It’s the most wonderful time of the year — to take in some truly spectacular holiday light displays! There’s no shortage of cheer in central Iowa with all sorts of seasonal things to do from drive through displays to a train ride with Santa himself.
No matter how you celebrate, there’s something for lovers of the holidays both young and old. If you’re looking for a way to make your season merry, consider planning a visit to one of these five holiday displays in central Iowa.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express
Hop on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and head straight to the North Pole! Enjoy an hour and 15 minute round trip along the historic railway, hear a festive story and even meet Santa himself. This holiday tradition is fun for families and kids of all ages. But be sure to buy tickets in advance!
Seating is limited and this event does sell out.
Where: Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum, 225 10th St., Boone
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays | Nov. 26 – Dec. 19, 2021
Cost: $22 per person Classic Coach Class | $46 per person First Class Coach
Jolly Holiday Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 25 years, Jolly Holiday Lights is a light display that embraces the true meaning of the season. This beloved tradition benefits Make-A-Wish Iowa and helps raise money to grant the wishes of children from across the state.
Jolly Holiday Lights is held at Adventureland Park in Altoona and features a drive through display of thousands of lights and dozens of impressive displays.
Where: Jolly Holiday Lights, Adventureland Park, 3300 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
When: Nov. 26, 2021 — Jan. 2, 2022 | 5:30 – 10 p.m. | Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
Cost: $25 per car ($20 if you purchase online)
Santa’s Rock n Lights
New to the Des Moines metro in 2020, Santa’s Rock n Lights at Living History Farms is a drive through display that features over 700 feet of vibrantly lighted tunnels. This immersive holiday light experience is full of surprises and twinkling holiday wonders.
Tune your car radio to one of the local partner stations for a festive soundtrack for your drive. Plus, the festive event benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Where: Santa’s Rock’n Lights, Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale
When: Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 23, 2022 | Sunday to Thursday: 5 – 9 p.m. | Friday and Saturday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Cost: $19.99 – $29.99 per vehicle, depending on the day
Winter Wonderscape Light Show
Bundle up and head to Reiman Gardens’ walk through Winter Wonderscape Light Show. Experience a variety of immersive light displays scattered throughout the gardens’ 17 acre site. From large-scale sculptures to installations that incorporate motion and music, this is a holiday event not to miss.
Each evening of this seasonal event also has a rotating slate of live musicians. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance! Spots for this holiday favorite tend to sell out.
Where: Winter Wonderscape Light Show, Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., Ames
When: Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 30, 31 | Jan. 1 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults | $5 children
Festival of Trees & Lights
Not only is the Festival of Trees & Lights the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital but it’s also one of the metro’s favorite ways to kick off the holiday season. The 38th annual event features a guided, one-way path to view beautifully decorated trees.
Where: Festival of Trees & Lights, Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, 833 Fifth Ave., Des Moines
When: Nov. 26 – 28, 2021 | Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
About the Guest Blogger
Megan Bannister is a freelance writer and blogger at Olio in Iowa based in Des Moines, Iowa. When she’s not sampling and writing about food, Megan enjoys visiting unique destinations, roadside attractions, and “world’s largest” things across the Midwest and beyond. Her book, Iowa Supper Clubs, highlights classic eateries past and present from around the state.