Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the joy of the season in Ames with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're an Ames resident or a holiday explorer, this guide reveals hidden gems and popular attractions.
In the spirit of celebration, Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars captivates audiences with breathtaking performances featuring beloved characters and enchanting dance routines. Unique to the season, the Holiday Promenade showcases festive decorations and lively entertainment for all ages. And the Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape is something you definitely don't want to miss, inviting visitors to stroll through stunning light displays and beautifully themed gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Animated drive-thru light show with over 100,000 lights.
Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show featuring over 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, giant 3D sculptures, and thousands of animated lights synchronized to music.
Where: Urbandale | More Info: Santa’s Rock N Lights
Dazzling light installations and immersive displays.
Reiman Gardens presents a spectacular holiday light show featuring dazzling installations, including colorful tunnels, laser-lit disco balls, and dynamic light strands across a frozen lake. The event also includes whimsical mushroom forests and other immersive displays.
Where: Ames | More Info: Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
The Beaverdale Holiday Boutique in Des Moines, IA, features over 100 artisans selling traditional and contemporary designs, including unique handcrafted items in various mediums.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
One-day shopping event with hand-crafted items from local artists.
The Ankeny Craft Show features hand-crafted items from artists and crafters across the Midwest, offering a fun day of shopping for over 3,500 eager shoppers.
Where: Ankeny | More Info: Ankeny Craft Show
Weekend market with diverse, curated items.
Des Moines Market Days features local and state vendors offering unique products like boutique clothes, jewelry, home decor, furniture, candles, and gourmet foods.
Where: Clive | More Info: Des Moines Market Days
High-flying acrobatics and innovative lighting.
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars brings Disney's brightest stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, and stunning set designs. Journey through timeless stories and today's favorites, including Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Meet iconic characters like Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and celebrate the adventures of Disney and Pixar in a spectacular ice skating show.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
Faithful stage adaptation of the beloved animated special.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a faithful stage adaptation of the classic animated television special, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. The show features a talented cast, beautiful set design, and terrific music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Charlie Brown Christmas
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday ballet featuring Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker and the battle between mice and tin soldiers, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
Tree lighting ceremony and diverse family-friendly activities.
The Holiday Promenade is an exciting, free celebration filled with holiday-themed activities, entertainment, and shopping in Historic East Village. It includes a tree lighting ceremony and various family-friendly events.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Holiday Promenade
Interactive Santa visits and creative workshops.
Step into a festive atmosphere filled with Santa's Grotto, Reindeer, and various activities like wreath making and children's cinema. Enjoy a variety of events designed for all ages, including a Christmas cookie decorating workshop and festive fun with Elsa.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Santa Express Winter Wonderland
Supporting critical services at Blank Children's Hospital through festive activities.
The Festival of Trees & Lights is a central Iowa tradition featuring beautifully decorated trees, special performances, visits with Santa, and fun crafts and activities. It supports valuable programs at Blank Children's Hospital, including Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Festival of Trees & Lights
