A New Way to Experience Holiday Magic at Jolly Holiday Lights 2023

'Tis the holiday season — a time for family, giving and festive holiday light displays! Venture to the Outlets of Des Moines Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 7 for an all-new way to experience Jolly Holiday Lights — Make-A-Wish^_® Iowa’s biggest fundraising event.

For more than 25 years, Make-A-Wish Iowa has provided holiday traditions that have become central to thousands of people. With a new, updated format, it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

This year’s event is unlike any other with an immersive holiday experience, coupled with your favorite places to shop and an incredible opportunity to support one of the state’s favorite nonprofit organizations. A must-do for people and families of all ages, the 2023 Jolly Holiday Lights celebration will feature free light displays, including lights-to-music displays, and special events, like Breakfast with Santa, a holiday Sip & Shop, train rides and more.

Details + Special Events

Patrons wishing to take part in this immersive winter wonderland experience can do so in a few ways. Many activities are free of charge, including the light displays and visiting the Wish Shop, while others are available for a small fee. Items like special event tickets or a coupon book for Jolly Holiday Lights are available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to granting life-changing wishes for Iowa children with critical illnesses.

 

Visit JollyHolidayLights.org to purchase special event tickets and learn more about the new venue. Be sure to mark your calendars for these fun happenings:

• The Jolly Holiday Lights 2023 Kickoff Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Breakfast with Santa at the Outlets on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, 8 – 10 a.m.
• Santa Paws: Pet Photos with Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, 5 – 8 p.m.
• Train Ride at the Outlets on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, 4 – 8 p.m.
• Sip & Shop Night at the Outlets on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, 5 – 8 p.m.
• Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at the Outlets on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, 4 – 8 p.m.

 

The Power of a Wish

The power of a wish is incredible, and events like Jolly Holiday Lights ensure Make-A-Wish Iowa can continue granting wishes to provide hope, strength and resiliency for critically ill children and their families. In 2023, the organization was able to grant 198 wishes for kids in our communities thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors, but there’s so much more work to do in 2024. With the support of the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community, more wishes can be granted in 2024. Visiting Jolly Holiday Lights at the Outlets of Des Moines is the perfect way to give back and partake in a time-honored tradition that brings the magic of the holiday season to life.

Share the Magic

We’d love for you to share the joy of Jolly Holiday Lights on social media! Tag them on your favorite channel.

Facebook: @makeawish.iowa.jollyholidaylights
Instagram: @makeawishiowa
X (formerly Twitter): @MakeAWish_Iowa

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Support local businesses, creators and makers across the region. You can find ideas on where to shop using the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMlocal Guides and other regional business directories listed here.