Des Moines Christmas Lights 2026
Dates checked 4 Nov 2026
The Des Moines area's long-running drive-through light show, now held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, raises money for Make-A-Wish Iowa. It runs every night from just before Thanksgiving to early January, holidays included.
| Dates | November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Open Days | Every night of its run |
| Hours | Sunday to Thursday 5:30 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 5:30 pm to 10 pm Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. |
| Tickets | Tickets bought in advance; part of each ticket goes to Make-A-Wish Iowa |
| Type | Drive-through light show |
| Where | Iowa State Fairgrounds, on the east side of Des Moines, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317 |
Checked on Iowa State Fairgrounds, November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.
Where Is Des Moines Christmas Lights?
Loading the map…
See Hotels Near Des Moines Christmas Lights affiliate
Christmas Markets Near Des Moines Christmas Lights
Des Moines Christmas Market
Des Moines, Iowa
Dec 3 to 13, 2026
Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only
4 miles away
Des Moines Holiday Market
Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 6 to 8, 2026
4 miles away
Des Moines Holiday Farmers Market
Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 20 to 22, 2026
4 miles away
Local Holiday Makers Market at Valley Community Center
West Des Moines, Iowa
Dec 5, 2026
12 miles away
Christmas Markets and Lights Near Des Moines
Questions About Des Moines Christmas Lights
When is Des Moines Christmas Lights open in 2026?
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Hours: Sunday to Thursday 5:30 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 5:30 pm to 10 pm.
How much are tickets for Des Moines Christmas Lights?
Tickets bought in advance; part of each ticket goes to Make-A-Wish Iowa.
Is Des Moines Christmas Lights a drive-through?
Yes: you stay in your car and drive the route.