROAD, PARAMUS.

to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE