Johnston Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Johnston and surrounding areas
Johnston welcomes the festive season with holiday activities and things to do centered at the Town Center where Holidays at the Town Center bring light shows and community parades. Neighborhood parks and Main Street host seasonal celebrations and winter activities for all ages. Enjoy family parades, seasonal tours, and local light displays while shopping holiday markets and joining in community traditions that make Johnston’s Christmas 2025 spirited and memorable.
Find the best Johnston 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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Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
(Des Moines)
Symphony brass with pipe organ and percussion.
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New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque
(Des Moines)
Symphony meets Cirque for a dazzling New Year's Eve celebration.
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Christmas in Olde Town
(Altoona)
Historic downtown transformed into a winter wonderland
Christmas Shows Near Johnston
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Johnston.
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 Johnston
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Johnston.
Holidays at the Town Center
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Johnston's Town Center. This festive...
View full details →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 →Holiay Hullabaloo
The 2025 Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise...
View full details →Johnston Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Johnston
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Johnston!
Johnston Christmas FAQ
Johnston’s biggest annual Christmas events include community neighborhood light displays and local holiday markets. While the city hosts various festive activities, many residents also enjoy nearby events such as Miracle on 86th Street in Urbandale.
Johnston embraces community-driven holiday traditions like neighborhood light displays and seasonal gatherings in city parks. The city’s emphasis on family-friendly events and local maker markets highlights its close-knit community spirit during the holidays.
Several Johnston neighborhoods participate in festive decorating, with some areas known for coordinated displays and walking trails. These neighborhood displays offer a welcoming and accessible way to enjoy holiday lights locally.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at community centers, seasonal pop-up markets, and holiday fairs within Johnston. Nearby towns also host larger artisan markets that are easily accessible for Johnston residents.
Free or budget-friendly activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, exploring walking trails decorated for the holidays, and attending local markets with free admission. City parks often host seasonal events that are family-friendly and low cost.
Families with kids can enjoy neighborhood light walks, holiday markets with craft activities, and nearby events like Miracle on 86th Street that feature interactive displays and seasonal entertainment suitable for all ages.