There’s something about walking or driving around to see holiday lights in the winter that fills the soul with happiness. The twinkling lights set against the darkness of night, the crisp chill in the air, the cheery music—there’s a reason people say this is the most wonderful time of the year. Take a trip to any one of these local light shows or holiday pop-ups to get into the festive spirit this season.
Event times subject to change. Please confirm with the event host before making your plans!
Jolly Holiday Lights
Dates: Jolly Holiday Lights will run from Nov. 29, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, giving you plenty of time to catch this holiday display.
Location: The new location is the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which offers ample space and a fantastic setup for the event’s drive-through format.
Tickets: Tickets will be available at the gate or online. Tickets are based on vehicle, $20 per car! $50 per bus or limo if you want to roll up fancy with all your friends. Advance ticket holders will have shorter wait times to enter the display. Remember, $1 from every ticket will go to Make-A-Wish Iowa.
Tickets can be purchased at https://giftoflights.ticketspice.com/jolly-holiday-lights-iowa.
At Jolly Holiday Lights, visitors can look forward to a stunning selection of holiday displays, both familiar and new. Whether you’re excited to see the classic scenes you remember from past years or looking forward to discovering fresh additions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you make your way through the fairgrounds, each display will light up the night and capture the spirit of the season.
Gingerbread Lane in Ankeny
- When: December 6 – December 31st, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Where: SE Richland Court, Ankeny, just off of SE 8th- accessible by SE Delaware
Take a stroll down Gingerbread Lane as 31 houses band together to tell their original gingerbread story and dazzle you with light displays! Gingerbread Lane can be trekked on foot or enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle – just remember to take it slow and be courteous of others or you’ll end up on the naughty list! Look for the Gingerbread Lane “Enter” signs and use our entrance or you won’t be able to read the story. Word is you may even catch a glimpse of the big man in the red suit (on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, that is). In the spirit of giving, the houses that host Gingerbread Lane also collect donations for the food bank should you feel like making a contribution. While there don’t forget to check out Frosty Lane that is right there as well!
* Use SE Richland Ct, Ankeny, for your GPS. All 31 houses participate! The map is small but gives you an idea of our location between I-35 and Hwy 69.
*Look for the Gingerbread Lane “Enter” signs and use our entrance or you won’t be able to read the story!
Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show
- When: Thursday, Friday, & Saturday evenings, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. in December
- Where: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd Ames, IA 50011
- Tickets: $16 for adults, $14 for members & ISU students, $7 for kids 2-12, and free for kids under 2. ***Tickets must be bought online in advance.***
So you’re going to have to drive a *little* out of Des Moines for this one, but we think it’s well worth it! Reiman Gardens hosts a walk-through holiday light show with immersive light displays scattered throughout the 17-acre site. Walk through brightly lit tunnels, an enchanting mushroom forest, and a 20-foot wide fountain of lights. Also be sure to take advantage of the multiple photo op stations! New in 2024 – S’mores roasting stations will be located outside on our Paved Courtyard near Hunziker House!
Beaverdale Holiday Lights
Source: Mirza Kudic Photography
- When: December 3rd – December 31st, 6:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Where: Ashby and Wallace Avenues, East and West of Beaver Avenue
When it comes to decorating their houses for the holidays, the residents of Beaverdale don’t mess around! Drive on over to see over 50 homes aglow with decorations and light displays that range from modern to classic. This is perfect for a quick weeknight trip to see some lights without having to spend a dime.
Miracle on 86th Street
- When: November 21st through January 8th, 6:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Where: Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, 3600 86th St, Urbandale
Explore Urbandale this winter with a FREE light experience featuring more than 80,000 holiday lights and we host special events all season long! The park features a custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, a gingerbread house, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events. See below for all the planned events.
Santa’s Rock n Lights
- When: Open most days, times vary by day, through December 31
- Where: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
- Tickets: Priced from $29.99 – $36.99 per car depending on the day. ***Tickets must be bought online in advance.***
Think rave, but make it festive and seasonal. Santa’s Rock N Lights will have you dancing and singing in your seat at Living History Farms as you drive over 1 mile through over 700 feet of lighted tunnels, giant dinosaurs, polar bears, and emojis. Tune your radio station to 90.7 and watch as the displays “dance” to the music!
Holiday Pop-Up Bars – less driving + less walking 😉
Not quite feeling the light shows but still want to get in the holiday spirit? Consider one of Des Moines many holiday pop up bars! We have a guide for those, of course.
Need help shopping for gifts? 🎁
Check out our holiday shopping guide for all the wonderful, lovable people in your life with small businesses around the DSM area!
