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. Don’t forget the hot cocoa from Nosh! 

Updated for 2023 by Claire Tuchek, DSMG Contributor 

Event times subject to change. Please confirm with the event host before making your plans! 

Jolly Holiday Lights

  • When: 5:00 p.m. – until mall closes. November 17th through January 7th, 2024 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)
  • Where: Outlets of Des Moines  – 801 Bass Pro Dr. NW, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Tickets: FREE to walk around and view the lights.
    • Special events happening throughout season that may require a purchase or if you would like to purchase a coupon book to from the Jolly Holiday Lights to shop the outlets you can do so as well.

Get in the holiday spirit this season by visiting the biggest light show in the entire state of Iowa that began as a small event display in Water Works Park back in 1996. 100% of funds raised from tickets purchased for Jolly Holiday Lights go towards making wishes come true for Iowa kids with critical illnesses through the Make-A-Wish Iowa Foundation. At the outlets, they will also have the Wish Shop which will be open during mall hours. On average, Make-A-Wish Iowa grants the wishes of 80 kids each year and Jolly Holiday Lights is their biggest fundraiser so show them some love! 

While there enjoy free Lights-to-Music Show will be every 30 minutes starting at 5pm until 30 minutes before the mall closes. Please check mall hours. There will be no Lights-to-Music Show on the following dates due to operating hours of the Outlets: November 22, November 23, December 24, December 25, and December 30.

Elf Tip: Have some last-minute holiday shopping to do? Stop by the Outlets of Des Moines while you’re out in Altoona.

Santa’s Rock n Lights 

  • When: Open most days, times vary by day. November 24th through December 31st
  • 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! 

Elf Tip: The faster the drive the faster the show is over, recommended 3 mph 😉 And if you’re not ready to go home yet,  play a round of (virtual) golf at Range Restaurant & Cocktail Bar—it’s only 4 minutes away!

Gingerbread Lane

  • When: December 1st – 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!

All the details here. 

Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show

  • When: Thursday, Friday, & Saturday evenings, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. in December
  • Where: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd Ames, IA 50011
  • Tickets: $15 for adults, $13 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!

Elf Tip: While you’re in Ames, make it a night and have dinner at The Cafe or Provisions. 

Dogtown Lights

  • When: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. through February
  • Where: Drake Neighborhood, University Avenue between 23rd St & 25th St

Dogtown Lights is back and better than ever this year with double the amount of lights and the displays themselves will be up all the way through February. The displays have previously been known to change in the new year to coincide with celebrating Lunar New Year and Black History Month so be sure to keep coming back and checking out what’s new! This is a great excuse to get to know the neighborhood around Drake University even better.

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.

Elf Tip: Grab some handmade candies from Beaverdale Confections to enjoy while you walk or drive around the neighborhood. 

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 new FREE light experience featuring more than 50,000 holiday lights and light displays! While there, be sure to check out the large custom-built train, ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and more. Be sure to check their page for more events happening this season.

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! (Check the local restaurants’ and bars’ social pages for times and dates!)

This festive explosion inside Exile Brewery is definitely worth seeing once, but we also recommend the following to get you in the holiday spirit: 

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!

holiday shopping guide