The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping – and the holidays are 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 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 on Google Maps. Are you ready for a festive tour de force in the Hawkeye State? Let’s go! Winter in Iowa has never been so much fun.

The Route
Google Maps
1. Red Oak
Red Oak, IA 51566, USA
Facebook/Baird’s Christmas Lights
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. Be sure to check the event's official Facebook page for the latest details and dates for this year's holiday event.
2. Altoona
Altoona, IA, USA
Facebook/Jolly Holiday Lights
The Jolly Holiday Lights display at Adventureland Park is one of the most epic light displays in Iowa. This two-and-a-half-mile ride through over 100 light displays will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. Be sure to check the Jolly Holiday Lights website for the latest dates and admission information. This event is a must-visit for all holiday light fans!
3. Amana
Amana, IA 52203, USA
Amana Colonies
Amana is a fun place to visit, no matter what time of year - but it’s especially charming at Christmas time. Make sure to check out the Tannenbaum Forest, an Iowa winter wonderland featuring over 50 hand-decorated Christmas trees! In addition, the entire barn will be decorated for the season, and there are several areas for photo opportunities, including in front of Amana's 17-foot-tall German Christmas Pyramid!

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4. Wyoming
Wyoming, IA 52362, USA
Flickr/Phil Roeder
The ultimate Christmas town in Iowa has a wonderful Christmas light display each year along its Main Street. There is a canopy of Christmas lights that spans four blocks, as well as 40 decorated Christmas trees. It really is one of the most delightful places to visit in Iowa.
5. Clinton
Clinton, IA, USA
Facebook/Symphony of Lights
If you're into holiday lights, the Symphony of Lights is a must-visit. The show features over 40 lighted displays, 500,000+ lights castles, a gingerbread lodge(!), and more. The Symphony of Lights is Clinton's Holiday Festival. The display is at Eagle Point Park and is an enchanting holiday experience that will bring you back to your childhood — in the very best way.
6. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights, 405 E Thresher Rd, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641, USA
Facebook/Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights
Mount Pleasant is a charming little Christmas town in Iowa that has a great one-mile Christmas light display that you can drive through, with over 75 amazing light displays. The family-friendly light display is located at the Old Threshers Campgrounds, and you can learn more about this year's festivities at the Mount Pleasant website, linked above.
7. Keokuk
Keokuk, IA 52632, USA
Keokuk City of Christmas/Facebook
Keokuk, Iowa, is famous for its annual City of Christmas at Rand Park, featuring about 100 displays and approximately one million lights. It's widely regarded as one of the best holiday lights displays in Iowa and is a family-friendly event you won't want to miss. Be sure to follow the Keokuk City of Christmas Facebook page to stay up-to-date on this year's times, dates, and admission information.

So tell us: what’s your favorite place to view Christmas lights in Iowa? Did any of your top spots make the list? If not, please share your faves with us in the comments below! And of course, if you’d like to see a place or event spotlighted on Only In Iowa, nominate it here and tell us why!

For more winter fun, here are 12 unforgettable places in Iowa that everyone must visit this winter.

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Christmas lights in Iowa

Sarah | October 15, 2021

What are some fun things to do during the holidays in Iowa?

In addition to visiting epic Christmas lights displays, there are all sorts of fun to be had during the holiday season in Iowa! When the holiday season arrives you’ll find magic in every corner of the state. Climb aboard a Christmas train, explore a charming Christmas village or take in the spectacle of a holiday display that has more than a million lights -- Iowa truly transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays!

Does Iowa ever have a white Christmas?

Are you dreaming of a White Christmas in the Hawkeye State? Historically, the majority of Iowa has a decent shot at seeing snow for Christmas, whether it actually falls on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, or whether it's already covering the ground. According to data from Iowa weather reporters, there is roughly a 50% chance of seeing a white Christmas in central Iowa. Here's the breakdown: Northern Iowa has a  61-75% historical probability of a white Christmas; North-central Iowa has a 51-60% historical probability of a white Christmas; Central Iowa has a 41-50% historical probability of a white Christmas, and Southern Iowa has 26-40% historical probability of a white Christmas. Fingers crossed!

What is the best Christmas lights display in Iowa?

If you're into festive light displays, the Festival of Lights Christmas Display is one of the best. The Midwest Old Threshers campground in Mount Pleasant lights up 60 acres of their park in what is regarded as the largest holiday light display in the Midwest! Have you been to this epic light display before?

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