LET THERE BE LIGHTS
Jolly Holiday Lights
Jolly Holiday Lights brings its larger-than-life glow to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, filling the place with more than three million lights and plenty of feel-good cheer. A ticket gets you into the drive through spectacle, and part of every purchase helps Make-A-Wish Iowa grant wishes for local kids. After more than two decades, it has firmly earned its place as one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds (Enter Gate 2 at the intersection of E University Ave and E 33rd St)
When: November 21, 2024 — January 4, 2025
Tickets: $25/car; $50/Bus, Limo, or RV; $65 Season Pass (check online for flash sales)
Santa’s Rock n Lights
Get ready to rock around the holiday lights at Living History Farms with Santa’s Rock n Lights! Cruise through a mystical dinosaur world and over 700 feet of tunnels, including the mind-bending techno rainbow tunnel. Tune your radio to the synced station and let your car become a front-row seat to a full-sensory light show, with dinosaurs, disco, and holiday magic included. Make sure to buy your ticket online to reserve a time slot, as there are no on-site sales!
Where: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale
When: November 28 — December 31
Tickets: $29.99 — $39.99 per car
Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Bundle up and head to Ames for Winter Wonderscape, a walk-through light extravaganza in the outdoor gardens. Stroll through 17 acres sparkling with 200,000 twinkling lights, wander through tunnels of glowing magic, and meander under fantasy lights falling like stars. Catch massive disco balls twirling to laser lights, marvel at a 20-foot-wide fountain, and discover a dazzling array of other sparkling surprises at every turn.
Where: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames
When: December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27
Tickets: $16, $14 members and ISU students, $7 ages 2 to 12, Free under 2
Uptown Wonderlights
Come to Uptown Ankeny and dive into Uptown Wonderlights, where over 50 dazzling displays light up six blocks of SW 3rd Street, plus the Ankeny Market and Pavilion Park. This walk-or-drive-friendly experience is totally free, making it easy to soak up the holiday glow by car, bike or on foot — with a side of feel-good community sparkle.
Where: SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park
When: November 14 – December 31
New for 2025 — Tinseltown in Waterworks Park
Water Works Park lights up this holiday season with Tinseltown, kicking off November 22. Stop by for tree lighting ceremonies, carriage rides, live carolers, and holiday vendors, or catch St. Nicholas reading “A Night Before Christmas.” Then as night falls, drive or stroll through the running light show, with glowing displays and seasonal sounds around every corner. Special events like the “Tour de Lights” on December 14 add extra sparkle, and a toy drive supports Des Moines Public Schools, making Tinseltown a festive celebration for the whole community.
Where: Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway (events take place at the Lauridsen Amphitheater)
When: November 22, November 30, December 14 (Tour de Lights event)
For a list of all the best holiday lights in Greater Des Moines, including neighborhoods, click here.
