LET THERE BE LIGHTS
Jolly Holiday Lights
This essential holiday tradition and largest light show in Iowa includes a 2.5-mile stretch featuring more than 100 different light displays. Admission starts at $20 per car if you purchase tickets online.
Where: Adventureland, 3300 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
When: 5:30 – 10 p.m.; November 25 – January 1. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
Santa’s Rock N Lights
Visitors to this Living History Farms light show will travel through the mystical dinosaur world and over 700 feet of tunnels, including the techno rainbow tunnel. Tune your car radio to the station synced to the show lights for an immersive, full-sensory experience!
Where: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
When: Open daily (hours vary) November 25 through January 1. Tickets start at $25.99 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance online.
Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Want to see some lights and get your steps in at the same time? Head up to Ames, where Reiman Gardens unveils “Winter Wonderscape” – a walk-through light show featuring 17 acres of immersive light displays. Walk through brightly lit tunnels, meander through fantasy lights falling like stars, view massive disco balls twirling to laser lights, enjoy a 20’ wide fountain, and a wide array of other sparkling wonders.
Where: 1407 University Boulevard Ames, IA 50011
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, December 1 – December 31, 5 p.m. to last ticket sold at 8 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and start at $5.
Dogtown Lights
A new holiday tradiiton returns for Year Two, as the Drake neighborhood receives a colorful makeover with Dogtown Lights. The entertainment district in the heart of campus will have double the amount of lights as last year and the lights will change in appearance to recognize things like Lunar New Year and Black History Month.
Where: University Avenue between 23rd and 25th streets in Des Moines' Drake neighborhood
When: Through February 2023
Festival of Trees & Lights
This public event serves as a fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and features beautifully decorated trees, food and entertainment, children’s activities, and more. Admission is $5 and free for children 2 and under.
Where: Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at IEC - 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines
When: November 25 – 27
For a list of all the best holiday lights in Greater Des Moines, including neighborhoods, click here.
