Posted in Iowa
November 23, 2016
The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Iowa That’s Nothing Short Of Magical
The days are getting shorter, and Christmas is fast approaching. What better way to brighten up your holidays than going on an epic road trip to take in the best Christmas light displays Iowa has to offer? So gas up the car and put on some holiday tunes, because this Christmas lights road trip through Iowa is truly magical. As you’re planning your trip, make sure to check the dates and times available for each show, as they all have different start and end dates.
You can find a map of the route here.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Jack Baird of Red Oak began this Christmas light display tradition decades ago, and it has only grown since then. The display has lights covering over a quarter of a mile, decorated farm equipment, nativity scenes and much more. Only stop by this one if you’re doing the road trip after December 14th, when the show debuts. It runs from December 14th through New Year’s Day from dark to 10:30pm, daily. 1233 E Ave., Red Oak, IA.
The Jolly Holiday Lights display at Adventureland Park is one of the most epic light displays going on in Iowa. This two and a half mile ride through over 100 light displays will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. Runs from November 22nd through January 1st, from 5:30pm to 10pm. Admission is $10/car. 3300 Adventureland Dr., Altoona, IA.
Amana is fun to visit, no matter what time of year, but it’s especially charming at Christmas time. Make sure to check out the Tannenbaum Forest, running November 25 - December 18th. This magical display features over 40 Christmas trees decorated with lights. Open Fridays through Sundays. 622 46th Ave., Amana IA.
Wyoming, Iowa’s Christmas City, has a wonderful Christmas light display on their Main Street. There is a canopy of Christmas lights that spans 4 blocks, as well as 40 decorated Christmas trees.
The Annual Symphony of Lights in Clinton is a must visit. The show features 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.
Mount Pleasant has a great one mile Christmas light display that you can drive through, with over 75 amazing light displays, for a cost of $10/car. The light display is located at the Old Threshers Campgrounds, and it runs from 5:30 to 9pm, November 17th-20th, 24th-27th, December 1st-4th, 8th-11th, and 14th-31st. 405 E Thresher Rd., Mt Pleasant, IA.
Keokuk is famous for its annual City of Christmas at Rand Park, featuring about 100 displays and approximately one million lights. This year, the event runs from November 24th through December 27th, Sunday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to midnight. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the City of Christmas will be open from 5pm to 1am. 1401 Stripe St., Keokuk, IA.
For more winter fun, here are 12 Unforgettable Places In Iowa That Everyone Must Visit This Winter.
