By Krystle J. Bailey
Shore Local’s Hometown Hero series features South Jersey residents making a difference in the community. Michael Gerrish is one of those incredible human beings with a heart for giving. His family’s extravagant holiday lightshow is an all-inclusive holiday experience for children of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Inspired by his late grandmother’s nurturing spirit, Michael and the Yard family have always found joy in offering a holiday dose of love and nostalgia to those who need it most.
The lightshow, which has evolved well beyond the front yard and now covers the family’s entire property, is completely free. It is an invitation for children to experience the magic of Christmas without having to pay a fortune.
It was important to Michael that this was an inclusive experience. The light display features Hanukkah decorations intermingled with the Christmas decor as well as decorations including brown-skinned Santa.
“I want everyone to feel included and feel welcome here. I want them to be able to come and just have fun outside,” explains Gerrish. “My biggest inspiration is my grandmother. She always wanted to do a good job and make everyone happy. She was such a positive person. We’re doing this for people who don’t have a lot or come from a town without a lot of lights. You shouldn’t have to pay to put a smile on your kid’s face”
Growing up, Gerrish and his family frequented Disney World. As an adult, he began to understand the steep cost of those trips. A few years back, he decided that he was going to bring the magic of Disney home so children could experience that feeling right here in South Jersey. Complete with Anna and Elsa, Mickey and Minnie, and the glistening lights of Christmas in Disney, 4 East Curran Drive in Absecon is certainly a majestic holiday experience.
“We hand out free popcorn and hot chocolate throughout the night. My reward is seeing people outside having a good time. Since Covid, there has been such little joy. The TV is depressing. I want to have fun and see kids having fun too,” shares Gerrish. “We have the power to bring back sparks of joy for the holidays.”
The light display runs off kindness. Guests are invited to walk through the immersive holiday show nightly from 5-11pm with special meet & greet opportunities on the weekend. While the experience is 100% free, the family is accepting donations for a local family in need.
Upcoming Meet & Greet opportunities:
Mickey Mouse:
Friday 12/10 & Saturday 12/11 from 6-9pm
Santa Claus:
Friday 12/17 & Saturday 12:18 from 6-9
Christmas Eve: 6-9
