Posted in Iowa
November 19, 2016
11 Christmas Light Displays In Iowa That Are Pure Magic
One of the most magical things about the Christmas season is the light displays. There’s just nothing else that captures the wonder of the season like thousands of cheerful twinkling lights shining from the darkness. So grab your family, pour some hot chocolate and get into the spirit of the season. Here are 11 Christmas light displays in Iowa that are pure magic.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
There are about 50 homes that participate in this light show, and you’re going to want to see it. There are animated animals, blow-up characters, and, of course, thousands of amazing lights.
Wyoming is Iowa’s Christmas City. It features a stunning canopy of Christmas lights that span four blocks along the Main Street.
Anamosa is a great place to go and see Christmas lights. Drive down Main Street, and also make sure to drive around the town, because the population takes its light displays seriously!
Red Oak’s Jack Baird began an annual tradition of Christmas light displays about 35 years ago. It started out as a simple display and evolved into an epic attraction, with lights covering over a quarter of a mile. You’ll see decorated farm equipment, nativity scenes and even a 70-foot lighted tower. 1233 E Ave., Red Oak, IA.
Windsor Heights sponsors an annual holiday lighting contest, and it’s truly breathtaking. During this time, there are about 120 homes lit up and decked out for the holidays. The displays are somewhat spread out, so driving is recommended.
Clinton hosts an Annual Symphony of Lights that you won’t want to miss. There are over 40 lighted displays, 500,000+ lights and more. The display is at Eagle Point Park, and it’s open Thanksgiving through December 30th from 6pm to 9pm and costs $7 per car.
At Swan Lake State Park in Carroll, Iowa, you can see over one and a half million lights. You can drive through this light display and admire campgrounds that are decked out with holiday scenes and incredible lighted displays. 22676 Swan Lake Dr., Carroll, IA.
Mount Pleasant offers a one mile holiday light display that you can drive through. There are over 75 amazing light displays, for a cost of $10/car. The display is at the Old Threshers Campgrounds, and it runs on select dates from 5:30 to 9pm starting on November 17th.
The Amana Colonies are a charming place to visit, especially at Christmas. They host a number of pre-Christmas festivities, including Tannenbaum Forest, November 25 - December 18th. Here, you can see a display of over 40 Christmas trees decked out with twinkling holiday lights. Open Fridays through Sundays. 622 46th Ave., Amana IA.
The Jolly Holiday Lights display is at the amazing Adventureland Park. You’ll enjoy a two and a half mile ride through over 100 light displays. This display runs from November 22nd through January 1st, from 5:30pm to 10pm. Admission is $10/car. 3300 Adventureland Dr., Altoona, IA.
Le Mars has plenty of opportunities to see light displays. There’s Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds, 500 4th Ave. NE. Also, Christmas Acres puts on a stunning display. The display features 80,000 lights, multiple displays, music and more. The display runs from November 21st through December 31st, from 5pm to 10pm. 18481 Impala Ave., Le Mars, IA.
For more of Iowa’s fun winter activities, here are 12 Unforgettable Places In Iowa That Everyone Must Visit This Winter.
