Jolly Holiday Lights
Visitors drive through the Iowa State Fairgrounds to enjoy millions of twinkling lights and festive holiday displays from the comfort of their vehicles. The route features unique illuminated installations, including neon light tunnels and the Make-A-Wish Iowa logo. Guests can listen to holiday music in their cars and take photos of the displays along the way.
See more Christmas lights near Des Moines
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Cars: $25 regular; $20 flash sale. Bus, Limo or RV: $50 regular. Unlimited visits for the 2026 season: $65. Taxes and fees not included.
Hours
Sun–Thurs: 5:30pm–9pm; Fri–Sat: 5:30pm–10pm; Dec 20–27: 5:30pm–10pm.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Fairgrounds
Food & Drink
Outside food and beverages are allowed, and candy is available for purchase at the gate.
Accessibility
Visitors remain inside their vehicles for the duration of the drive-through show.
Pets
Pets are allowed, but must remain secure inside the vehicle.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy a ticket for each vehicle rather than each passenger; one ticket covers one vehicle.
- Bring any food and drinks you want in the car, and keep all trash inside the vehicle.
- Plan for a 30–45-minute drive-through on busy nights, and take photos from inside the vehicle.
- Keep pets secure inside your vehicle for the entire route.
- Use Gate 2 at the intersection of E University Avenue and E 33rd Street to enter the Fairgrounds.
Special Events & Promotions
- Flash-sale pricing is offered for cars.
- An unlimited-visits ticket is available for the 2026 season.
- The newsletter sign-up offers exclusive updates and special offers.
- Holiday hours differ December 20–27.
- The event is at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, its new location.
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
What does one ticket cover?
One ticket covers one vehicle. Cars, trucks and SUVs are permitted, as are buses and limousines; oversized utility vehicles and semitrucks are not allowed.
How long should we allow for the drive-through?
On busy nights, allow 30–45 minutes to complete the route.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. Outside food and beverages are allowed; keep all trash inside your vehicle. Light-up merchandise and candy are available at the gate.
Can pets come along, and can passengers get out to take pictures?
Pets are allowed but must stay secure inside the vehicle. Passengers must remain in their vehicle throughout, and pictures can be taken from inside.
Is there a way to visit more than once?
An unlimited-visits option is offered for the 2026 season. Online tickets do not have designated lanes.
Browse Christmas in Des Moines
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.