The 5 Secrets Of Hazard’s Gingerbread House: The Highlands Ranch Home That Became A National Christmas & Halloween Legend

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, a single residential home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, transforms into a beacon of festive cheer so brilliant it has earned national recognition and a beloved, affectionate nickname: Hazard's Gingerbread House. This incredible display is not just a collection of lights; it’s a meticulously crafted spectacle that draws thousands of visitors from across the Denver Metro area and beyond, cementing its status as a must-see Colorado holiday attraction. As of the current 2024/2025 holiday season, the display continues to shine brighter than ever, proving that the spirit of Christmas lives on in the most dazzling of neighborhood settings.

The story of the Gingerbread House is one of passion, dedication, and a unique dual identity that surprises many first-time visitors. Located on a quiet suburban street, the home’s transformation is a testament to the festive vision of its owner, Walt Hazard, whose commitment to holiday magic has turned a simple house into a community landmark and a true marvel of residential light engineering. The home's fame, particularly after being featured on a major national television competition, has only amplified the curiosity surrounding this dazzling Colorado gem.

The Man Behind the Magic: Walt Hazard and The Gingerbread House Phenomenon

The Gingerbread House, officially known as Hazard's Gingerbread House, is the creation of Highlands Ranch resident Walt Hazard. His dedication to holiday decorating goes far beyond the average suburban display, making his home a centerpiece of the community’s annual celebrations. The inspiration for the massive undertaking began to truly flourish after his children left for college, giving him a new focus for his creative holiday energy.

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• Location: 10221 S. Fairgate Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
• Creator: Walt Hazard
• Primary Attraction: Residential Christmas Light Display
• Key Feature: Over 20,000 meticulously placed LED lights
• National Recognition: Featured on ABC’s *The Great Christmas Light Fight*
• International Recognition: Featured in the German magazine *Der Spiegel*
• Annual Run Time: Typically from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day (Check local listings for specific 2024/2025 dates)
• Unique Dual Identity: The same house transforms into a ticketed haunted house event during the Halloween season.

The house at 10221 S. Fairgate Way is a perfect example of a passion project turned into a public spectacle. Walt Hazard’s commitment to outlining nearly every architectural edge of his home with bright LED lights is what gives the display its distinctive, storybook "gingerbread" look.

The Five Secrets That Make This Display a National Sensation

The Hazard's Gingerbread House in Highlands Ranch isn't famous just because it has a lot of lights. Its enduring popularity and national recognition stem from several key factors that set it apart from other Denver-area Christmas light displays. These elements combine to create a truly immersive and unforgettable holiday experience for visitors.

1. The Precision of 20,000+ LED Lights

The sheer number of lights—over 20,000 energy-efficient LEDs—is impressive, but it’s the *way* they are used that earns the "Gingerbread House" moniker. Unlike displays that feature numerous inflatable figures or large lawn ornaments, the Hazard house focuses on architectural outlining. Every roofline, window frame, door, and corner of the home is meticulously traced with lights, creating a stunning, almost cartoonish, cookie-cutter effect that perfectly mimics a classic gingerbread house design. This precision is what captivated producers of *The Great Christmas Light Fight*.

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2. The *Great Christmas Light Fight* Pedigree

The house gained significant national exposure when it was featured on the popular ABC reality competition, *The Great Christmas Light Fight*. Competing on a national stage against other extravagant displays confirmed the quality and creativity of Walt Hazard’s work. This television appearance instantly elevated the home from a local favorite to a national destination, bringing in visitors who are specifically seeking out the displays they saw on TV. The appearance also highlighted the family's deep-seated love for the holiday, which is the true driving force behind the display.

3. The Shocking Dual-Identity: A Haunted Gingerbread House

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Hazard residence is its seasonal versatility. While it is famous as the Gingerbread House during Christmas, the property undergoes a dramatic, chilling transformation for Halloween. During the spooky season, the home is converted into a ticketed haunted house attraction. This dual identity is a brilliant example of year-round holiday dedication, showcasing the owner's ability to create two completely different, high-quality, and highly popular spectacles from the same suburban canvas. This provides a fascinating contrast and makes the home a landmark for two major holidays.

4. The Community and Local Entity Support

The Gingerbread House is not an isolated event; it is a key part of the broader Highlands Ranch holiday landscape. It often appears on local Christmas light maps and is frequently highlighted by local news outlets, such as Channel 2 in Denver. This organic support from the community and local media ensures that the display remains a highly anticipated annual tradition. Its popularity also shines a light on other nearby holiday events, such as the *Hometown Holiday Celebration* and the *Holiday Celebration at the Mansion*, reinforcing Highlands Ranch's reputation as a festive destination.

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5. A True Labor of Love (Not Just a Competition)

While the house competed on a national level, Walt Hazard has emphasized that the project is fundamentally a labor of love for his family and the community. The display is a way to share the joy of the holiday season, and the meticulous work—from planning to setup and maintenance—is a year-round commitment. This genuine passion is palpable to visitors, who appreciate the effort and heart poured into the thousands of lights and decorations. The display typically runs from Thanksgiving into the New Year, offering a consistent and reliable attraction throughout the peak holiday season.

Planning Your Visit to the Gingerbread House (2024/2025 Season)

For those planning a trip to see this spectacular display, especially during the busy 2024 and 2025 holiday seasons, a little planning is essential. The Hazard's Gingerbread House is a residential home, so visitors should be respectful of the property and the neighbors on Fairgate Way.

Driving Directions and Etiquette:

• Address: 10221 S. Fairgate Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.
• Best Time to Visit: The lights typically turn on shortly after dusk. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Parking: Street parking is available, but visitors should be prepared to walk a short distance and must adhere to all local parking signs and regulations.
• Respect: Remember this is a private home. Keep noise levels down, do not block driveways, and stay on the sidewalk or public areas.

The enduring popularity of the Gingerbread House in Highlands Ranch is a powerful reminder of how one person’s dedication to a holiday tradition can create a lasting legacy and bring immense joy to an entire community. Whether you are a local resident or a Denver-area tourist, this dazzling display remains a shining centerpiece of the Colorado holiday experience.