Koppers' Family Lights Up the Holidays Once Again

As soon as the turkey is gone, Christmas lights will soon light up the streets with holiday music to welcome the Christmas season. However, for the Koppers Family, Christmas decorating and ideas start in September with organizing the lights and designing the yearly light sequence.

The idea started 11 years ago after Kristen's father lost his battle to pancreatic and colon cancer. It seemed that the holidays were never going to be the same. "We didn’t want our son, who was 2 years old at the time, to remember the holidays without his “papa" for the holidays," said Kristen.

What started out with two houses synced together to lights and sounds grew to seven houses years later as they lit up Plainview Drive in Channahon with hundreds of visitors each year. Lights on Plainview Drive continues to surprise those who stop by each year as they marvel at the lights. Despite the intricate design system, this seems like second nature to Kris Koppers as he continues to create a spectacular display of lights and music for all to enjoy.

This year their house is the only one that continues the tradition with songs of the season for those who drive past.

While driving by, you won’t be able to miss the 25’ mega light tree that has over 10,000 lights on it alone. The mega tree the our focal point each year as the colors change to each individual song. This is the highlight every year as visitors cannot wait to see it.

Visitors can even control the song list with the ‘select a song’ option that can be found in the front of the yard. To create such a display with the homes across the street, there are wireless controllers that pick up the signal from our computer.

This year while visiting, you will see there are some changes to the lights and display. Kris redesigned Santa’s workshop with a makeover of both the outside and inside along with a few added decorations. There are hopes that we can make the musical light show more interactive this year for everyone on nights that are not as cold. Inside Santa's workshop, visitors can hit a button to have Santa talk. This is a kid favorite as it's not just lights and music that interests those who stop by but interactive figures as well. Added this year is a large Jack Skellington interactive figure who speaks as you walk by him. Not to mention when the green lights start and the Grinch song begins, the Grinch character starts to move and can be spotted in the corner of the house.

Unlike most homes that are set to music, this show does not use the smart pixels that have been common to see in the last few years. The Koppers use traditional LED lights (that are bought at local stores) to create their display. Each strand is connected and intertwined so no gaps are seen by the passers by.

Come visit us as we celebrate our 11 year anniversary lighting up the neighborhood. We will have hot chocolate and treats throughout the night on days that Santa will visit.

All character events are subject to change due to weather conditions. Please follow our Facebook page for up to date information as last minute cancellations are possible due to extreme cold, rain, or snow. Follow the Plainview Holiday Lights Facebook page for additional meet and greets throughout the season.

The holiday lights begins Thanksgiving night and will run continuously through the first weekend in January 2023. Be sure to check out their Facebook page (Plainview Holiday Lights) and website for event information and updates (www.plainviewholidaylights.weebly.com). Find more information about Santa at: Santa Services (https://m.facebook.com/yoursantaexperience).We were honored to be a part of the Great Chicago Light Fight in 2019.