Driving around to look at Christmas lights is a popular holiday pastime, but one Farmington neighborhood's display is about more than just the lights.

It’s a 13-year holiday tradition that attracts families near and far.

“It’s the nicest thing to come up here and spend time with my grandchildren and take them out on this special adventure and see all the lights and listen to the music. It’s a thrill,” said Pat Scidel, who was visiting from Pennsylvania.

Bruce Raggi says it all started with a simple plug-and-play unit.

“You just plugged a few bushes into it, and here we are today,” Raggi said.

But now most of the neighborhood is involved.

“All my neighbors have controllers and antennas. I bump my signal from my place to my neighbors all around the block,” Raggi said.

For the last five years, they’ve been using the show to raise money for different causes.

“We’ve collected over $30,000 in five years, so that’s pretty good,” Raggi said.

Like for Rochester Police Department Officer Manny Ortiz, who passed away earlier this year after his gun accidentally discharged and struck an artery.

“All I hear is nothing but good things about him and it’s tragic what happened to him,” Raggi said.

For the second year running, they’re fundraising for the John F. Russo Jr. Memorial Foundation, which helps cover expenses for those battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. The Russos lost their son to cancer in 2013 and set up the charity in his honor. They drove through Raggi’s neighborhood Monday.

“It’s fabulous for all these neighbors to do, it takes time to get this together and put these lights up," Russo said.

But whether a recipient of the donations, or just a family, those we spoke to say they can’t help but feel the Christmas cheer.

“That’s what Christmas is all about, giving, and what better way to give with what they do?” Russo said.

And it gets Scidel and her grandchildren excited too.

“It’s just a pleasure to be able to spend the time and enjoy the lights and it helps get you in the Christmas spirit,” Scidel said.

The light show can be viewed every evening from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. through New Year’s Eve, starting on Buckskin Drive. Santa Claus visits on the weekends.