7 Christmas Light Displays In Iowa That Are Pure Holiday Magic
By Raymond Goldfield|Published November 04, 2023
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
For me, there’s one way I know that the holiday season is upon us – the pumpkins come off the porches, and the twinkling lights come on! As the Christmas light displays start filling suburban streets, I love looking at them – and I always wonder, “Where are the best Christmas lights near me?” Everyday displays are great, but some of the best Christmas lights in Iowa are truly stunning. Locations like the best botanical garden in Iowa and the Hawkeye State’s largest amusement park make the most of the winter season by playing host to amazing walk-through or drive-through holiday light events. Even some ordinary locations like a small-town main street or county park truly go all out to make this season special. So come along with us to discover the best Christmas light displays in Iowa!
1. Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show - Ames
Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show is located at one of the most beautiful spots in all of Iowa - Reiman Gardens in Ames. During the holiday season, the entire garden is made over with countless gleaming lights and lanterns that turn a winter walk here into a glittering spectacle. But it's not just about the lights - all the winter plants are on full display and look more beautiful than ever.
2. Kall Christmas Lights - Davenport
Kall Christmas Lights, 1852 Westminster Cir, Davenport, IA 52807, USA
Kall Christmas Lights might be the most impressive holiday light display by a private residence in the entire state. Run by a family who has a local radio show, this elaborate display has become a local tradition and takes months to set up fully. It's so festive, Santa has been known to pay a visit!
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3. Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights - Mr. Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights, 405 E Thresher Rd, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641, USA
Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights takes place every year at the Mount Pleasant Campground and is a drive-through show filled with whimsical displays. From tunnels of lights to a massive Santa's Workshop light display, it's a popular event with local kids.
Jolly Holiday Lights is easily the most famous Christmas light show in Iowa, thanks to its location - on the grounds of Iowa's top amusement park, Adventureland. While Adventureland is closed for the season, this drive-through event dazzles guests with a quirky and sometimes irreverent display of lights that benefits a good cause: the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
5. Waverly Lights - Waverly
Waverly Lights, 103 Eliasen Ave, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
Waverly Lights doesn't just transform a house - it transforms a whole neighborhood. This small town goes all out for the holiday, raising money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital with a collection of main street light displays that range from traditional to religious to comical. Santa often plays a role in fundraising as well, so stick around for a photo op!
6. Symphony of Lights - Clinton
Symphony of Lights-Clinton, 3999 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
Symphony of Lights, a drive-through event in Clinton, can be found in a loop in Eagle Point Park. The displays are different every year, but keep an eye out for fantasy creatures getting into the holiday spirit!
Main Street Oskaloosa gets into the holiday spirit like no other small town in Iowa. Every building in the main square, many of them historic, are decked out in thousands of lights. The week after Thanksgiving, a massive lighting parade, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, is held, and from there, the entire town goes wild celebrating the season.
Have you visited any of these amazing Christmas lights in Iowa? Do you also search for “best Christmas lights near me” as the season gets started? Let us know in the comments section, and tell us your plans for the 2023 holiday season! If you’re looking for more ways to make the season special, check out this charming boutique hotel that gets decked out for the holidays!
