Have a Merry and Bright Holiday Weekend Dec. 1-3

This Ames-area celebration features community activities throughout Story and Boone Counties. Highlights include the Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show, Main Street Ames Snow Magic Kickoff, ISU Winterfest, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express, Ames TUBACHRISTMAS, a night at Gateway Hotel, and much more.

Discover what's happening in Ames

December 1-2, 2023

Winter Wonderscape Light Show at Reiman

Mark your calendar! This popular walk-through holiday light show takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night in December from 5-8 p.m.

See the lights

December 9-10, 2023

The Nutcracker Ballet

Stephens Auditorium’s Nutcracker Ballet production dates back decades as one of the historic performing arts venue’s proudest and best-known traditions. The production puts area youth and adults on stage alongside world-class performers resulting in a spectacular holiday celebration that features stunning production values.

Learn more

December 17, 2023

Home Free: For the Holidays

All-vocal country entertainers Home Free have made their mark on the music scene, racking up nearly 600,000 album equivalents globally. See their holiday tour at Stephens Auditorium Sunday, December 17.

Hear the music

View the full events calendar

Connect with us!

Want to see more of what Ames has to offer?

2023-AmesVisitorsGuide-final-cover-scaled image

Request a Visitors Guide