Ankeny Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Ankeny and surrounding areas
Ankeny lights up for the holiday season with sparkling Christmas lights across Uptown and seasonal events that welcome families and visitors. Uptown Wonderlights and the Santa's North Pole Village Craft Sale highlight the town’s seasonal festivals and holiday activities while local shops and parks create a cozy festive atmosphere. Bundle up for light displays, join parade routes, enjoy kid-friendly activities with Santa, and browse Christmas markets for handmade gifts and treats near the railroad depot and community center.
Find the best Ankeny Christmas happenings this year!
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Editor's Picks (6)
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Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express Trains
(Boone)
Festive train journey with Santa
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Jolly Holiday Lights
(Des Moines)
Drive-through light display supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa
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Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
(Ames)
Over 200,000 dazzling lights in a botanical garden setting.
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Uptown Wonderlights
Over 50 animated light displays
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Christmas in Olde Town
(Altoona)
Historic downtown transformed into a winter wonderland
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Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
(Des Moines)
Symphony brass with pipe organ and percussion.
Events Happening Soon (4)
Christmas Shows Near Ankeny
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Ankeny.
Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
Experience the Des Moines Symphony brass section in a heartwarming new holiday tradition....
View full details →New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque
Prepare to be amazed this New Year's Eve as world-renowned Cirque performers from...
View full details →Ames TUBACHRISTMAS
Experience the unique and resonant sound of TUBACHRISTMAS in Ames! This free, all-ages...
View full details →Other Christmas Activities Near Ankeny
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Ankeny.
Johnston Winter Curbside Yard Waste Collection & Christmas Tree Disposal
Johnston residents can easily dispose of their live Christmas trees and remaining yard...
View full details →Holidays at the Town Center
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Johnston's Town Center. This festive...
View full details →Holiay Hullabaloo
The 2025 Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise...
View full details →
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Ankeny
- Farm Chores and Christmas Spirit Published: Tue, Dec 2, 2025
- Ankeny Christmas Lights Map Published: Mon, Nov 24, 2025
Ankeny Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Ankeny
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Ankeny!
Ankeny Christmas FAQ
The Uptown Wonderlights and the Mayor's Tree Lighting & Fireworks at Town Square Park are among the biggest annual Christmas events in Ankeny, drawing locals and visitors for festive celebrations and light displays.
Ankeny’s Uptown Wonderlights, featuring animated light displays and a large show tree, is a unique tradition that brings the community together each year for a walkable holiday experience in the heart of the city.
The Uptown Ankeny area around SW 3rd Street is the best-known neighborhood for Christmas lights, with numerous displays and festive decorations. Other residential neighborhoods also offer charming holiday light displays throughout the season.
The Ankeny Art Center hosts the Santa's North Pole Village Craft Sale, a key spot for local makers and holiday shopping. Additional markets and vendor fairs are held at community venues and near Ankeny throughout the holiday season.
Free activities include visiting the Uptown Wonderlights and attending community events like the Mayor's Tree Lighting. Many neighborhood light displays and some holiday markets offer free admission, making them budget-friendly options.
Families will enjoy Uptown Wonderlights for its walkable light displays and festive atmosphere, as well as holiday markets with crafts and Santa visits, such as the Santa's North Pole Village Craft Sale at the Ankeny Art Center.