
As the holiday season commences, so do the festivities!
Light shows are a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, spend time with your community, and appreciate local attractions.
From the largest amusement park in the state to a family farm, here are 10 of the most dazzling holiday light displays in Iowa in 2023.
Jolly Holiday Lights – Altoona
Where: Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Dr. NW
More information: https://www.jollyholidaylights.org/
Winter Wonderscape – Ames
Where: Reiman Gardens, 1401 University Blvd.
More information: https://reimangardens.com/winter-wonderscape
Carroll County EMS Festival of Lights – Carroll

Photo courtesy of Carroll County
Where: Swan Lake State Park, 22676 Swan Lake Drive
More information: https://www.1380kcim.com/2023/11/24/carroll-county-ems-festival-of-lights-opens-tonight-at-swan-lake/
Symphony of Lights – Clinton
Where: Eagle Point Park, 3923 N 3rd St.
More information: https://www.symphonyoflights.org/
Reflections in the Park – Dubuque
Where: Murphy Park, 1700 S Grandview Ave.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/p/Reflections-In-The-Park-100069152975690/
City of Christmas – Keokuk

Photo courtesy of Keokuk City of Christmas
Where: 1401 Stripe St.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/p/Keokuk-City-of-Christmas-100080320549537/
Merry-N County Christmas – Knoxville
Where: Marion County Park, 306 Willetts Drive
More information: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Marion/Park/Marion-County-Park/Events/23645/MERRY-N-COUNTY-CHRISTMAS.aspx
Christmas Acres – Le Mars

Photo courtesy of Christmas Acres
Where: 18481 Impala Ave.
More information: https://www.traveliowa.com/calendar/christmas-acres/1643073/
Festival of Lights – Mount Pleasant

Photo courtesy of Midwest Old Threshers
Where: Midwest Old Thresher’s Campground, 405 E Thresher Rd.
More information: https://www.oldthreshers.org/festival-of-lights/admission/
Holiday Nights and Lights – Ottumwa
Where: Greater Ottumwa Park, 1 Joe Lord Memorial Drive
More information: https://www.meetottumwa.org/events/19th_annual_holiday_nights_n_lights_39326

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