The 9 most dazzling holiday light displays in Des Moines

Check out these sparkling holiday light displays around the Des Moines metro area to bring some twinkling magic to your holiday season. 

Everything looks more magical when covered in holiday lights, and the Des Moines area is no exception. From famously elaborate houses and businesses to walk-through displays and drive-through parks, these holiday light displays are sure to get you in the holly jolly spirit.

Read on to see our list of the best holiday light displays around the Des Moines metro area, and make your plans to take in the dazzling sights this year. 

1. Jolly Holiday Lights

Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines

While you wait for the fun of the annual Iowa State Fair next summer, stop by the fairgrounds to enjoy this incredible holiday display that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets are $20 for vehicles and $50 for buses or limos. The display is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 a.m. on weekends through January 4. The event is organized by a new national company this year and is sure to impress visitors young and old. 

2. Dome for the Holidays

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines 

With the chill in the air, an escape into a tropical plant oasis is an excellent way to spend a night out. Add some magical lighting in one of the most unique settings in the whole city, and you’ll surely want to visit more than once.

The botanical garden stays open for extra hours and invites visitors to wander through the dome as it is lit by thousands of sparkling lights. There’s also festive music, blown glass sculptures, a train display, and a gnome hunt to keep you busy. Refreshments are available for purchase as well. Dome for the Holidays is available Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. through December 31. Tickets are $15 for adults and are sold for timed entry. 

Photo courtesy of Dome for the Holidays.

3. Dogtown Lights 

Drake University, Des Moines

The Drake University neighborhood knows how to put on a holiday light show. Take a walk or drive down University Avenue between 23rd and 25th streets to see the colorful makeover on the front of the local shops and eateries in this growing entertainment district. But make this an early stop on your tour, as the display will only be up through December 11. 

4. Asbury Avenue and Wallace Lane

Beaverdale, Des Moines

Sometimes, the displays put up by individual homeowners are the most impressive. And this neighborhood just off Beaver Avenue (to the east and west) goes all out every winter.

More than 50 houses in the Beaverdale area are aglow in holiday lights, inflatables, and more. Plus, they accept free-will donations to help raise money for the Iowa Food Bank. Look for signs that show how to donate and what channel to tune your radio to enjoy holiday music while you view the lights. If you plan to drive through on the weekend, be prepared to join a procession of cars slowly rolling through the neighborhood to enjoy the displays. Lights are on each night from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Also, plan to drive by First Church of the Open Bible (2200 Beaver Ave.), where you can see a synchronized music and light display honoring the more spiritual side of the season. 

5. Miracle on 86th Street

Charles Gabus Tree Memorial Park, Urbandale

It may not be New York City, but wandering through Charles Gabus Tree Memorial Park (3600 86th St.) in Urbandale during the holidays is pretty darn magical.

More than 80,000 lights adorn the park next to the Urbandale Public Library. The unique display includes a custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, a gingerbread house, and an ice-skating rink. There are also special events happening throughout the season, including visits by Santa and a family scavenger hunt. The display is available to visit free of charge every evening through January 6. 

Photo by Matthew Putney/MP Media courtesy of Miracle on 86th Street.

6. Santa’s Rock n Lights 

Living History Farms, Urbandale

They might not have had holiday lights in the olden days, but that doesn’t stop Living History Farms from getting into the holiday spirit. Santa’s Rock n Lights is a mile-long, drive-through light show that will have you oohing and aahing the whole way through. The journey takes you past larger-than-life dinosaurs, polar bears, and reindeer. You’ll journey through over 700 feet of tunnels, including one with rainbow-colored techno lights. You can tune your car radio in to sync with music for the light show.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and start at $29.99 per vehicle of six people. The show runs each evening with timed entries starting at 5 p.m. through December 31. 

7. Historic Valley Junction 

West Des Moines

Historic Valley Junction is a fun destination any time of year, but it is made especially jolly during the holidays thanks to more than 100,000 lights illuminating this beloved district. Bonus points for being able to get some holiday shopping done while you enjoy the twinkling lights as well. On Thursday through December 19th from 5 to 8 p.m., you can also enjoy Jingle in the Junction, which includes extended shopping hours, in-store specials, and a fun seasonal selfie spot. Find a spot for dinner out and enjoy a variety of entertainment offerings as well. Make sure to pop by the mailbox that delivers directly to the North Pole to drop off your letter to Santa. 

8. Windsor Heights Lights 

Windsor Heights

The city of Windsor Heights sponsors a holiday lighting contest each year, and plenty of residents put up their best holiday decor in the hopes of winning an award. Take a drive south of Hickman Road on Franklin Avenue, Marylynn Drive, and 72nd Street to see this year’s entries. Typically, about 120 homes are decorated for this friendly competition among neighbors. Categories include “Griswold Lights” (Most Creative), “Rock’n Around the Christmas Tree” (Best Music & Animation), “Santa’s Favorite” (Best Theme), “Spirit of Christmas” (Best Display of Christmas), and “Windsor Wonderland” (Best Overall). The winners are chosen on December 6, but the lights remain on from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening through January 1. 

9. Winter Wonderlights 

Ankeny

The City of Ankeny has a strong holiday lighting game as well. Stop by Uptown Ankeny to see over 50 animated light displays in the Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park and along six blocks of SW 3rd Street. Each display is sponsored by a local business. There’s also a 25-foot Christmas tree to admire. This free light display is one that you can enjoy on foot, by bike, or by car. The lights are on nightly through December 31. 

While you are in Ankeny, make sure you drive by SE Richland Court. Dubbed Gingerbread Lane during the holiday season, this cul-de-sac is transformed into a magical light display experience. Each decorated home has a sign that helps tell the story of the gingerbread man as you wander through. You can also see Santa and Mrs. Claus on the weekends and donate non-perishable food items to the Iowa Food Bank. This display is also up nightly through December 31.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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