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Sep 07, 2023Six best Christmas light displays in Des Moines
A scene at November's opening of Miracle on 86th Street — Urbandale's holiday lights display that runs through January 9. Photo courtesy of Derek Zarn/City of Urbandale
It's that time of year where Christmas lights are going up and people are getting out to see them. We compiled a list of some of the Des Moines metro's best holiday light displays.
Beaverdale is a popular spot for holiday displays but Ashby and Wallace avenues are best known for their extravagance.
Details: Dozens of homes compete in an annual lights contest. People's choice voting runs through Dec. 15.
Bonus: A Tree lighting ceremony is Dec. 3 at 5pm.
Gingerbread Lane: Along Southeast Richland Court in Ankeny
Details: Dozens of homes help tell an "original gingerbread story." Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods or money along to donate. Donations will go to the Food Bank of Iowa.
Bonus: Frosty Circle, (aka SE Rio Circle), which connects with Gingerbread Lane.
Miracle on 86th Street: At the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Garden
Details: A custom lights display that runs through Jan. 9 with scheduled special events, a custom-built train and ice skating.
Bonus: A few of the special events include a candy cane hunt (Dec. 3), a Santa and reindeer meet and greet (Dec. 10) and a holiday city band concert (Dec. 12).
Jolly Holiday Lights: 3300 Adventureland Dr., Altoona.
Details: The annual Make-A-Wish fundraiser includes hundreds of displays along a 2.5-mile route, the biggest in Iowa.
Cost: $25 per car or $20 online.
Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames.
Details: This is the third year for the 17-acre outdoor walk-through show featuring motion, music and massive disco balls twirling to laser lights.
Cost: $7-$13. Free for kids under 2.
Santa's Rock N' Lights: A drive thru lights music show at Living History Farms in Urbandale.
Details: More than 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, giant dinosaurs and reindeer.
Cost: $26-$33 per vehicle. Online ticket purchase required.
Of note: It's not an official Living History Farms event.
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Beaverdale Details: Bonus Gingerbread Lane: Details: Bonus: Miracle on 86th Street Details Bonus Jolly Holiday Lights: Details: The annual Cost: Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show: Details: Cost: Santa's Rock N' Lights Details Cost Of note Winter Wonderlights Mayor's Tree Lighting and Fireworks