Giant Holiday Lights Display in Central Iowa is Considered ‘Instagram Heaven’

With less than two weeks left in the season, Iowans still have time to catch one of the state’s biggest walk-through holiday light displays.

Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus in Ames is hosting its annual Winter Wonderscape, featuring nearly 200,000 lights spread across the gardens’ 17 acres.

Spokesman Andrew Gogerty says visitors follow about three-quarters of a mile of illuminated, ADA-accessible walking paths.

“People can just enjoy lots of different Christmas displays, everything from lighted tunnels to a lake of lights,” Gogerty says.

Gogerty says the event has become a tradition for families and visitors of all ages, with popular stops including the barn and the children’s garden.

“One of the most popular spots is always our barn and our children’s garden, which has a giant disco ball in it,” he says. “Lights flash off of it, it’s coordinated to the music.”

And for anyone who loves taking photos, Gogerty says Winter Wonderscape delivers.

“I consider Winter Wonderscape Instagram heaven,” he says. “For those that love to come and take selfies, love to just take unique photos with gorgeous displays. We even have couples that get engaged every year at this event.”

Winter Wonderscape runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Remaining dates are Dec. 18-23, plus Dec. 26 and 27.

Tickets are available at reimangardens.com.