Earlier this year, Christmas in the Park added J.R. Mattos as the new Exhibit Engineer. “We are very excited to have JR on our team” said Jason Minsky, Executive Director for the 40-year-old non-profit organization. “He adds an element that we needed and is the perfect person to lead us into our 2020 drive-through event” added Minsky.
J.R. joins the team with many years of experience in holiday lighting decorating. In fact, you may have been to his family’s Christmas display called “Mattos Orchard Lights” at 1545 Stone Creek Drive in San Jose. Mattos Orchard Lights has been a cherished community favorite for over 13 years, and was voted top pick in the San Jose Mercury News “must see holiday displays” in 2018 and 2019.
Mattos has worked hard each year, with the help of his wife and 2 children, to create a magical experience for those in their community; but In 2019, things changed when Mattos caught the attention of ABC, and now will have a much larger international audience.
“For those that do Christmas lights as a hobby, you always hope to get good enough to be recognized by Light Fight. I never actually thought we would get chosen, you always think that is for other people, but here we are, and could not be more excited.” said Mattos.
The Mattos family will be featured this December on ABC’s the Great Christmas Light Fight, and will be 1 of 4 families competing to win $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy.
While Mattos waits for his episode to air, he has been working feverishly since the beginning of COVID to help bring a whole new Drive-Thru experience to Christmas in the Park. The drive-thru allows people of all ages to come enjoy the holiday cheer in the safety, and comfort of their own car. Mattos aims to include as much of the cherished displays of years past, with a new flair of animated pixel lighting. Pixel lighting is a new type of light, that can turn any color. It will allow patrons of Christmas in the Park to hear the music in their car, while seeing the dancing synchronized lights outside their car.
“This is a new type of show that no one has ever seen before. This drive-thru was created as a way to help deal with COVID-19 situation, while still bringing Christmas in the Park cheer; but it will be much more than that.” said Mattos.
You can come experience the new Christmas in the Park drive-thru from November 27 through January 3.
Check your local listings for when you can catch the Mattos family on ABC’s the Great Christmas Light Fight this December.