A larger-than-life holiday light show has come to Iowa for another season of Christmas in Iowa. Think we’re exaggerating? We’re not. Mount Pleasant’s Festival of Lights in Iowa is the state’s biggest light show, and it’s possibly even the biggest Christmas light extravaganza in the whole Midwest.

Happy Holidays! In so many ways, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
And one way to add even more cheer to your winter evenings this season is to enjoy some Christmas lights.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
If that's your goal, then there's perhaps no better spot to enjoy Christmas lights in Iowa than the Festival of Lights hosted by the Midwest Old Threshers Association in Mt. Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
With a 1.6-mile drive-through light show filling 60 acres of the park at Midwest Old Threshers campground, this massive event is quite a festive treat.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook

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It's the largest drive-thru light show in Southeast Iowa, and perhaps even in the entire state.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
Some even claim it's the biggest in the whole Midwest Region. While we can't speak to that, we can safely say that it's certainly one of the biggest!
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
How can we tell? Besides the length and the acreage, there are over 100 holiday light displays along the Festival of Lights route. Expect to see tractors, gingerbread men, candy canes, and Santa Claus, plus many other holiday-themed displays.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
Festival of Lights is open every night from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. Depending on the night, you might even meet Santa here at the Old Threshers Festival of Lights.
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook
Do note that there is a reasonable per-car admission fee to see the show. But you'll get way more than your money's worth out of this massive show!
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights / Facebook

Get an aerial view of these wondrous lights:

Have you ever toured Mount Pleasant’s Festival of Lights in Iowa? Which display is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. To learn more about specific dates, times, and admission prices, visit the Festival of Lights website or Facebook page. For more festive holiday light-show fun, take our festive road trip to see the best Iowa Christmas Lights.

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More to Explore

Christmas in Iowa

Will Suphan | November 01, 2023

What are the most magical Christmas light displays in Iowa?

The most magical Christmas light displays in Iowa include:

  • Baird’s Christmas Lights in Red Oak. Started by local Jack Baird about 40 years ago, this magnificent light display now spans over a quarter mile.
  • Symphony of Lights in Clinton. With over 40 displays with half a million lights, this display runs from Thanksgiving until December 30.
  • Amana. This little town lights up over 50 Christmas trees with twinkling lights that will put anyone into the holiday spirit.
  • Anamosa. Anamosa’s Main Street goes all out when decorating for the Christmas season with all kinds of lights and ornaments. 

Find out more about the most magical Christmas light displays in Iowa. 

What are the most festive Christmas towns in Iowa?

The most festive Christmas towns in Iowa include:

  • Winterset. Some of the famous Madison Country covered bridges are found here and the blanket of snow it receives each year makes it a winter wonderland.
  • Oskaloosa. The town square is lit up with festive lights each year while shops provide quaint crafts and sweet holiday treats.
  • Cedar Falls. Every year, this town hosts Holiday Hoopla where Santa greets everyone and then goes to Santa’s Workshop.
  • Wyoming. This is a tiny town with a population of only 500 residents, yet it is one of the best Christmas towns in Iowa with 40 lit-up trees and decorations all over.

Learn more about the most festive Christmas towns in Iowa. 

What are the best holiday festivals in Iowa?

The best holiday festivals in Iowa include:

  • Ice Fest in Dubuque. Ice sculptures, ice harvesting, winter crafts, and eagle watching are just some of the intriguing things to do at this annual event.
  • Frostbite Olympics in Algona. This wintery event includes a chili cook-off, ATV races, an Ice-fishing derby, snowmobile rides, and more.
  • Coralville Winterfest. You’ll find ice carving, trolley rides, indoor snowball fights, and get to sample Wassail at this wonderful event. 

Discover more about the best holiday festivals in Iowa. 

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