Best Decorated Halloween Displays in Des Moines
We all love the array of Christmas light displays that happen annually, but recently you may have noticed an increase in Halloween displays at houses, in neighborhoods, and at some known organizations in the Des Moines area. This would be a great way to extend your spooky night after a Trunk or Treat event or Beggars’ Night. Do you have the spookiest house on the block or know of one we should include? Contact us and we’ll get it added!
While we have personally not seen all of these displays, we asked the Des Moines Parent community where they like to see the best decorated Halloween displays in Des Moines. Here is the roundup of the 2025 best-decorated Halloween displays!
** Please note we will be traveling around this season to gather pictures of these displays for you. If you have any photos you would like to share, please let us know!
664 NE 58th Avenue in Des Moines
This light display is up on October 30 and 31st. All donations go to ARL-Iowa.
1016 E Thornton Avenue in Des Moines
Drive by this fun house full of fun Halloween displays! The absolute best night to drive or come by is October 31st when all the animatronics will be out and they hand out full-size candy bars.
1121 62nd Street in West Des Moines
Elven Cache Creations Halloween light show runs every night in October.
- 6-10 p.m. Mon-Thurs
- 6-11 p.m. Fri-Sun
Listen to the music with your radio on 89.5 FM, and watch 1000’s lights perform a bright and colorful spooky, not scary light show. The songs are a mix of Halloween classics and newer Halloween rock songs.
1616 90th Street in West Des Moines
Halloween light display! No specific details shared.
5700 Wentworth in Johnston
No specific details shared.
8908 Oakdale Drive in Johnston
No specific details shared.
Ashby Neighborhood
The Ashby Neighborhood does not disappoint during the holiday season. I have no doubt they go all out for Halloween too!
Beaverdale Holiday Illumination
2917 48th Street in Des Moines
Show runs 6:30–10:00 PM every weekend
Please remember to be courteous of our neighbors’ driveways, but feel free to park, walk up, and enjoy the lights!
You can listen to the LIVE music outside or tune in to 87.7 FM from your car to enjoy the full experience. Don’t miss one of their newest additions — GHOSTBUSTERS! Keep your eyes peeled for the little green ghost who loves to make an appearance!
Eerie Evenings at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
New this year from the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden is Eerie Evenings, a night filled with lights, vibes, and spectral plants to add to your spooky season. Come roam the dome after hours! Flora will be onsite providing cash bar and concession services. Snag your tickets here.
Fright Lights
Uptown Ankeny’s Fright Lights, presented by Latitude 41 Lawn and Landscapes of Iowa, will be shining every evening in October! Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and take a walk through Uptown to enjoy the glowing displays, and don’t forget to pop into our local shops and restaurants while you’re there!
Halloween on the Hill
One of our favorite Halloween events, it even made the 100 Things to Do in Des Moines book! This annual event is held on October 31st in the Sherman Hill Neighborhood. Front yards are covered in spooky decorations, while traditions like a “Thriller” performance fill the streets and Freddy Kreuger roams around. The celebrations are free, but attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or monetary donations for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC).
NW Mils Court Haunt
Address: 901 NW Mils Ct. in Ankeny
Don’t miss this spooky house and more items will be added soon!
Land of Giants
Address: 4908 NW Seventh Street, Ankeny, Iowa
The Land of Giants turns on at dusk until 9 p.m. and consists of several 12-foot lighted and animated creatures. Do not miss this fun display!
The Pirate Potterhouse
Address: 3720 Brook Ridge Court, Des Moines
Details have not been announced for 2025 yet!
We have been to this display a few times! If you are a Harry Potter fan you will love this fun Halloween display. This home is located in the Brook Run Neighborhood between Pleasant Hill and Altoona. Visit their Facebook page for updates on hours.
Spirits in the Gardens
Enjoy some spooky fun in the gardens at Reiman Gardens. Spirits in the Gardens is an annual event hosted annually. The event is filled with over 1,000+ hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns, candy, chemistry experiments, and so much more. It is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Zombie Hollow
Address: 2310 St. Charles Road, Winterset, Iowa
Zombie Hollow is a fun haunted maze for the whole family! It is filled with fun lights, displays, and more. It is a super impressive setup filled with lots of fun details and some fun characters such as Star Wars or Jack the Skeleton. The goal is for all ages to enjoy the Halloween magic. Tickets must be purchased online. They are open on weekends in October and offer daylight times on Saturdays. Take a look at all the details here.
