Nostalgia, community, and wonder are at the core of the Winter Lights Festival in Laramie’s Washington Park. Brought to the community by Tough Guys Landscaping and Lighting, this annual event has quickly become a special Laramie tradition. The festival kicks off with the Grand Opening on November 29th at 6 p.m. and you won’t want to miss it. The community can enjoy hot cocoa, treats, and jingle bells to help welcome Santa, as well as special guest appearances by other favorite winter celebrities. Additionally, to spread the Holiday cheer to other children, you can bring a new, unwrapped toy or book to the festival as a donation to Toys for Tots.
Tough Guys Landscaping and Lighting coordinates with over 60 other community-minded sponsors to truly make this a community event like no other. Not only does the Winter Lights Festival add sparkle and wonder to the winter season, but it brings members of the community together and raises money for non-profits and charities that support children in Laramie.
Brian Welper, owner of Tough Guys Landscaping and Lighting, approached the City about starting the Winter Lights Festival back in 2022 because he wanted to give the community a chance to experience something magical, especially during the cold winter months.
“I wanted to give people a space to make memories, share time together, and just feel good. When you walk through the park while it’s all lit up you can feel the magic,” says Welper.
Tough Guys Landscaping and Lighting strings over 10 miles of lights throughout the park. That’s over 100,000 LED bulbs lighting up the winter wonderland! It’s not just lights you will see at the event. Special displays of your favorite characters like Pistol Pete and Anna and Elsa add to the magic. Welper also has one more surprise up his sleeve:
“This year we have a special treat. A 20’ color changing tree that has been on display across the country is coming to Laramie! Every year we make it bigger, brighter, and more fun; that’s only possible with the generosity of our sponsors. This is truly a community effort,” he says.
The Winter Lights Festival turns Washington Park into something right out of a Hallmark movie with events all season long, like UW Athletics Night and Senior Night where local seniors get to enjoy the displays from side-by-side ATVs instead of having to walk.

“We want to make this something everyone can enjoy all winter long, not just for the holidays. We are adding a fun maze in January to keep it fresh even after the holidays,” Welper said.
Tough Guys Landscaping and Lighting is also running a people’s choice contest where attendees vote on their favorite displays, including the best decorated tree, best sign display, most festive design, and more.
The Winter Lights Festival is on display through January. For more information about the Winter Lights Festival, to vote for your favorite displays, and to view special events happening during the Festival, visit https://toughguyswyo.com/winter-lights-festival/.