Bringing Holiday Magic to Wyoming: The Vision Behind Hereford Ranch Christmas

The holiday season has always been a time of magic for me. There’s something about the glow of Christmas lights on a cold winter’s night that brings back the best memories—bundling up in the car with family, hot cocoa in hand, driving through neighborhoods to admire the twinkling displays and to soothe the soul from prior trauma. Those lights always felt like more than decorations; they were beacons of joy, tradition, and togetherness.

For years, I’ve been lucky enough to bring that same magic to countless homes and businesses around Cheyenne. From the twinkling displays at the Plaza to the historic Whipple House and joining Visit Cheyenne to illuminate Old West Holidays, I’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of light can transform a space—and a community.

But every year, one thought kept coming back to me: Wyoming deserves something bigger.

A Vision Sparked by a Conversation
I’ve kicked around the idea of a large-scale Christmas light display for years, but it wasn’t until Amber Trevizo from Visit Cheyenne really lit the fire in me, and drive, to take the leap. She saw the potential and helped me realize that this wasn’t just a dream—it was something the community needed.

That’s how Hereford Ranch Christmas was born—a full-scale Christmas Light Drive-Thru Show, bringing over 500,000 dazzling lights, breathtaking displays, and an immersive holiday experience to Southeast Wyoming. It’s my way of giving back, of creating something lasting that families can count on as part of their holiday traditions for years to come.

Why Wyoming Needed a Christmas Light Drive-Thru
Wyoming is filled with incredible people, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions—but we’ve never had anything like this. Every year, families drive hours to Colorado or beyond to experience large-scale holiday light displays. I kept thinking, why should we have to leave home to experience that kind of magic? Why not build it right here?

Here’s why Hereford Ranch Christmas is so important to our community:
🎄 A New Tradition for Families – This is about more than lights. It’s about giving families something special to do together, something that feels like it belongs to Cheyenne and Southeast Wyoming.
🎄 An Economic Boost for Local Businesses – Events like this don’t just bring in holiday cheer; they bring in business. More visitors mean more customers for local restaurants, shops, and services, helping Cheyenne’s economy grow.
🎄 A Place for Everyone – Some families can’t afford expensive trips to big holiday events. Hereford Ranch Christmas offers an affordable, magical experience right here at home.
🎄 A Celebration of Community and Giving – This isn’t just about putting up lights; it’s about bringing people together. We want to involve local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors to make this a true community effort.

The Magic Behind the Lights
This isn’t a small-town holiday display—it’s an immersive experience designed to awe and inspire.
✨ Over 500,000 lights, some synchronized to holiday music, some steady burn and some special effects I have learned with my craft over 2 decades.
✨ Massive themed displays, bringing the magic of Christmas to life
✨ A carefully designed ¾-mile route, ensuring every turn is filled with wonder
✨ Energy-efficient LED technology, making it as sustainable as it is beautiful
✨ Interactive elements and surprises, keeping families coming back year after year

I want people to drive through Hereford Ranch Christmas and feel something bigger than just a holiday display. I want them to feel the nostalgia of childhood Christmases, the joy of sharing something special with loved ones, and the magic of knowing they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

We Need Your Help
I’ve already spent countless hours talking to people, working to bring this vision to life, and garnering support. Some incredible businesses and individuals are already behind this, including Capital Lumber, Steve P. Sears at Cheyenne Stitch, the two Don’s at Day Weather, and Mark at Traders. I also have people rooting for this from CPS, Visit Cheyenne, PV Bank, Old West Museum and countless others that just can't be mentioned right now. But this is bigger than me, and I can’t do it alone.

I need more help rallying around this initiative. I need the community to step up, share, and spread the word so we can make this happen together.
💡 Make a Donation – Every dollar goes directly into making this event bigger and better. Visit DonateToIlluminate.com to contribute today.
💡 Become a Sponsor – If you or your business want to be a key part of something special, we have sponsorship opportunities available. Learn more here.
💡 Spread the Word – Tag your favorite local businesses, ask them to share this, and help us fill Cheyenne’s social media feeds with excitement about this event.
💡 Attend & Experience the Magic – This is just the beginning! Be part of history and the first year of a tradition that will last for generations.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts
​The best holiday traditions are the ones that bring people together. This isn’t just about Christmas lights—it’s about creating a place where families can make memories, where businesses can thrive, and where Wyoming can shine a little brighter during the holidays.
So let’s do this--together. Help us bring this vision to life, and let’s make Hereford Ranch Christmas the start of something truly special.

Follow Our Blog for More Updates!Want to stay updated on behind-the-scenes progress, special announcements, and ways you can help? Follow our blog at DonateToIlluminate.com/blog 🎄✨