7 Must-See Christmas Light Displays in Iowa (They’re Pure Magic)

For me, there's one way I know that the holiday season is upon us: the pumpkins come off the porches, and the twinkling lights come on. As the Iowa Christmas light shows start filling suburban streets, I love looking at them – and I always wonder, "Where are the best Christmas lights near me?" While daily displays are impressive, the biggest and best Christmas lights in Iowa are genuinely stunning. Locations like the best botanical garden in Iowa and the Hawkeye State's largest amusement park make the most of the winter season by hosting fantastic walk-through or drive-through holiday light events. Even some ordinary locations, like a small-town main street or county park, go all out to make this season memorable. So come along with us to discover the best Christmas light displays in Iowa!

1. Ames’ Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show Is Pure Holiday Magic

Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show is located at one of the most beautiful spots in all of Iowa – Reiman Gardens in Ames. During the holiday season, the entire garden is transformed with countless gleaming lights and lanterns, turning a winter walk here into a glittering spectacle. But it's not just about the lights – all the winter plants are on full display and look more beautiful than ever.

Winter Wonderscape takes place throughout December, with tickets starting at $16 for the general public. With over 150,000 lights on display, creative immersive tunnels, and festive displays, visitors are guaranteed a memorable time. Furthermore, if you need refreshment, the Boy Scouts are ready to sell you hot chocolate and cookies. There are also several easily accessible S'mores-making stations throughout. Visit the Winter Wonderscape website to purchase tickets and learn more about the event. Tickets for popular times sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead!

2. Davenport’s Kall Christmas Lights Will Brighten Your Holiday Nights

Kall Christmas Lights might be the most impressive holiday light display by a private residence in the entire state. Run by a family that hosts a local radio show, this elaborate display has become a local tradition, taking months to fully set up. It's so festive that Santa has been known to pay a visit!

Located at 1852 Westminster Cir, Davenport, IA 52807, this exciting Christmas light display runs from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. It includes a 7-minute light show that starts every half hour, with a 23-minute break until the next half hour.

Follow Kall Christmas Lights on Facebook to get driving directions and watch the progress of putting this epic holiday display in Iowa come to life.

3. Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights Shines Bright in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

The Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights takes place annually at the Mount Pleasant Campground, featuring a drive-through show filled with whimsical displays. From tunnels of lights to a massive Santa's Workshop light display, this event is a hit with local kids.

The festival is actually a 2-mile-long drive-through light park featuring 100-180 spectacular light displays. While transportation is not catered for, visitors are encouraged to bring their own vehicles. Admission costs start at $10 for family vehicles, $25 per Limousine, $30 for a mini-coach that carries up to 30 persons, and $60 per motor coach holding up to 60 persons. 

Mount Pleasant is the largest drive-thru holiday display in Iowa – don't miss it! Follow the Festival of Lights Facebook page to stay up to date.

4. Jolly Holiday Lights in Altoona Is Iowa’s Most Cheerful Christmas Display

Jolly Holiday Lights is easily the most famous Christmas light show in Iowa. From November 29, 2024, until January 4, 2025, head over to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for an evening of incredible illuminated displays. This drive-through event dazzles guests with a quirky and sometimes irreverent display of lights that benefits a good cause. One dollar from every ticket is donated directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To visit the light shows, expect to pay $20 per car and $50 for a Limo or bus. Outside food and drinks are allowed. However, visitors are encouraged to keep the trash in their cars as no patrons are allowed outside their vehicles for the duration of the show. You can also purchase candy and light-up merchandise at the gate. Be sure to follow Jolly Holiday Lights on Facebook for updates on the upcoming display.

5. Holiday Lights at the Lake – A Dazzling Iowa City Holiday Display

At West Overlook Campground, Holiday Lights at the Lake is surely magical. The show features an animated tunnel of lights, holiday figures, and sparkling arches. The schedule for the 2025 light display runs from November 26 through December 31, and proceeds from the show benefit a hospice home in Johnson County and The Bird House. Expect a 15-minute drive-through, while walking takes up to 60 minutes.

Visit Holiday Lights at the Lake's website for important updates on walk-through and drive-through dates. Additionally, following their Facebook page is a great way to stay informed about upcoming events.

6. Clinton’s Symphony of Lights Turns the Riverfront Into a Holiday Wonderland

Symphony of Lights, a drive-through event in Clinton, is located in a loop within Eagle Point Park. The displays are different every year, but keep an eye out for fantasy creatures getting into the holiday spirit!

The 1.1-mile light display loop is open from November 26 to December 30. It takes approximately 20-45 minutes to drive through this spectacular light exhibition. Admission is typically $10 for every vehicle, accommodating up to 10 persons. However, an additional $2 per person is charged for cars carrying over 10 people. As for refreshments, vendors at the event offer a variety of food and beverages, including hot chocolate and cookies, at affordable rates.

Expect over 40 light displays, half a million Christmas lights, castles, streams, and even a gingerbread lodge at this epic Christmas lights show in Iowa. The lights come on from November 26 through December 30, 2025. Visit the Symphony of Lights website for admission prices and a schedule of events (including special Santa appearances).

7. Main Street in Oskaloosa Transforms Into a Dazzling Christmas Display

Main Street Oskaloosa gets into the holiday spirit like no other small town in Iowa. Every building in the main square, many of them historic, is decked out in thousands of lights. The week after Thanksgiving, a massive lighting parade, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, is held, and the entire town goes wild in celebration of the season.

With over 250,000 LED lights illuminating the fronts of all buildings surrounding the historic city square, the city is guaranteed to mesmerise you. Visiting the main street at this time is not only an entertaining experience, but it is also your chance to support local businesses. Coffee shops, cafes, retail stores, and restaurants along the square will all be open to ensure you get all you need to enhance your Christmas experience in Iowa. As for parking, don't worry about it. There is ample parking space available throughout the park. Check out all of the holiday events in Mahaska County and fill your weekends with holiday cheer!

Have you visited any of these fantastic Christmas lights in Iowa? Do you also search for "best Christmas lights near me" as the season gets started? Share your plans for the 2025 holiday season using this nomination form. If you're looking for more ways to make the season memorable, check out this charming boutique hotel that gets decked out for the holidays. Or you prefer to cozy up in a secluded cabin in Iowa.

Do Christmas lights put you in the giving spirit? Check out our guide to the perfect gifts for travelers. Also, if you’re ready to map out your holiday adventures, be sure to use our itinerary planner to create a customized holiday road trip through Iowa’s best Christmas lights.