Today we’d like to introduce you to James Bain.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in Morecambe, England, a coastal town that shaped much of who I am. Some of my best childhood memories were traveling to the Blackpool Illuminations with my Mum and siblings, mesmerized by the dazzling displays. Those experiences sparked my passion for creativity, engineering, and the power of light to bring people together.
Drawn to technology and problem-solving, I joined the British Army, where I trained in telecommunications. The discipline and technical expertise I gained there became the foundation of my career. Seeking new opportunities, I moved to America and settled in Jacksonville, Florida, where I co-founded Jax Illuminations, the city’s first drive-through light show.
For more than a decade, Jax Illuminations was a cherished holiday tradition, bringing joy to families across Jacksonville. However, when the Morocco Shrine property was sold, the show came to an end. It was difficult to say goodbye to something that had become such an integral part of not only my family’s holiday traditions but also the community’s.
Despite the disappointment, I knew I wanted to continue being part of the Christmas lighting world. Fortunately, during my time with Jax Illuminations, I had already begun fabricating and welding large Christmas light show props—creative projects that quickly gained recognition within the Christmas lighting community.
Word quickly spread about the high quality of my custom props, and before I knew it, show owners from different regions began reaching out to me for their own displays. That growing demand led me to establish Mega Light Show.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building and sustaining Mega Light Show hasn’t been without challenges. The end of Jax Illuminations was a major turning point, but instead of dwelling on what was lost, I pivoted to fabricating custom Christmas light show props.
Starting from scratch meant proving the craftsmanship and durability of my designs while staying ahead in a competitive industry. Beyond that, seasonality, supply chain fluctuations, logistics, and evolving technology all present ongoing challenges in this field. Managing demand, securing materials, coordinating large-scale installations, and adapting to innovations require constant problem-solving.
Additionally, balancing creativity with practicality is a constant challenge. Every prop must be structurally sound, visually impressive, and cost-effective, which requires careful design and precision. Collaborating with customers to bring their visions to life while ensuring feasibility adds another layer of complexity to the process.
With demand increasing, maintaining quality control while scaling production is another hurdle. As interest in large-scale displays grows, so does the need for efficient manufacturing processes without compromising craftsmanship. These challenges push me to continually refine my approach and find innovative solutions to keep Mega Light Show at the forefront of the industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mega Light Show?
Mega Light Show specializes in fabricating and welding custom Christmas light show props, tunnels, and wire frames.
When customers come to me with an idea for a light show prop, they often start with a hand-drawn sketch. I take that sketch and develop it further using computer software, allowing for precise planning and visualization. Once the design is finalized, it is fabricated in metal to ensure durability and structural integrity. Finally, lights are added to bring the creation to life. Our tagline, “From Imagination to Creation,” reflects the heart of what we do—transforming creative concepts into breathtaking illuminated sculptures.
Mega Light Show builds props for zoos, municipalities, walk-through shows, drive-through Christmas shows, farms, botanical gardens, and residential displays. Some of our signature pieces include mega trees that can reach 40 feet tall and dance to synchronized music, sponsorship signs for large commercial shows, and one of my personal favorites—a boy who appears to throw a snowball at the audience!
I’m thrilled to be taking a new step with Mega Light Show by creating wire frames for home use. This initiative will bring the magic of professional light shows into residential settings, allowing families to design and create dazzling holiday displays in their own homes. By offering residential wire frames, we hope to empower homeowners to get creative and make their houses sparkle with holiday cheer.
At its core, Mega Light Show is about more than just creating impressive props—it’s about bringing people together. Seeing children’s faces light up as they sing along to holiday music and create cherished memories with their families—that’s what truly motivates me. My goal is to help families experience the same excitement and joy that I felt as a child visiting the Blackpool Illuminations.
What makes you happy?
There are so many things that bring me joy. My family, including my wife and daughter, means the world to me. I also love building LEGO creations in my free time—it gives me a fun way to express my creativity and unwind. Another thing that makes me happy is seeing my finished products come to life and witnessing the joy they bring to others.
I also value the friendships I’ve built with other vendors in the light show community and enjoy attending Christmas industry events. These gatherings bring together people who share a passion for holiday displays, and I love being a part of that world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://megalightshow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megalightshow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megalightshow
