Key Takeaways
- 🍭 Henderson’s beloved Candy Cane House returns, featuring 60 decorated Christmas trees, over 80,000 lights, themed rooms, giant nutcrackers, and a cotton-candy–scented space
- ❤️ The tradition began as a source of healing, created by homeowner Joey Cardona after a cancer diagnosis; he and his husband, Victor Cardenas, expanded it into a community landmark
- 🎁 Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring donations for HopeLink of Southern Nevada, helping support women, children, and families in need during the holiday season
Henderson’s cherished holiday attraction, the Candy Cane House, makes its return for the season. For years, homeowners Joey Cardona and his husband, Victor Cardenas, have transformed their home at 366 South Milan Street into a local holiday landmark. Visitors can explore a whopping collection of 60 decorated Christmas trees and more than 80,000 shimmering lights. You’ll also find themed rooms, 6-foot nutcrackers, and even a cotton-candy–scented space, drawing more than 6,000 visitors every weekend from across Nevada and neighboring states. If you’re looking for a sweet spin to your holidays, this spot — just 25 minutes by car from the city — is the place to be.
The tradition is rooted in a deeply personal story. Cardona, whose lifelong passion for Christmas decorations runs deep, expanded the holiday displays in 2017 shortly after being diagnosed with lymphoma. Embracing the belief that “how you feel is how you heal,” he poured his effort into creating something cheerful and bright. Since then, he and Cardenas have continued to grow the display each year, turning it into a source of consolation, celebration, and healing for both the couple and everyone who stops by.
While the experience is entirely free, the couple encourages visitors to spread the love by bringing donations for HopeLink of Southern Nevada. This local nonprofit provides vital services like homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing. Cardona specifically chose HopeLink thanks to their crucial work supporting women and children, a cause close to his heart. Last year, the Candy Cane House helped raise over $4,000 in cash. “Tampons, razors, conditioners, lotions,” Cardenas told local outlet 8 News Now when suggesting donation options. “Anything that helps you have a good and healthy life.”…