Whether you believe in setting up your tree the day after Halloween, or you wait until Thanksgiving is over to get into the holiday spirit, there’s no denying that driving around looking at Christmas Lights is one of the highlights of anyone’s holiday season. One spot in Mount Pleasant has been lighting up locals’ lives for years, and you’ll want to plan a drive through this epic light show in the Midwest as soon as it opens up. This is the magic of Midwest Old Thresher’s Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights in Iowa, the best and brightest Christmas lights display in the state!

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There’s a reason this is event is a perennial Hawkeye State favorite. In addition to having some of the Christmas lights in Iowa, there’s just so much charming fun to be had — from *heated* horse-drawn carriage rides to trolley rides and so much more. You can learn more about the dates, times, admission prices, and scheduled events for the Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights at the Midwest Old Threshers Facebook page.

Have you been to this epic holiday lights display in Iowa before? Will you be attending this year? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!

While you’re in Mount Pleasant, plan to stop at Butch’s River Rock Cafe for a meal. This hidden restaurant is one Iowa’s best kept secrets, and the perfect way to cap off your light-peeping experience!

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Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights Iowa

What are some places to go to see the best Christmas lights in Iowa?

We love Christmas lights here in Iowa, and what better way to brighten up your holidays than going on an epic road trip to take in the best Christmas light displays the Hawkeye State has to offer? So gas up the car and crank up the 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. Are you ready for a festive tour de force in the Hawkeye State? Let’s do it!

What are some fun holiday festivals in Iowa?

We simply adore the town of Pella, and during the holidays, this enchanting little locale shines brighter than ever. Seriously -- visit this adorable Dutch town during Christmastime and you'll be blown away by this old fashioned, charming, and decorated holiday village. Pella is also a stop on the Iowa Christmas Cookie Trail, which, if you ask us, is our kind of trek! This delicious journey ventures to some of the most charming cookie shops and bakeries in the Hawkeye State, and we recommend getting a plethora of cookies to leave out for Santa! It's a surefire way to make a top spot on his Nice List.

Are there any Christmas trains in Iowa?

All aboard! If you're looking for a terrific, train-centric activity the whole family will enjoy, there is an Iowa train ride will take you straight to the “North Pole.” Iowa’s North Pole train ride will help you create lasting Christmas memories. The Midwest Central trail will take you through the wintery countryside and it features a classic holiday story reading, cookies, and an appearance by Santa. Do you think kids might enjoy this ride? Because we sure do!

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