Urbandale Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Urbandale and surrounding areas
This festive season Urbandale fills neighborhood streets and community centers with Christmas lights and festive events that invite families outdoors. Celebrate at Santa's Rock n Lights and enjoy seasonal activities from light tours to holiday markets near the civic center and local parks. The cityβs parades, community performances, and family activities make Urbandale a cozy spot for holiday shopping, live music, and festive treats while enjoying bright lights and neighborhood cheer.
Find the best Urbandale Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
8 eventsHistoric downtown transformed into a winter wonderland
Christmas Lights
6 eventsDrive-through light display supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa
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
Events Happening Soon (3)
Christmas Shows Near Urbandale
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Urbandale.
Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
Experience the Des Moines Symphony brass section in a heartwarming new holiday tradition....
View full details βNew Year's Eve Pops: Cirque
Prepare to be amazed this New Year's Eve as world-renowned Cirque performers from...
View full details βAmes TUBACHRISTMAS
Experience the unique and resonant sound of TUBACHRISTMAS in Ames! This free, all-ages...
View full details βOther Christmas Activities Near Urbandale
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Urbandale.
Holidays at the Town Center
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Johnston's Town Center. This festive...
View full details βJohnston Winter Curbside Yard Waste Collection & Christmas Tree Disposal
Johnston residents can easily dispose of their live Christmas trees and remaining yard...
View full details βHoliay Hullabaloo
The 2025 Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise...
View full details βUrbandale Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Urbandale
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Urbandale!
Urbandale Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual events include Santa's Rock N Lights drive-through at Living History Farms and the Miracle on 86th Street walk-through at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park. These events draw many visitors each holiday season.
Urbandaleβs holiday traditions include community-focused light displays and seasonal events like the Family Christmas celebration at Living History Farms, which features historic holiday crafts and activities.
Neighborhoods near Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and areas surrounding Living History Farms are known for their festive light displays and neighborhood decorations during the holiday season.
Local makers and Christmas markets can be found at community centers and seasonal craft fairs near Urbandale, as well as at events hosted by local organizations throughout the holiday season.
Free or budget-friendly activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending community tree lightings, and exploring walkable holiday lights like Miracle on 86th Street. Many events offer free admission or low-cost participation.
Family-friendly picks include the Family Christmas event at Living History Farms with crafts and Santa visits, as well as the walk-through Miracle on 86th Street light display, which offers activities suitable for children.