Naperville Student Programs Complex Holiday Light Shows

An 18-year-old local resident manages an intricate seasonal light display remotely from his college dorm room.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Seasonal Events

Bold vector editorial illustration of a suburban home covered in intricate holiday lights, representing remote community holiday displays. — Naperville resident Elliott Berck continues his local holiday tradition, managing synchronized light displays at his home remotely from his university dorm. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you enjoy having elaborate residential holiday light displays in your community?

Naperville resident Elliott Berck continues his annual tradition of producing synchronized Halloween and Christmas light shows at his home. The 18-year-old university student uses remote technology to manage the pixelated displays while attending classes.

Why it matters

The display demonstrates how modern remote connectivity allows for the continuation of local community traditions despite the creator living away at college. It highlights the intersection of technical skill and personal dedication to providing entertainment for Naperville residents.

The light show, which first debuted in 2020, features a 13-minute synchronized performance currently running nightly from 6 to 10. The system utilizes pixelated light art to achieve precise synchronization with music.

The players

Elliott Berck

An 18-year-old student at the University of Cincinnati who designs and manages automated residential light shows.

Neuqua Valley High School

A secondary school in Naperville where Berck gained experience as a member of the auditorium crew.

The details

Berck programs the display while attending the University of Cincinnati, utilizing a VPN to control the show's sequence from his dorm room. The technical expertise behind the project stems from his background as part of the auditorium crew for Neuqua Valley High School.

The light shows first debuted in 2020.
The Halloween light show runs nightly from 6 to 10 until October 31, 2026.
The Christmas show begins on November 27, 2026.
The Christmas show runs through January 1, 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This project reflects the broader DIY entertainment trend where high-end lighting design technology is becoming accessible to hobbyist creators. It demonstrates a shift from local manual operation to remote-managed, network-integrated seasonal installations.

Residents can view the current Halloween display nightly between 6 and 10 at 10S287 Alan Road. The Christmas display will follow the same location and format starting the day after Thanksgiving.

The takeaway

Maintaining holiday traditions can evolve alongside changing life circumstances through the use of remote technology. Residents interested in similar displays can look to integrate VPN-based control systems to manage home automation from distant locations.