Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Guests walk through seventeen acres of outdoor gardens featuring over 200,000 lights, glowing tunnels, laser-lit disco balls, dynamic light strands over a frozen lake, and a Candy Land hillside. Indoors, the RG Express miniature holiday trains wind around bridges and models of historical Iowa State University buildings. Outside on the paved courtyard, visitors can also roast s'mores at outdoor fire stations.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
From $8–17.
Hours
5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (last entry window: 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.).
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
S’mores roasting is planned for all event evenings but depends on weather and staffing; materials are available for purchase near the courtyard stations.
Parking
The parking lot must be entered from University Blvd. or South 16th Street; Beach Avenue is exit-only. The event entrance is across from parking lot S1.
Accessibility
The entire path is ADA accessible, with 90% paved, under 5% slope, and visitors may bring their own wheelchairs or motorized mobility scooters.
Pets
Only service animals are allowed; pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online in advance because popular entry slots may sell out and walk-in admission is not guaranteed.
- Have your ticket QR code ready on your phone or printed copy for check-in during your selected entry window.
- Dress for cold, rain, snow, ice or wind because the light show takes place outdoors.
- Use University Boulevard or South 16th Street to enter the parking lot; Beach Avenue is exit-only.
- Allow 40 to 90 minutes to walk the route, and bring your own mobility device if needed because rentals are unavailable.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year’s walk-through light show follows a completely re-imagined route through the gardens.
- A private Holiday Hideaway greenhouse rental is available separately.
- S’mores-making materials are available for purchase near the outdoor roasting stations.
- The Booking Flexibility Option is an optional add-on at checkout for rescheduling to another available date and entry slot.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Advance online tickets are strongly encouraged because popular entry slots may sell out; gate tickets are subject to availability, and walk-in admission is not guaranteed.
How long does the light-show route take?
The path is about three-quarters of a mile and takes 40 to 90 minutes to walk. Visitors may walk the loop more than once.
Can visitors get food or make s’mores?
S’mores-making materials are available for purchase near the outdoor roasting stations, subject to weather and staffing.
Is the route accessible to wheelchair users?
The entire route is ADA accessible and 90% paved. Visitors may bring their own wheelchairs or motorized mobility scooters; the gardens cannot lend them during the event.
Where should I park, and where is the entrance?
Enter the parking lot from University Boulevard or South 16th Street; Beach Avenue is exit-only. The event entrance is across from parking lot S1.
Browse Christmas in Ames
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.