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 10 of the best displays of Christmas lights in Iowa that are pure magic.

1. Beaverdale
Beaverdale, IA 52655, USA
Flickr/Phil Roeder
Starting our list of the best Christmas light displays in Iowa is the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines. 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.

As the holidays approach, visit the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association website for more information.
2. Wyoming
West Main Street, W Main St, Wyoming, IA 52362, USA
Flickr/Phil Roeder
Wyoming is Iowa’s Christmas City. It features a stunning canopy of Christmas lights that span four blocks along Main Street.

Visit the Wyoming, Iowa website and Facebook page for more information.
3. Anamosa
Main Street, Main St, Iowa, USA
Flickr/Louis
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 Christmas light displays in Iowa seriously!

Visit the Anamosa Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
4. Red Oak
1233 E Ave, Red Oak, IA 51566, USA
Facebook/Baird’s Christmas Lights
Red Oak’s Jack Baird began an annual tradition of Christmas light displays about 40 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. It's one of the most festive displays of Christmas lights in Iowa! You can find it at 1233 E Ave. in Red Oak.

Visit the Baird's Christmas Lights Facebook page for more information.
5. Clinton
Eagle Point Park, 3923 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
Facebook/Symphony of Lights
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 from Thanksgiving through December 30th. Check the website for times and admission prices.

Visit the Symphony of Lights website and Facebook page for more information.
6. Carroll
22676 Swan Lake Trail, Carroll, IA 51401, USA
Facebook/Carroll Chamber of Commerce
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. You can find it at 22676 Swan Lake Dr. in Carroll.

Visit the Carroll County Facebook page for more information.
7. Mount Pleasant
405 E Threshers Rd Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
Facebook/Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights
Mount Pleasant offers a 1.6-mile holiday light display that you can drive through. There are over 100 amazing light displays. The display is at the Old Threshers Campgrounds, and it runs on select dates during the holiday season. This is one of the best Christmas displays in Iowa you don't want to miss!

Visit the Midwest Old Threshers website and Facebook page for more information.
8. Amana
622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
The Amana Colonies Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
The Amana Colonies is a charming place to visit, especially at Christmas. They host a number of pre-Christmas festivities, including Tannenbaum Forest with a display of over 50 Christmas trees decked out with twinkling holiday lights. Open Fridays through Sundays from the day after Christmas until mid-December. You can find it at 622 46th Ave. in Amana.

Visit the Amana Colonies website and Facebook page for more information.
9. Altoona
Adventureland Drive Northeast, Adventureland Dr NE, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Facebook/Jolly Holiday Lights
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 the day after Thanksgiving through the beginning of January. You can find it at 3300 Adventureland Dr. in Altoona.

Visit the Jolly Holiday Lights website and Facebook page for more information.
10. Le Mars
500 4th Ave NE, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
18481 Impala Ave, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
Facebook/Le Mars Iowa
Last on our list of the best Christmas light displays in Iowa is Le Mars where you'll have 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.

Visit the Christmas Acres Facebook page and the Pioneer Village website for more information.

Have you been to any of these displays of Christmas lights in Iowa? If you have, please let us know in the comments! If you’re ready for an adventure this holiday season, why not take a road trip around Christmas lights in Iowa? For more of Iowa’s fun winter activities, here are 12 unforgettable places in Iowa that everyone must visit this winter.

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More to Explore

Best Christmas Light Displays In Iowa

Melissa M. | November 12, 2021

What are some Christmas events I can attend in Iowa?

Many small towns around the state really get into the holiday spirit. Some really deck the trees and streets with lights and displays while others host events throughout the season. You can check out our article, These 7 Small Towns In Iowa Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way, to read about some of these towns. 

Do you have an itinerary for an Iowa Christmas lights road trip?

As a matter of fact, we do! Our Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Iowa will take you to some of the most festive destinations throughout the state. It includes several of the locations mentioned above, plus a few more. And a wonderful interactive map is included for your convenience.

What else is there to do in the winter in Iowa?

You may not think that hiking in Iowa is something people can do in winter, but it’s actually a wonderful time of year to hike. You can read about some of the wonderful hikes you can do during the season in our feature article. 

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