A Huge Iowa Holiday Light Display Will Move to a New Venue in 2023

One of Iowa's most popular light displays will be relocating this holiday season! According to a new article from the Des Moines Register, the annual Jolly Holiday Lights will have a new home in 2023.

Jolly Holiday Lights is a huge fundraiser put on by Make-A-Wish Iowa that has been going on for more than 25 years. The event's official website says that the drive-thru display "funds, on average, 80 wishes to children with a critical illness each year." Over 1,000 kids have benefited from Jolly Holiday Lights, making it Make-A-Wish Iowa's largest annual fundraiser.

Jolly Holiday Lights first got its start at Water Works Park, where it remained for 20 years, and then it was moved to Adventureland in Altoona. The event will now be held at Outlets of Des Moines, which is also in Altoona. Why the change? The press release from Make-A-Wish Iowa says that the new format is "reflective of what our attendees have been asking for." They explained that the experience will be more immersive and upbeat in 2023. For example, the lights will be paired with holiday music, the Wish Shop will return, and there will be new community events. The Gazette reports that Breakfast with Santa will be held December 2nd, Pet Photos with Santa is coming up on December 6th, and Sip-n-Shop Night is on December 15th.

Jolly Holiday Lights will kick off on Friday, November 17th with a big tree lighting and visit from Santa. The display will run daily through Sunday, January 7th. You can read more about the 2023 event HERE.