Carter Hoagland, now 19 and a freshman at Kentucky Wesleyan College, developed a passion for Christmas lights at a young age. What began as a small hobby with his grandfather has evolved into quite the spectacle at his parent’s home in the Plantation Pointe/Brookhill Estates subdivision.
The display features dancing lights, a giant Christmas tree and tree farm, Santa and reindeer, arches, a mailbox for kids to send letters to Santa, and more. Those passing by can also expect to see a walkway in the tree farm, a large “Merry Christmas” sign, the Grinch, fish jumping out of water, and Santa’s sleigh — all constructed by Hoagland.
“When I was little, I always helped my grandad and dad put up Christmas lights, and I loved it,” he said. “My grandad and I started working on a sled for his house several years ago, and I wanted to start decorating my mom and my dad’s houses.”
Hoagland put his ideas to paper roughly 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back. His go-to Christmas wish is gift cards so he can begin purchasing additional lights for the upcoming year.
“I began sketching out ideas and drawings throughout the year and planning everything at both of their houses,” Hoagland said. “My mom and I would get up at 5 a.m. every morning after Christmas, and we would go get the discounted lights so I could plan for the following year. We got to the point where I had bought so much that I had to rent a storage unit to store the decorations.”
Hoagland said he draws much of his inspiration from the many children he shares the lights with annually. He has aspirations to cover every part of their house and property and hopefully be on the Great American Christmas Light Fight in the future.
“I love seeing the kids play in the lights at night, and I think it makes people happy, which makes me feel good,” he said. “They will just hang out on the walkway and tell me which tree or decoration they like. We also have people that just drive by and take pictures of it.”
Hoagland’s “aha” moment came last year when two young girls left him a card and Home Depot gift card thanking him for “spreading Christmas cheer.”
To witness the spectacle firsthand, visitors can enter the Plantation Pointe subdivision from Fairview Drive and look to the left. Hoagland encourages visitors to take the display in by foot or from the comforts of a car.
Hoagland graduated from Daviess County High School last year and lettered in football and soccer while maintaining a 3.75 GPA. He continued his academic and athletic career at KWC, where he continues to play soccer.
He has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon with his Christmas spirit.
“I enjoy being creative and finding ways to add more lights and decorations,” he said.