# Des Moines Christmas Lights 2026

> Des Moines Christmas Lights in Des Moines, Iowa: Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, with hours, ticket prices and what is nearby. Checked against the organizer.

Source: https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/holiday-lights/des-moines-jolly-holiday-lights/

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](https://www.iowastatefairgrounds.org/event-calendar/jolly-holiday-lights), November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.

## Where Is Des Moines Christmas Lights?

[See Hotels Near Des Moines Christmas Lights](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=41.5954&lng=-93.5464&address=Des%20Moines%2C%20IA%2C%20USA&checkin=2026-11-21&checkout=2026-11-22&currency=USD&campaign=bcmus_lights_des_moines_jolly_holiday_lights) [affiliate](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/affiliate-disclosure/)

## 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](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/des-moines-christkindlmarket/) [Des Moines Holiday Market  Des Moines, Iowa  Nov 6 to 8, 2026  4 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/des-moines-holiday-boutique/) [Des Moines Holiday Farmers Market  Des Moines, Iowa  Nov 20 to 22, 2026  4 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/des-moines-winter-farmers-market/) [Local Holiday Makers Market at Valley Community Center  West Des Moines, Iowa  Dec 5, 2026  12 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/west-des-moines-local-holiday-makers-market/)

[Christmas Markets and Lights Near Des Moines](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/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.

[All Christmas light shows](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/holiday-lights/) · [Christmas markets in Iowa](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/states/iowa/)