The scene is set as thousands upon thousands of colorful Christmas lights greet visitors who park their vehicles to take in the show.

Handmade, they are too, through a beautiful variation of LEDs and pixels of all shapes and sizes, much to their astonishment.

All of which can be viewed as the sweet sound of holiday tunes plays after they simply tune their radios to 95.5 FM.

Indeed, the holiday lights spectacular that is known as Stoney Ridge Lights at 1485 Mauch Chunk Road in Palmerton often serves as a highlight for many each Christmas season.

And they have Todd Merkel, and his love of lights, to thank for it.

“I’ve always had a love of Christmas lights,” Merkel said. “This was my grandparents’ house, which I now own. I started decorating when I was a kid.”

Merkel, who created the homemade holiday lights display out of his passion for lights, said he believes he began the display back in 2012, and noted this marks the sixth year the display is computerized.

“I used to have these on mechanical timers,” he said. “I consider this a hybrid display; you’re going to see static and computerized lights.”

For Merkel, the arduous process started at the beginning of November and took a “strong month” to get ready, though in reality, the entire show takes about a year to prepare.

Merkel, who decorates his property with the help of his girlfriend, Jackie Gruber, said there are a few new wire frame decorations, and a pixel forest was added.

“I build everything in the shop; I’ve always been fabricating, welding,” he said. “I’m self-taught at my trades.”

Merkel said the lights are programmed to turn on by 5 p.m.

Rather than pay a fee, all Merkel asks in return is for visitors to drop off a nonperishable food donation for the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches Food Pantry in Palmerton, or a food item for Carbon County Friends of Animals or the Carbon County Animal Shelter.

Merkel said items can be dropped off in two bins located in the bus station across from his home. The station will light up as you walk near.

“The amount of food this year has just been amazing,” he said. “We have over 1,000 pounds of food, and we’re easily going to hit 2,000.”

The show goes from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It runs from 5 p.m. to midnight Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Those hoping to catch a glimpse should drive to Merkel’s home and park in the empty lot sitting across it.

To hear the music that accompanies the show, be sure to tune the radio to 95.5 FM.

Merkel said it warms his heart to know his display is so well-loved.

“I just love to see a light turn on,” he said. “It’s very rewarding just to see everybody; it’s a great feeling.”