AMES IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR THE HOLIDAYS! From Main Street to Reiman Gardens, North Grand Mall to Stephens Auditorium, Ames knows how to celebrate the season.
Plan your holiday shopping, with extended hours for downtown shops, North Grand Mall businesses, and other stores. And you can visit Santa all month at the mall. Shop early! Shop local!
Perhaps the highlight of the holiday season in Ames is the Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show at Reiman Gardens. Don’t miss this outdoor walk-through holiday light show featuring immersive light displays throughout the gardens’ 17-acre site. Enjoy the show with the whole family Thursday through Saturday evenings from Dec. 2 to Jan. 1.
The Nutcracker Ballet takes the Stephens Auditorium stage for three performances, Dec. 11-12. This classic holiday fairy tale has come alive at Stephens each December since 1981!
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express will makes its festive run to the “North Pole” each weekend through Dec. 19. Bring the family and enjoy this central Iowa tradition!
Finally, enjoy a Magical Cirque Christmas on Dec. 20 when the world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production.
