Located at 3343 Chatwin Avenue, near Wardlow Road and St. The latest Halloween setup uses 28 computers to coordinate the different elements, turning an ordinary residential property into a carefully programmed spectacle. A residential corner in Long Beach, California, has become a seasonal attraction thanks to a Halloween display that blends music, animated figures, projected film clips and elaborate lighting effects. Jeff and Ann Haberman open their decorated home to the public free of charge, giving neighbourhood families a chance to experience a synchronised Halloween show without buying tickets or visiting a theme park. Cornelius Catholic Church, the property has developed a following over the years. The Long Beach Press-Telegram has documented the couple’s elaborate holiday displays, while the Habermans’ own Haberman’s Holiday Magic project shares information about their seasonal productions.
The display runs nightly during the Halloween season, drawing visitors who gather outside to watch the lights, music and animated characters move in sync. Singing pumpkins, skeletons and spooky figures provide the visual centrepiece, while smoke effects and projected clips add to the atmosphere. One of the most distinctive features is Zero, the ghost dog from The Nightmare Before Christmas, which appears to fly around the house’s chimney. The film also features prominently on a screen facing the street, including its familiar Halloween-themed musical sequence. The display includes skeletal versions of Disney princesses and other recognisable characters, alongside villains from the Harry Potter series. Photo opportunities and additional decorations along the Wardlow Road side of the property give visitors more to explore beyond the main performance. The show is free, making it an accessible seasonal outing for families who want to enjoy Halloween decorations without paying admission. Visitors are encouraged to watch from outside the home rather than enter the private property. What separates the Habermans’ display from a typical decorated house is the amount of coordination involved. Twenty-eight computers control the lights, moving spotlights, music, video clips and atmospheric effects, allowing the different elements to work together as a single production. The elaborate production brings together the couple’s different professional backgrounds and longstanding interests. Jeff Haberman is a retired controls engineer who worked at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. His experience with technical systems, combined with his interest in music, sound production and theatrical lighting, helped shape the display into a computer-controlled show. He is also a musician who has performed with brass ensembles and played instruments including bagpipes. His background in recording and editing sound has contributed to the way music and visual effects are integrated into the production. The appeal extends beyond the elaborate technology. For nearby residents, the display has become part of the neighbourhood’s Halloween routine, with families walking over after dark to see the decorations together. Children are drawn to the skeletons, spooky characters and music, while adults can appreciate the engineering and planning required to synchronise the entire show. The fact that it is free also makes it easier for families to return throughout the season.