Salt Lake City – For thirty years the Avenues neighborhood has been brightened each winter by Forrest Nunley’s beloved home‑based display, Frosty’s Winter Wonderland. Thousands of Utah families made the trip to 805 East 18 Avenue to admire miles of string lights, classic blow‑mold ornaments and nostalgic holiday décor.
Retirement announced
Nunley shared on social media that this season’s lights will remain dark. “It’s time to officially retire,” he wrote, confirming that the display will not return for the 2026 holiday season.
A personal refuge
In interviews with FOX 13 News, Nunley explained that setting up the display has been more than a community tradition; it has served as a therapeutic outlet in his fight against Parkinson’s disease. “When I’m doing nothing and bored, Parkinson’s seems to be there, but when I’m working and have my brain so busy… it’s been really good for me,” he said in 2023.
From a modest beginning
The tradition began shortly after Nunley and his wife married. While decorating their first Christmas tree, they discovered extra ornaments and decided to showcase them outside. That simple act sparked a decades‑long quest for vintage decorations that many Utah residents remember from their own childhoods.
Behind the scenes
During the off‑season, the collection is stored in four sheds on the property. When autumn winds arrive, Nunley and volunteers begin a month‑long effort to bring the yard back to life, carefully arranging each piece to recreate the magical atmosphere that has become a holiday staple.
One final gift
To mark the end of an era, Nunley will host a Christmas and antique garage sale on Saturday, offering fans the chance to own a piece of the display’s history. The sale begins at 9 a.m. at his home, and every blow‑mold ornament and decoration will be available for purchase.
Community response
Neighbors expressed both gratitude and sadness. Long‑time resident Mariah Jensen said, “Frosty’s has been a part of our holiday season for as long as I can remember. It’s a loss, but we understand his health comes first.” Local businesses hope the garage sale will draw visitors and support the neighborhood’s holiday spirit despite the display’s retirement.
Looking ahead
While the lights will not shine this year, the Avenues community remains hopeful that new traditions will emerge. Nunley’s dedication to sharing joy and coping with illness has left a lasting imprint on Salt Lake City’s cultural fabric, reminding residents of the power of faith, family, and perseverance during the season of giving.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Salt Lake City — read the source article.
