Chesterfield family’s holiday light display supports local autism community
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — This holiday season, a Chesterfield County family is turning their front yard into a winter wonderland -- and it's all for a good cause!
For the past seven years, the Irvine family has lit up their Midlothian neighborhood with a dazzling Christmas display. With about 200,000 Christmas lights, inflatables and even snow, this festive front yard has drawn dozens of families each year.
"We basically start planning in July or June," Cody said before Jocelynn chimed in: "Anything we see on Facebook marketplace, eBay ... we just get it and collect it throughout the year," she added.
Jocelynn says each year is a brand new setup, thanks to the amount of decorations they're able to collect. The couple said it took a lot of teamwork over the last two weeks to set up the show-stopping display.
"I'm the blueprint, and he's the construction," Jocelynn said.
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"[I'm] stepping side to side until she tells me it's in the right spot," Cody said.
The display took on a new meaning in 2024, when the couple decided to incorporate a creative way to give back. Now, their family tradition supports the local autism community.
The Irvine family's holiday light display in the Midlothian area of Chesterfield County. (Photo: 8News)
The Irvine family's holiday light display in the Midlothian area of Chesterfield County. (Photo: 8News)
The Irvine family's holiday light display in the Midlothian area of Chesterfield County. (Photo: 8News)
The Irvine family's holiday light display in the Midlothian area of Chesterfield County. (Photo: 8News)
"We just started asking teachers and people in the community which charity we should support, and [the] Autism Society is the one that just kept coming up," Cody said.
The Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) is a non-profit that provides services, advocacy and support to autistic individuals and their families. The Irvines partnered with the organization last year and raised $3,500.
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"It's much-needed funds and it is greatly appreciated," said Mel Haber, ASCV's assistant director of events.
The Irvines have partnered with ASCV once again to raise funds this year. Visitors can stop by the Irvine family’s booth for bracelets and festive items, and enjoy hot cocoa and baked goods provided by Treats 4 A Cause.
All proceeds will support ASCV, which Haber says helps fund several programs that the organization offers and extends its outreach.
"Having wonderful community partners like the Irvines and others really help us spread the reach and let people know that we are here and we are supporting them and their families," Haber said.
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Cody told 8News that it's heartwarming to see his family tradition transform into a highly anticipated holiday event that now brings joy and support to the community.
"I grew up doing the Tacky Light Tour with my family and just creating those memories -- so being able to do that for other families is just it's amazing," he said. "It makes it all worth it."
You can see the show-stopping display from now until Jan. 1, 2026 along Gardengate Road in Midlothian.
