Experience the joy of the season in Ames with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're an Ames resident or a holiday explorer, this guide reveals hidden gems and popular attractions.
In the spirit of celebration, Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars captivates audiences with breathtaking performances featuring beloved characters and enchanting dance routines. Unique to the season, the Holiday Promenade showcases festive decorations and lively entertainment for all ages. And the Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape is something you definitely don't want to miss, inviting visitors to stroll through stunning light displays and beautifully themed gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Ames Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Ames
- Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars (Des Moines)
- Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
- Holiday Promenade (Des Moines)
- Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker (Des Moines)
- Santa’s Rock N Lights (Urbandale)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (Des Moines)
- Festival of Trees & Lights (Des Moines)
- Santa Express Winter Wonderland (Cambridge)
- Beaverdale Holiday Boutique (Des Moines)
- Ankeny Craft Show (Ankeny)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ames Holiday Light Displays
Santa’s Rock N Lights
What to Expect:
Animated drive-thru light show with over 100,000 lights.
Description:
Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show featuring over 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, giant 3D sculptures, and thousands of animated lights synchronized to music.
Where: Urbandale | More Info: Santa’s Rock N Lights
Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
What to Expect:
Dazzling light installations and immersive displays.
Description:
Reiman Gardens presents a spectacular holiday light show featuring dazzling installations, including colorful tunnels, laser-lit disco balls, and dynamic light strands across a frozen lake. The event also includes whimsical mushroom forests and other immersive displays.
Where: Ames | More Info: Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Ames Holiday Markets and Shopping
Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
What to Expect:
Unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The Beaverdale Holiday Boutique in Des Moines, IA, features over 100 artisans selling traditional and contemporary designs, including unique handcrafted items in various mediums.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
Waterloo Holiday Gifts and Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique, locally-made holiday gifts and decorations.
Description:
The Waterloo Holiday Gifts and Craft Show features handcrafted gifts, indoor and outdoor decorations, jewelry, kids' toys, and more from local artisans and at-home businesses.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Waterloo Holiday Gifts and Craft Show
Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local vendors.
Description:
Shop a variety of local vendors and stores at the Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market, featuring handmade crafts and unique gifts.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market
Ankeny Craft Show
What to Expect:
One-day shopping event with hand-crafted items from local artists.
Description:
The Ankeny Craft Show features hand-crafted items from artists and crafters across the Midwest, offering a fun day of shopping for over 3,500 eager shoppers.
Where: Ankeny | More Info: Ankeny Craft Show
Fairfield Holiday Craft and Vendor Event
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts with Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance.
Description:
The Fairfield Holiday Craft and Vendor Event at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center features dozens of local vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal items. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance from 11am to 1pm, adding to the event's charm.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Fairfield Holiday Craft and Vendor Event
New Hampton Fall Craft and Vendor Show
What to Expect:
Unique local artisanal goods and seasonal items.
Description:
The New Hampton Fall Craft and Vendor Show features a diverse array of local artisans selling handmade crafts, home decor, and seasonal items. This event offers a great opportunity to find unique gifts and support local vendors.
Where: New Hampton | More Info: New Hampton Fall Craft and Vendor Show
Des Moines Market Days
What to Expect:
Weekend market with diverse, curated items.
Description:
Des Moines Market Days features local and state vendors offering unique products like boutique clothes, jewelry, home decor, furniture, candles, and gourmet foods.
Where: Clive | More Info: Des Moines Market Days
Ames Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
What to Expect:
High-flying acrobatics and innovative lighting.
Description:
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars brings Disney's brightest stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, and stunning set designs. Journey through timeless stories and today's favorites, including Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Meet iconic characters like Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and celebrate the adventures of Disney and Pixar in a spectacular ice skating show.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Faithful stage adaptation of the beloved animated special.
Description:
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a faithful stage adaptation of the classic animated television special, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. The show features a talented cast, beautiful set design, and terrific music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday ballet featuring Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker and the battle between mice and tin soldiers, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
Ames Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Promenade
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and diverse family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Holiday Promenade is an exciting, free celebration filled with holiday-themed activities, entertainment, and shopping in Historic East Village. It includes a tree lighting ceremony and various family-friendly events.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Holiday Promenade
Santa Express Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visits and creative workshops.
Description:
Step into a festive atmosphere filled with Santa's Grotto, Reindeer, and various activities like wreath making and children's cinema. Enjoy a variety of events designed for all ages, including a Christmas cookie decorating workshop and festive fun with Elsa.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Santa Express Winter Wonderland
Festival of Trees & Lights
What to Expect:
Supporting critical services at Blank Children's Hospital through festive activities.
Description:
The Festival of Trees & Lights is a central Iowa tradition featuring beautifully decorated trees, special performances, visits with Santa, and fun crafts and activities. It supports valuable programs at Blank Children's Hospital, including Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Festival of Trees & Lights
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ankeny (21 miles)
- Johnston (25 miles)
- Urbandale (29 miles)
- Des Moines (30 miles)
- West Des Moines (32 miles)
- Marshalltown (37 miles)
- Fort Dodge (43 miles)