Some people swear it’s the music that flips the holiday switch, but cruising around Greater Des Moines to see the lights feels like the real moment the season clicks into place. Locals helped us track down the can’t-miss displays, and we bundled everything you need for a perfect night out, including dates, prices, routes, and nearby spots for cocoa or a bite before the glow-fest begins.
*All of our Des Best lists are crowdsourced and voted by locals.*
Drive-Throughs (by car or holiday train)
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad — Santa Express
Where: Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum, 225 10th Street, Boone
When: Fridays through Sundays, November 27-December 20
Tickets: $59.36 for first class coach, $29.68 for classic coach
Where to eat: Whistle Stop Cafe, 1102 Story Street, Boone
It doesn’t get much more magical than this! The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad’s popular Santa Express train, named one of the 30 Best Holiday and Christmas Trains in the US, is a one-hour round trip journey to the quaint but festive “North Pole.” Along the way you’ll hear the story of Santa’s Scenic Valley Ride, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. This unique experience has become a memorable family tradition for families across Iowa. Pro-tip: Holiday pajamas are encouraged, no matter your age!
Jolly Holiday Lights
Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds (Enter Gate 2 at the intersection of E University Ave and E 33rd St)
When: November 20-January 3
Tickets: $28/car; $54/Bus, Limo, or RV; $70 Season Pass (check online for flash sales)
Where to eat: Latin King, 2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines
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.
Neighborhood Lights
Beaverdale Holiday Lights
Where: Ashby and Wallace Avenues, East and West of Beaver Avenue
When: 6-9 p.m. through December 31
Where to eat: The Dam Pub, 2710 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines
More than fifty homes in Beaverdale go full Clark Griswold, competing for bragging rights in an annual spectacle where subtlety takes the night off. A mix of cutting-edge displays and classic lights brightens the whole neighborhood, and a sign at the entrance even tells you which radio station to tune to, so the show syncs with your car stereo.
Dogtown Lights
Where: University Avenue between 23rd and 25th streets in Des Moines' Drake neighborhood
When: November 11-December 11
Where to eat: Lucky Horse Burgers and Beer, 2331 University Avenue, Des Moines
Each holiday season, the Drake neighborhood lights up with Dogtown Lights, turning the area into a twinkling wonderland. Stroll through the growing entertainment district around campus and soak up the festive cheer — plus, it’s a fun reminder that Des Moines’ hometown team, the Bulldogs, know how to shine on and off the field. Go Bulldogs!
Gingerbread Lane — Ankeny
Where: SE Richland Court, Ankeny
When: December 4
Where to eat: Main Street Bakery & Cafe, 2510 SW White Birch Drive, Ankeny
Gingerbread Lane in Ankeny turns a quiet cul-de-sac into a glowing storybook, with each home lighting up a different chapter of the gingerbread boy’s tale. Wander through the lights, soak up the whimsy and bring along non-perishables, since Santa and Mrs. Claus spend their weekends collecting donations for the Food Bank of Iowa. It’s as sweet as it sounds.
Waterbury Luminaries
When: December 24
Where: Waterbury Road in Des Moines
Where to eat: Either/Or, 1250 8th Street, West Des Moines
On Christmas Eve, Waterbury Road glows with the soft, flickering light of paper luminaries, a beautiful tradition inspired by Mexican luminarias. Neighbors light the streets with hundreds of tiny flames, turning the neighborhood into a magical, starry wonderland that has now spread to nearby streets.
Windsor Heights Lights
When: December 4-January 1
Where: South of Hickman Road, Franklin Avenue, Marylynn Drive and 72nd Street (Windsor Wonderland and tree lighting at Colby Park)
Where to eat: Puerto Rico Restaurant, 6611 University Ave, Windsor Heights
Around 120 homes deck the halls for Windsor Heights Foundation’s annual holiday lighting contest, where friendly competition sparks some seriously creative displays. The fun kicks off December 5 with Windsor Wonderland, featuring holiday wagon rides, an ugly sweater run, food trucks, and a special screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol at Colby Park, setting the stage for weeks of dazzling lights and festive cheer throughout the neighborhood.
Holiday Strolls
Miracle on 86th Street
Where: Fifth Street and Railroad Ave, West Des Moines
When: November 24-January 6
Where to eat: The Urban Grill, 3651 86th St, Urbandale
Miracle on 86th Street transforms Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park into a walkable holiday glow up, with more than fifty thousand lights, whimsical displays, and plenty to explore. Wander past the custom-built train, check out the ice-skating rink, and time your visit for events like the Tree Lighting Celebration or the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt.
Uptown Wonderlights
Where: SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park
When: November 13-December 31
Where to eat: Trailside Tap, 710 SW 3rd St, Ankeny
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.
Winter Wonderscape at Reiman Gardens
Where: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames
When: November 27 & 29; December 4-6, 11-13, 18-23, 26 & 27
Tickets: $17, $15 members and ISU students, $8 ages 2 to 12, Free under 2
Times: 5-9 p.m. (last entry window is 7:30-8 p.m.)
Where to eat: Cornbred, 526 Main Street, Suite 106, Ames
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.
Holiday Lights, But Make it an Event
Tinseltown in Water Works Park
Where: Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway (events take place at the Lauridsen Amphitheater)
When: November 21, 1-9 p.m.
Where to eat: Francie’s, 2100 Wakonda View Dr, Des Moines
Water Works Park lights up this holiday season with Tinseltown, happening November 21. Stop by for tree lighting ceremonies, carriage rides, live carolers, and holiday vendors, or snap a pic with old St. Nick. Then as night falls, bike or stroll through the running light show, with glowing displays and seasonal sounds around every corner with a toy drive presented by Thrivent to help local families this holiday season.
Dome for the Holidays
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines
When: November 14-January 2
Tickets: $18 adults, $13 ages 2-12, Free under 2
Times: 5-9 p.m.
Step into a glowing holiday oasis at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with Dome for the Holidays. Wander through the tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House, where thousands of twinkling lights, holiday trains, blown-glass sculptures, and a playful gnome hunt make spirits bright. Cozy up in a private igloo, sip hot cocoa, and stroll past lush greenery that’s truly budding with festive cheer.
Historic East Village
Where: Historic East Village
When: November 20-December 18 (Holiday Promenade from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays)
Where to eat: Fong’s, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines
East Village is downtown Des Moines’ hub for walking, shopping, and grabbing a bite, and the Holiday Promenade turns it up a notch. Every Friday from November 20 to December 18, the streets come alive with a new theme each week, from a dazzling drone show to an ugly Christmas sweater contest, and the shops stay open late so you can browse while the holiday energy fills the air. Make sure to check out the big tree at Brenton Skating Plaza, where you can skate with skyline views while soaking up all the lights and festive vibes.
Historic Valley Junction
Where: Fifth Street and Railroad Ave, West Des Moines
When: November 19-December 17 (Jingle in the Junction from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays)
Where to eat: False 9, 206 5th Street, West Des Moines
Stroll beneath more than 100,000 lights as Historic Valley Junction turns its main street into a festive mix of shopping, dining, and holiday sparkle. Browse vintage finds and handmade gifts, warm up at local bars and eateries, and swing by Jingle in the Junction on Thursdays from November 19 through December 17 for extended shopping, in-store specials, horse-drawn trolley rides, ice carvings, live reindeer, and of course, Santa.
