Hutchinson’s beloved “Christmas Castle” is opening its doors once more. After nearly 1,000 people visited the Victorian holiday showcase in November, homeowner and creator Nick Fisher has decided to host one final open house on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Fisher said the overwhelming turnout left him both humbled and energized. “The community response was incredible,” he said. “We had so many families come through that we wanted to open it up one more time before the season wraps up.”
Outdoor Christmas lighting was installed by Prime Property Maintenance, part of an overall setup Fisher estimates cost around $30,000 this year. A donation box will be available at Saturday’s event for visitors who wish to contribute to the continued growth of the display.
What began as a quiet promise made during a snowy Christmas in Alaska has become one of Hutchinson’s most dazzling holiday traditions—and this year marks the first time the public has been invited inside the home.
Nick Fisher, who moved to Hutchinson from New Jersey during the pandemic, first welcomed the community into his Victorian home at 201 W. 12th Ave. for a one-night open house on Nov. 21. That event drew enormous interest and glowing feedback, inspiring the additional evening.
Fisher’s passion for Christmas decorating stretches back eight years, born during a holiday when he and his wife were snowed in and spent two weeks watching Hallmark movies. “We made a promise that we would go bigger and better every year,” he said.
That promise now fills every level of their home with immersive, themed holiday scenes:
- 30 Christmas trees adorned with nearly 10,000 ornaments
- Between 40,000 and 50,000 lights inside and outside the home
- Eight outdoor 20-amp electrical outlets added to power the display (“Originally there was just one in the front and one in the back,” Fisher said. “I knew if this continued to grow, we’d need more.”)
Every detail carries meaning. This season marks 10 years since the passing of Fisher’s mother, who he says is the inspiration behind every design. The entire third floor is dedicated to her and other loved ones—a holiday-themed memorial space Fisher calls his favorite room in the house.
Inside, this year’s theme is “Once Upon a Christmas,” with each room designed to resemble a page from a storybook. “My house is a canvas,” he said. “I like everything to have a look, a design, a theme.”
At both open-house events, visitors are greeted with the warmth Fisher hopes to share with the community. Admission is free, though voluntary donations help support the growing display. Fisher said he never expected to open his home publicly until receiving a letter last year from a woman who had recently lost her husband.
“She wrote that seeing my house all lit up brought her warmth and closure,” Fisher said. “That hit me. I’m doing this for my mom, and I figured if it brings that kind of feeling to someone else, let’s share it.”
For Fisher, the Christmas Castle represents far more than decorations. “It’s a magical time of year,” he said. “It’s love, family, warmth. And we just want to share that with the community.”
The Christmas Castle’s final open house of the season takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 7–9 p.m. at 201 W. 12th Ave. in Hutchinson.