Little village, big heart: Freeport man shares Christmas hobby

FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) - Bright lights illuminate a Freeport man’s basement as he turns a Christmas movie into reality.

Mark Netherland takes holiday spirit to the next level by creating the ultimate Christmas village. One step into the winter wonderland is guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

The 20-by-8-foot town starts as just a few tables, but it takes time for the miniature village to come to life.

Little village, big heart: Freeport man shares Christmas hobby

“I started in August and finished up a couple weeks into November,” Netherland explained.

And it’s not just holiday decorations thrown onto a table. Netherland takes the time to plan where everything will be placed to tell a story.

Little village, big heart: Freeport man shares Christmas hobby

“If you could miniaturize yourself and go into it, it would be like living in a city,” Netherland said.

In 2013, Netherland became disabled. Two years later, he started his creation and it quickly became a beloved hobby honoring his favorite time of the year.

“Every year, I try to come up with something more unique. This year, it was the backdrop with the mountains in it,” Netherland said proudly.

When asked if he ever anticipated the village growing to the size it is now, Netherland quickly responded that he didn’t. But, he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

All year round, the Freeport man thinks of new ideas to incorporate into his magical wonderland.

“I enjoy it every year, I love having it up, and I hate taking it down, but I can’t leave it up all year,” said Netherland.

He says while he wishes he could put his creation out for display, the Christmas village is a tradition kept between the family.