Get in the Christmas spirit with these 10 Iowa light displays

By Avery Staker

December 6, 2023

As the holiday season commences, so do the festivities!

Light shows are a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, spend time with your community, and appreciate local attractions.

From the largest amusement park in the state to a family farm, here are 10 of the most dazzling holiday light displays in Iowa in 2023.

Jolly Holiday Lights – Altoona

Where: Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Dr. NW

More information: https://www.jollyholidaylights.org/

Winter Wonderscape – Ames

Where: Reiman Gardens, 1401 University Blvd.

More information: https://reimangardens.com/winter-wonderscape

Carroll County EMS Festival of Lights – Carroll

Photo courtesy of Carroll County

Where: Swan Lake State Park, 22676 Swan Lake Drive

More information: https://www.1380kcim.com/2023/11/24/carroll-county-ems-festival-of-lights-opens-tonight-at-swan-lake/

Symphony of Lights – Clinton

Where: Eagle Point Park, 3923 N 3rd St.

More information: https://www.symphonyoflights.org/

Reflections in the Park – Dubuque

Where: Murphy Park, 1700 S Grandview Ave.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/p/Reflections-In-The-Park-100069152975690/

City of Christmas – Keokuk

Photo courtesy of Keokuk City of Christmas

Where: 1401 Stripe St.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/p/Keokuk-City-of-Christmas-100080320549537/

Merry-N County Christmas – Knoxville

Where: Marion County Park, 306 Willetts Drive

More information: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Marion/Park/Marion-County-Park/Events/23645/MERRY-N-COUNTY-CHRISTMAS.aspx

Christmas Acres – Le Mars

Photo courtesy of Christmas Acres

Where: 18481 Impala Ave.

More information: https://www.traveliowa.com/calendar/christmas-acres/1643073/

Festival of Lights – Mount Pleasant

Photo courtesy of Midwest Old Threshers

Where: Midwest Old Thresher’s Campground, 405 E Thresher Rd.

More information: https://www.oldthreshers.org/festival-of-lights/admission/

Holiday Nights and Lights – Ottumwa

Where: Greater Ottumwa Park, 1 Joe Lord Memorial Drive

More information: https://www.meetottumwa.org/events/19th_annual_holiday_nights_n_lights_39326

Avery Staker

Avery Staker is Iowa Starting Line's Social Media Manager, which is their first position in a newsroom after graduating college. Their passion is visual storytelling; ultimately, they want to tap into the potential of photojournalism and documentary filmmaking in empowering their community. Right now, though, they have memes to make for the newsletter. Send story ideas and tips to them at [email protected].

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL CULTURE | THINGS TO DO

LOCAL CULTURE | THINGS TO DO

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