If you’re looking for something festive to do that doesn’t cost money or require a ton of planning, one family in Spanish Springs is spreading holiday spirit, creating a free, festive walk-through where neighbors can come together and celebrate the joys of Christmas and the spirit of kindness.
In Spanish Springs, a neighborhood in Sparks, one family has transformed 10 acres of their property into a Christmas wonderland, featuring over a mile of lights and inviting neighbors and families to stroll through for free.
The event, called Twinkling Trails, was shared on a local Facebook page, drawing hundreds of visitors.
Dan Fuhrman, the homeowner, said he and his wife started the display with their children during the COVID-19 lockdown, when the family and neighbors were stuck at home.
“Rather than have a drive-by Christmas display, we decided to set up a trail so that our neighbors and their families could walk and get some of the Christmas and holiday spirit back,” he said.
Fuhrman, a retired local firefighter, said seeing children and neighbors enjoying the lights gave his family joy.
On the property, there is a 1903 fire wagon where families can take photos with Santa.
The display features more than 400,000 lights, uses over a mile of extension cords, and covers 10 acres.
It runs Saturdays from 6–9 p.m., weather permitting, beginning the last Saturday in November and ending this year with its last display on Saturday, December 27.
The family starts setting up as early as Oct 1 and works on weeknights and weekends to prepare the display. “There is no rhyme or reason as to the design. We do what feels right, and sometimes we change it up,” Fuhrman said.
Last weekend, more than 1,000 people visited after a Facebook post spread, briefly overwhelming the family. “Although we were a little overwhelmed, we couldn’t be happier, and we are more prepared now,” he said.
Twinkling Trails has grown from a simple idea to bring holiday spirit to a community in lockdown into a large-scale display that now offers families a safe, outdoor, and free way to enjoy the season.
The Fuhrman family said the lights are meant to lift spirits and give neighbors a place to connect and celebrate together.
As Fuhrman noted on his online page, some wet weather is forecast, so anyone planning to visit might want to mark their calendars in case the display is paused.
