Franktown Festival of Lights faces uncertain future after setbacks

The longtime Franktown Festival of Lights, the privately hosted holiday display that drew thousands of visitors to private property near Highway 86, is facing an uncertain future after organizers reevaluated operations following recent declines in volunteer capacity, donations and access to the hosting property.

Organizers, volunteers and residents say the show has been a fixture for Douglas County families for years, with thousands of lights strung across the grounds and community-driven photo-donation drives helping to offset costs. With fewer hands available to install and maintain the display, and with access to the property no longer assured on the same terms, planners are exploring options to preserve the event for future seasons. They say sustaining the tradition may require more community support or a new hosting arrangement.

The Festival of Lights has functioned as more than a seasonal spectacle. Local leaders and residents have pointed to its role in bringing neighbors together during the winter months, providing low-cost family entertainment and boosting small-scale local traffic for nearby businesses along the Highway 86 corridor. The loss or relocation of the event could affect winter social life in Franktown and ripple to volunteer networks that rely on the annual project.

Operational pressures are familiar to volunteer-run events: labor-intensive installation, equipment and insurance costs, coordination with property owners and the need to adapt to changing volunteer availability. Photo-donation drives were a key fundraising mechanism this community relied on, and reductions in donations have tightened the budget available for lights, generators and safety measures. Organizers are weighing whether to seek a new host site, scale back the display, recruit new volunteers and donors, or transfer stewardship to a community group or public entity.

Beyond neighborhood tradition, the Festival raises public health and equity considerations. Community events like this can reduce social isolation during winter, a modest but meaningful benefit for mental health. Decisions about charging admission or moving to a managed public site could affect low-income families who depend on free local traditions for accessible holiday programming. Traffic and safety along Highway 86 will also factor into any future plan, including logistics for pedestrian access, parking and emergency vehicle access.

What comes next will depend on local response. Organizers say they are assessing options and hope residents, businesses and local leaders will weigh in on solutions that preserve access and reduce volunteer burden. For Douglas County residents, the outcome will determine whether a beloved holiday ritual continues to light up Franktown or needs to be reimagined for a new host, new model or a different location.