Excited for holiday celebrations in Ankeny? Our guide has all the festive activities you need! From Ankeny regulars to holiday explorers, our guide showcases the best events and activities.
Popular events bring the spirit of the season alive, such as Jingle in the Junction, a community gathering filled with local vendors, food, and entertainment to delight all ages. The Holiday Promenade offers a unique shopping experience, featuring local artisans and seasonal treats to warm the heart. And the Windsor Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, transforming the park into a stunning winter display of lights and decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ankeny
- Holiday Promenade (Des Moines)
- Jingle in the Junction (West Des Moines)
- Windsor Wonderland (Windsor Heights)
- Santa’s Rock N Lights (Urbandale)
- Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape (Ames)
- Beaverdale Holiday Boutique (Des Moines)
- Ankeny Craft Show
- Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market (Ottumwa)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ankeny Holiday Light Displays
Jingle in the Junction
What to Expect:
Extended shopping and dining with free holiday entertainment.
Description:
Valley Junction's Jingle in the Junction is a holiday celebration where businesses extend their hours, offering extended shopping and dining opportunities, along with free entertainment under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Jingle in the Junction
Santa’s Rock N Lights
What to Expect:
Over one mile of synchronized lights and music.
Description:
Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show featuring over 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, larger-than-life dinosaurs, reindeer, and emojis, all 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' Winter Wonderscape features a wide variety of dazzling light installations throughout 17 acres of outdoor gardens, including captivating tunnels, massive laser-lit disco balls, and dynamic light strands dancing across a frozen lake. The event also includes whimsical mushroom forests and other immersive displays.
Where: Ames | More Info: Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Ankeny Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Promenade
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Holiday Promenade is a free celebration in Historic East Village featuring holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly fun. Activities include a tree lighting ceremony, window display judging, gingerbread house displays, an Elf on a Shelf scavenger hunt, and more. Retailers, restaurants, and attractions are encouraged to remain open until 9 p.m.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Holiday Promenade
Ankeny Craft Show
What to Expect:
Largest craft fair in the Midwest with diverse vendors.
Description:
The Ankeny Craft Show is a premier holiday event featuring over 3500 shoppers and 250 vendors selling hand-crafted items from artists and crafters across the Midwest.
Where: Ankeny | More Info: Ankeny Craft Show
Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
What to Expect:
Unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The Beaverdale Holiday Boutique in Des Moines, Iowa, features over 100 artisans selling unique, handcrafted items in various mediums, including wood, glass, and clothing. Shoppers can find gifts for family and friends while supporting local crafters. The event includes homemade treats and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local vendors.
Description:
Shop a variety of unique gifts and seasonal items at the Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market, featuring local vendors and stores all in one place.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Ottumwa Autumn Craft and Vendor Market
Ankeny Other Holiday Activities
Windsor Wonderland
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with various contests and activities.
Description:
Windsor Wonderland is a free family event in Windsor Heights, IA, featuring a tree lighting ceremony, holiday lights contest, gingerbread house contest, and an ugly sweater fun run. Activities include carriage rides, Santa's reindeer meet-and-greets, hot chocolate, and crafts.
Where: Windsor Heights | More Info: Windsor Wonderland
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Johnston (6 miles)
- Des Moines (9 miles)
- Urbandale (9 miles)
- West Des Moines (12 miles)
- Ames (21 miles)
- Marshalltown (42 miles)