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Christmas Lights in Des Moines, IA

The top places to see Christmas lights in Des Moines this season are Jolly Holiday Lights (Nov 20 – Jan 3), Dome for the Holidays and First Church of the Open Bible Light Show. We've mapped 7 displays in Des Moines and 13 more nearby (6 home displays, 4 drive-thrus, 4 walk-thrus). 17 are free. 10 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.

Updated Nov 11, 2026

Jolly Holiday Lights

Drive-thru · Des Moines, IA · Advance tickets; about $25 per car in 2025

Opens soon Music

Nov 20 – Jan 3

Beaverdale Holiday Lights

Neighborhood · Des Moines, IA · Free; donations benefit Food Bank of Iowa

Music

Beaverdale Illumination

Home display · Des Moines, IA · Free

Music

Dogtown Lights

Neighborhood · Des Moines, IA · Free

Dome for the Holidays

Walk-thru · Des Moines, IA · $17 adults, $11 ages 2-12 (2025)

First Church of the Open Bible Light Show

Drive-thru · Des Moines, IA · Free

Music

Tinseltown at Water Works Park

Event · Des Moines, IA · Mostly free

Music

Near Des Moines (within 25 miles)

Windsor Heights Lights

Neighborhood · Windsor Heights, IA · Free

3.5 mi

Historic Valley Junction Jingle in the Junction

Event · West Des Moines, IA · Free

3.8 mi

Miracle on 86th Street

Walk-thru · Urbandale, IA · Free

5.6 mi

Deck the Halls House for a Good Cause

Home display · West Des Moines, IA · Free; donations to DMARC

5.8 mi

Santa's Rock N Lights

Drive-thru · Urbandale, IA · $29.99-$39.99 per car (2025)

Music

6.9 mi

Elven Cache Creations

Home display · West Des Moines, IA · Free

Music

7.8 mi

Gingerbread Lane

Neighborhood · Ankeny, IA · Free; canned food donations welcome

7.8 mi

Fellowship Community Church Drive-Thru

Drive-thru · Norwalk, IA · Free

Music

8.4 mi

Buxton Family Lights

Home display · Ankeny, IA · Free

Music

9.4 mi

The Lighthouse

Home display · Ankeny, IA · Free

Music

9.5 mi

Uptown Ankeny Winter Wonderlights

Walk-thru · Ankeny, IA · Free

9.8 mi

Venzke Animated Christmas Display

Home display · Ankeny, IA · Free

12 mi

Magical Nights of Lights

Walk-thru · Indianola, IA · Free-will donations

16 mi

Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Des Moines? Add it free.

Christmas lights in Des Moines: common questions

What are the best Christmas lights in Des Moines?

Popular picks this season include Jolly Holiday Lights (Nov 20 – Jan 3), Dome for the Holidays, First Church of the Open Bible Light Show and Magical Nights of Lights. In all, 20 displays are mapped in and around Des Moines, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.

Where can I see free Christmas lights in Des Moines?

Free options include First Church of the Open Bible Light Show, Magical Nights of Lights, Fellowship Community Church Drive-Thru and Miracle on 86th Street. 17 of the 20 displays near Des Moines are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.

Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Des Moines?

Yes. Jolly Holiday Lights (Advance tickets; about $25 per car in 2025), First Church of the Open Bible Light Show (Free) and Fellowship Community Church Drive-Thru (Free). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.

Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Des Moines?

Yes. Jolly Holiday Lights, First Church of the Open Bible Light Show and Fellowship Community Church Drive-Thru. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.

Want your house to look like this?

Professional Christmas light installers in Des Moines hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.

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