Music Plays A Big Part In Beautiful Severn Holiday Light Display

SEVERN, MD — An animated light display synced to music wows visitors at 7881 Walnut Grove Rd. Homeowner David Nibeck has been treating neighbors and guests to quite the holiday display that uses pixels in groups of three LED lights colored red, green and blue. By using a computer, he manipulates each pixel into any color that are then grouped into elements or used as props, Nibeck told Patch.

"It started out as a journey into 'do-it-yourself' to see if I could do something different with Christmas decorations. It started with a simple light organ using bass, mids and highs from music to trigger electric outlets that make the lights blink to what you see today," said Nibeck. "These are then programmed to the music. The whole display runs off a $35 Raspberry Pi."

Fortunately, setting up his holiday display takes only a couple of days because he has all of the important parts pre-mounted. Programming is what takes the most time for Nibeck, usually eight to 10 hours per minute of music. He tries to change it up every year by adding new elements and songs.

"We've been doing this for many years. It's an unbelievable feeling knowing that you are part of so many people's Christmas traditions," said Nibeck. "We also do a Halloween display."

Lights at Elmhurst can be viewed Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Tune in to 88.3 to hear the music that's synced with Nibeck's display.