Best Christmas Light Displays Iowa 2025: Top Must-See Holiday Shows

Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights in Iowa in 2025? You’ve got plenty of options across the state. Every year, communities and parks turn ordinary streets, homes, and public spaces into glowing holiday displays.

You’ll find a mix of drive-through routes, city parks, and special events with festive lights. Iowa’s Christmas light displays invite families, couples, and groups to enjoy the bright sights and soak up the holiday spirit.

1) Baird’s Christmas Lights

If you’re heading to Red Oak, you should check out Baird’s Christmas Lights. This local display draws in families and visitors from nearby, and the buzz keeps it busy all December.

They decorate a house with holiday lights and seasonal touches. You just drive by for free and see everything right from your car.

The show starts after dark, and most people don’t stay long—maybe twenty or thirty minutes tops. You’ll find it easily in a quiet neighborhood.

Don’t expect extra activities or vendors here. Bring your own snacks and drinks if you want them.

Keep an eye on their social media page for updated hours before you go.

Rating: 5 (15 reviews)
Location: 1233 E Ave, Red Oak, IA 51566
Contact: (712) 623-3930
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Late Nov–Dec 25	After dark	1233 E Ave, Red Oak, IA 51566	Free	See hotels in Red Oak, IA	https://m.facebook.com/BairdsChristmasLights/

2) Kersten Christmas Light Display

You’ll find the Kersten Christmas Light Display in the small town of Mount Auburn, Iowa. Locals and visitors from nearby towns come out to see it every year.

The display sits on private property, just a short drive from Cedar Rapids, so it’s easy to reach by car. The best time to visit is in the evening.

You drive slowly through the property and watch the lights from your car. The decorations are classic and family-friendly, with familiar figures everyone can spot.

There’s no posted entry fee, but you might see a spot for donations. This tradition brings out plenty of cars during December, especially in the evening.

If you want to avoid crowds, try going on a weekday or early in the evening.

Rating: 4.1 (16 reviews)
Location: 5598 22nd Ave Trail, Mt Auburn, IA 52313

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby (Booking.com)	Website
December (nightly)	Dusk–10 PM	5598 22nd Ave Trail, Mt Auburn, IA 52313	Free	Hotels in Cedar Rapids

3) Kall Christmas Lights

Kall Christmas Lights in Davenport puts on a big show at a private home. The display is known for its large, synchronized Christmas light show.

The lights move with the music, so tune your radio and watch the lights dance. Parking is along the street—sometimes it gets busy, so you might need to be patient.

The show runs through December, starting at dusk and going into the evening. There’s no entry fee, but donations help keep the lights going.

You’ll find plenty of hotels nearby if you want to stay overnight. Kall Christmas Lights is a favorite for families and groups looking for Christmas light displays in eastern Iowa.

They post updates and special news on their Facebook page.

Rating: 4.8 (224 reviews)
Location: 1852 Westminster Cir, Davenport, IA 52807
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Dusk-Evening	1852 Westminster Cir, Davenport, IA 52807	Free (Donations welcome)	Hotels in Davenport on Booking.com	Visit Website

4) Spruce Ridge Christmas Lights 90.7 FM

Spruce Ridge Christmas Lights sits just outside Iowa City. Families love driving by this private home light show during the holidays.

When you arrive, tune your car radio to 90.7 FM to hear music that matches the lights. The show runs through most of December.

They decorate the house, trees, and yard with hundreds of lights. You can watch the lights and listen to the songs from your car.

It’s easy to find along a quiet road. Street parking is available, but don’t block driveways or disturb the neighbors.

There’s no entry fee for the lights. If you’re planning an overnight visit, you’ll find several hotels in Iowa City.

Plan your route before you go, since the location is outside downtown, but the roads are usually well maintained in winter.

Rating: 4.9 (13 reviews)
Location: 4477 Napoleon St SE, Iowa City, IA 52240

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	5pm–10pm*	4477 Napoleon St SE, Iowa City, IA 52240	Free	Iowa City hotels	Not available
*Note: Confirm times before visiting as schedules may change.

5) Wolf Family Lights

Wolf Family Lights in Bettendorf is a neighborhood favorite for seasonal decorations during the holidays. People drive by to see the house and yard lit up.

The display features changing patterns and sometimes synchronized music. Crowds tend to be moderate, especially on December weekends.

All ages come out to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The location is easy to reach by car, and you’ll find parking on nearby roads.

There’s no admission fee. Before you go, check their social media for updates and show details.

Rating: 4.8 (17 reviews)
Location: 2505 Navajo Dr, Bettendorf, IA 52722
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Evenings	2505 Navajo Dr, Bettendorf, IA 52722	Free	Bettendorf Hotels	Visit Website

6) Argo Christmas Lights

Argo Christmas Lights pops up each December in an Ankeny neighborhood. Families go all out decorating their home and yard with colorful Christmas lights and festive designs.

This display has become a community tradition and draws lots of local visitors every holiday season. Plan to drive by at night to catch the lights.

You can see everything from your car, and there’s no entrance fee. It’s a nice budget-friendly outing for families.

For updates or schedule changes, check their Facebook page. It’s smart to look online before visiting.

The display sits in a residential area, so please be respectful with parking and don’t disturb the neighbors.

Rating: 4.4 (24 reviews)
Location: 1023 NW 32nd St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 2025	Evenings	1023 NW 32nd St, Ankeny, IA 50023	Free	Hotels in Ankeny	https://www.facebook.com/ArgoChristmas/

7) Santa’s Rock N Lights

You can take in Santa’s Rock N Lights right from your own car. This drive-thru event runs for over a mile, and the lights sync up to music as you roll along.

For 2025, the route got longer and they added even more lights—always a good sign. Tickets for 2024 will be available in November, and honestly, it’s smart to grab them early.

All Community Events organizes the show and keeps their website updated with fresh info and blog posts. You can check the schedule online before you go, which makes planning way easier.

Santa’s Rock N Lights sets up in Urbandale, close to Des Moines. The whole thing happens from your car, so you stay cozy even if the weather isn’t great.

Rating: 3.1 (49 reviews)
Location: Santa’s Rock N Lights
Contact: (224) 757-5425
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 2024 – December 2024 (exact dates TBA)	TBA	11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322	TBA	Hotels in Urbandale on Booking.com	https://santasrocknlights.com/

8) Lights in the Park

If you want to check out a Christmas light display in northeastern Iowa, head over to Lights in the Park in Sumner’s City Park. Every winter, volunteers decorate the park with seasonal lights, and you can either walk or drive through.

Locals know this display for its community vibe and simple charm. You can stroll at your own pace and soak in the thoughtful arrangements—nothing too flashy, but it feels genuine.

Families and anyone looking for a small-town holiday experience will probably enjoy it. The city park location also makes parking and access a breeze.

Sumner keeps things pretty relaxed, so you won’t usually run into big crowds. There aren’t many extra attractions or vendors, but sometimes that’s just what you want—a peaceful night out.

Before you go, check online for updates or changes to the schedule. The event details sometimes shift as the season gets closer.

Rating: 4.9 (90 reviews)
Location: City Park, Sumner, IA 50674
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (check website for exact dates)	Evening hours (check for 2025 schedule)	City Park, Sumner, IA 50674	Free	Hotels in Sumner, IA	Visit Website

9) Symphony of Lights-Clinton

You can catch Symphony of Lights in Clinton at Eagle Point Park during the holidays. They set up over 40 displays and string more than 500,000 lights along a 1.1-mile driving loop.

The displays range from castles to streams to a gingerbread lodge—something for everyone, really. If you’d rather walk than drive, join the Family Walk one evening; there’s a small fee per person.

During the walk, food vendors line up outside the lodge, and you can meet Santa inside. They also host a craft and vendor fair with local food and handmade crafts for sale.

On select nights, Santa stops by to greet kids and pose for photos in the lodge. If you want to catch a certain event, check the schedule and plan ahead.

Rating: 3.8 (47 reviews)
Location: 3999 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732
Contact: (563) 243-3442
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 27, 2024 (Family Walk)	5:30 PM – 8:00 PM	3999 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA	$5/person (Family Walk)	Hotels near Clinton, IA	http://www.symphonyoflights.org/
Dec 7, 2024 (Fair)	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	3999 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA	varies (Fair)	Hotels near Clinton, IA	http://www.symphonyoflights.org/
Dec 8, 2024 (Fair)	11:00 AM – 3:00 PM	3999 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA	varies (Fair)	Hotels near Clinton, IA	http://www.symphonyoflights.org/
Dec 1, 8, 15, 2024 (Meet Santa)	evenings	3999 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA	included	Hotels near Clinton, IA	http://www.symphonyoflights.org/

10) Lights on Hagemann

You’ll find Lights on Hagemann in Burlington, Iowa. Every December, the house and yard burst with hundreds of lights, and families often drive by to see the colorful setup.

The show runs after sunset all month. You can drive past or park nearby for a closer look—no tickets or entry fees.

The house sits in a quiet neighborhood, so parking is simple. Most families stop for a few minutes, snap a photo or two, and move on. You’ll probably see other groups doing the same, but the street doesn’t get too crowded.

Rating: 5 (5 reviews)
Location: 1216 Hagemann Ave, Burlington, IA 52601

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where To Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025*	After sunset	1216 Hagemann Ave, Burlington, IA	Free	Hampton Inn & Suites Burlington

*Dates based on previous years; check for updates

11) Waverly Lights

Waverly Lights stands out as a beloved holiday display in Waverly, Iowa. You’ll spot it tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood.

The property glows with a collection of lights—simple, but it still draws a crowd. You can drive by or hop out for a quick photo.

Finding the place is easy with online directions. Lots of folks make it a yearly tradition.

There’s no entry fee. Plan to visit in December, since that’s when the display lights up the street. If you’re coming from out of town, hotels are nearby.

Rating: 4.8 (15 reviews)
Location: 103 Eliasen Ave, Waverly, IA 50677
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (TBA)	Evenings (TBA)	103 Eliasen Ave, Waverly, IA	Free	Hotels in Waverly on Booking.com	yeplights.com

12) Lights on State Street

You’ll find Lights on State Street in Williamsburg, Iowa. Locals run this display, and families from all around show up to see it.

The lights stretch across a residential street, setting a festive scene. You can drive through in your own car—pretty convenient, honestly.

Lots of visitors tune their radios to a special station so the lights sync up with the music. The show doesn’t cost anything, which makes it a great low-budget holiday outing.

Lights on State Street usually kicks off in late November and runs through December. Weekends get busy, so if you want a quieter night, maybe try a weekday. There’s parking on nearby streets.

Rating: 4.7 (214 reviews)
Location: 608 W State St, Williamsburg, IA 52361
Contact: (319) 541-2361
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Late November – December	Evening	608 W State St, Williamsburg, IA	Free	Book in Williamsburg	https://listentoourlights.tornholm.com/

13) Des Moines Holiday Lights

At Des Moines Holiday Lights, you get to pick custom outdoor Christmas lighting for your home or business.

The staff takes care of everything—from design planning to installation and even removal after the holidays. They include premium C9 LED lights, clips, timers, and extension cords in the service.

You choose the colors you want, and their team puts up the lights. If a bulb goes out, they’ll come back and swap it out for free.

Once the season wraps up, they’ll take everything down and leave your place looking just like it did before.

You can call or go online for a quick quote. Most installations happen before Thanksgiving, so you’re all set for the holidays.

They keep over 20,000 feet of lights on hand, which is kind of impressive, honestly.

Rating: 5 (11 reviews)
Location: 5550 Wild Rose Ln #400, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Contact: (515) 257-6578
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov-Dec	By appt.	5550 Wild Rose Ln #400, West Des Moines, IA 50266	Varies by project	Hotels in West Des Moines	desmoinesholidaylights.com

14) Holiday Lights at the Lake

You’ll find Holiday Lights at the Lake in Iowa City. This event popped up in 2021 and has quickly become a new holiday tradition.

Local volunteers organize it every year to raise money for The Bird House, a hospice home in the area.

The event runs every night from Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve. Sundays through Thursdays offer evening hours, and Fridays and Saturdays go a bit later.

You’ll drive through the displays, though sometimes they do walk-through nights.

There are tons of light installations and decorations. Families from around the area come out, so it feels pretty community-driven.

Local news covers the event each winter. Volunteers spend months planning and setting everything up.

Rating: 4.9 (25 reviews)
Location: 4053 W Overlook Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Thanksgiving Eve – New Year’s Eve	Sun-Thurs: 5:30pm-8:30pm Fri-Sat: 5:00pm-9:00pm	4053 W Overlook Rd NE, Iowa City, IA	Not listed	Iowa City hotels	holidaylightsatthelake.com

15) Holiday Sparkle Lighting

Holiday Sparkle Lighting creates custom holiday lighting displays for folks in the Iowa City, North Liberty, and Cedar Rapids area.

You can pick warm white lights or go for something colorful—whatever fits your vibe.

Their service covers everything: design, installation, maintenance during the season, quick repairs, takedown, and storage for next year.

They measure and install the lights to fit your house, so you don’t end up with awkward gaps or leftovers.

Instead of grabbing store-bought lights, you get commercial-grade LEDs cut just for your home. If something breaks or a bulb burns out, their crew comes by and fixes it for free.

When the holidays are over, they’ll take everything down and store it until next year. Pretty convenient, right?

Rating: 5 (6 reviews)
Location: 75 Commercial Dr Suite 161, North Liberty, IA 52317
Contact: (319) 382-0871
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Nearby Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Nov–Dec	By booking	75 Commercial Dr Suite 161, North Liberty, IA	Varies by design	Click here	https://www.holidaysparklelighting.com/

16) Prospect Light Show

You can catch the Prospect Light Show in Waterloo for a seasonal light display.

Locals know this event as a go-to holiday stop for families and visitors who want to enjoy Christmas lights from the comfort of their car. The show takes over a residential neighborhood.

You’ll need to park on nearby streets, though spots fill up fast on weekends. Always check for parking signs so you don’t get ticketed.

You can walk around if you want, but the display is really meant for viewing from your car.

Most people show up after dark when the lights are at their best.

Details about ticket prices or donations aren’t online, so it’s smart to check their Facebook page before you go for the latest info.

Rating: 3.7 (3 reviews)
Location: 1056 Prospect Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Not listed	Evenings (Seasonal)	1056 Prospect Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701	Not listed	Nearby hotels	https://www.facebook.com/prospectlightshow/

17) World’s Largest Concrete Gnome

You can visit the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome at Reiman Gardens in Ames.

This quirky attraction sits among the gardens and draws thousands of visitors every year. People love snapping photos with the gnome, and the paths, flowers, and plant displays nearby make it even better.

Reiman Gardens puts on special attractions around the holidays. The gnome itself doesn’t get a makeover, but the area lights up with festive displays for Christmas.

You can stroll around and soak in the lights, seasonal plants, and all the garden decorations. It’s super family-friendly and easy to get around.

There’s more to see here too—think plant exhibits and the occasional event.

It’s always a good idea to check the garden’s schedule before you go, since hours or displays might change.

Rating: 4.6 (243 reviews)
Location: 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Contact: (515) 294-2710
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Mid-November–Early January	5–8 PM	1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011	$	Hotels near Reiman Gardens	http://www.reimangardens.com/

18) Reiman Gardens

If you want to see Christmas lights in a cool botanical setting, Reiman Gardens in Ames has a holiday light show every winter.

Paths wind through the gardens, and thousands of lights make everything glow. Sculptures and seasonal decorations give the place a peaceful vibe at night.

Inside, heated conservatories offer a warm break from the cold. You’ll spot tropical plants and themed displays next to the lights.

Families and groups often take photos under the biggest exhibits.

Staff hosts special evening events during the holidays, so check their website for dates and ticket info. Sometimes you need to book ahead.

You can usually buy food and gifts during event nights.

Rating: 4.8 (1177 reviews)
Location: 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Contact: (515) 294-2710
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
To be announced (Nov-Dec)	Evening hours	1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011	Check website	Booking.com – Ames hotels	http://www.reimangardens.com/

19) Little Lights on the Lane

Little Lights on the Lane sits just outside Iowa City, tucked among rolling hills. You’ll catch some beautiful views of the countryside from here.

Most people know this spot for weddings, but honestly, it shines during holiday events too.

The venue blends indoor and outdoor spaces with those big glass doors and a covered porch. You can take in the landscape and all the light displays during the holidays.

Their staff knows what they’re doing and really tries to keep things smooth and organized.

You’ll get in-house services and event coordination, plus there’s plenty of room for guests to hang out comfortably.

It’s near some local golf courses and pretty easy to reach from nearby cities. The festive ambiance comes from both the team and the natural scenery.

Rating: 4.9 (80 reviews)
Location: 2 Ember Ln, West Branch, IA 52358
Website: Visit Website

Date(s)	Time(s)	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Not listed	Not listed	2 Ember Ln, West Branch, IA 52358	Not listed	Booking.com: Hotels West Branch IA	littlelightsevents.com