Looking for the best Christmas lights in Des Moines? Look no further! From drive-through holiday light displays to dazzling neighborhood spectacles, there are many options! In this article, we list the best places to see Christmas lights in the Des Moines area. So, put on your jammies, grab the thermos of hot cocoa, and head out on the town!
Related: Christmas Tree Farms Near Des Moines: Find Your Perfect Tree Locally!
Best Places to see Christmas lights in Des Moines
Jolly Holiday Lights, Adventureland Resort
Jolly Holiday Lights is the most popular drive-through light display in Des Moines. And for a good reason! Not only is it the largest light display in the state of Iowa, but it raises money for a great cause—Make-A-Wish Iowa.
Where to find it: Adventureland Resort, 3300 Adventureland Dr, Ankeny, IA 50009
When to go: Nov 25, 2022 – Jan 1, 2022; 5:30-10:00 pm (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve)
Cost: $25 per car ($20 if purchased online)
Details: Visit the website.
Santa’s Rock N Lights, Living History Farms
Santa’s Rock N Lights is a newer drive-through holiday light display in the Des Moines area. With cutting-edge lights and a long techno rainbow light tunnel you can drive through, it’s fun for all ages. The charity partner is Children’s Miracle Network, and tickets are available online.
Where to find it: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
When to go: Nov 25, 2022 – Jan 1, 2022 | Daily, 5:10 – 8:30 pm (Open Christmas week)
Cost: $25.99-32.99 per car, depending on what day it is
Details: Visit the website.
Valley Junction, West Des Moines
Historic Valley Junction is all about holiday lights! With 150,000 unique lights, plus one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and bars, it’s the place to visit. And for even more holiday fun, go for Jingle in the Junction!
Where to find it: 5th St & Railroad Ave, West Des Moines, IA
When to go: mid-Nov – Jan 1; 5 pm – 12 am
Cost: Free
Details: Visit the website.
Hometown Holidays Aglow, Ankeny
Uptown Ankeny is a great place to see holiday lights, do some shopping, and stop at a fantastic eatery! Animated lights, tree and roof lighting, and window displays are along SW 3rd Street and the Ankeny Market & Pavillion.
Where to find it: Start at S Ankeny Blvd, go west on SW 3rd St, and north on SW Maple.
When to go: After Thanksgiving – Jan 1; after dark
Cost: Free
Reiman Gardens, Ames
The new Winter Wonderscape Walk at Reiman Gardens is back for a second year! There you can experience 17 acres of moving lights and holiday music. You’ll feel like you’re in another world as you walk through the lighted tunnels and falling “stars”!
Where to find it: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
When to go: Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays, Dec 1 – Dec 31; 5-8 pm
Cost: $13 (general public), $11 (members), $7 for ages 2-12
For details and ticket info, see the Reiman Gardens website.
Gingerbread Lane, Ankeny neighborhood
This one’s a must-see! “Gingerbread Lane” is a neighborhood in Ankeny. See the Gingerbread boy story as you drive through the streets of festively lit homes. Best of all, the residents collect food and cash donations for the Food Bank of Iowa!
Where to find it: SE Richland Ct, Ankeny, IA 50021
When to go: Usually opens around the first of Dec – Dec. 31; 5:30-9:30 pm
Cost: Free, but donations to the Food Bank are welcome!
For more details, follow the Gingerbread Lane Facebook page.
Beaverdale, Des Moines neighborhood
Beaverdale has a long-standing tradition of homes with tons of bright holiday lights! Find lights throughout area streets, with many neighbors competing for “Best Light Display”! Be sure to check out the area near Ashby Ave & Wallace Lane.
Where to find it: Ashby Ave & Wallace Lane, both sides of Beaver
When to go: Usually the first of Dec – Dec 31; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Windsor Heights’ homes, Des Moines
The annual contest in Windsor Heights is excellent motivation for tons of lights on the area homes. There’s nothing like a friendly neighborhood rivalry to bring out the Clark Griswold in all of us.
Where to find it: South of Hickman Rd, Franklin Ave, Marylynn Dr & 72nd St
When to go: The second week in Dec – Jan 1; 6 – 9 pm
Cost: Free
Waterbury Luminary Display, Des Moines
Each Christmas Eve, the Waterbury neighborhood lines the street with luminaries. Walk the sidewalks of Waterbury for a classic, nostalgic holiday experience!
Where to find it: Waterbury Ln, Des Moines
When to go: Christmas Eve
Cost: Free
P.S. Want to make your Des Moines holiday light tour special? Consider a Holiday Light Tour with Des Moines Limo!
