Experience the Magic at Miracle On 86th Street in Urbandale, Iowa
One of my favorite holiday movies in Miracle on 34th Street and when I came across on this fun light display located in Urbandale, Iowa I knew we needed to make a visit! Miracle on 86th Street debuted in 2022 and we fell in love the moment we walked into the magically lit area. It is back for 2025 with a little extra magic and it is FREE for families to enjoy. Take a look at everything you need to know to experience the magic at Miracle on 86th Street in Urbandale, Iowa.
Check out other fun Holiday/Winter activities in the Des Moines area:
- Ice Skating Lessons in Des Moines
- Sledding in Des Moines
- Christmas Lights in Des Moines
- Santa in Des Moines
- Holiday Events in Des Moines
Miracle on 86th Street Location
Miracle on 86th Street is located with the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park. The perfect place to decorate with twinkly lights! You can easily access the park by parking at the Urbandale Public Library parking lot. Stop into the library for a fun storytime or activity. You will not be able to miss the light display.
About the Light Display
Charles Gabus Memorial Park is filled with more than 50,000 holiday lights, a large custom-built train, large ornamental displays, fun photo opportunities, a sleigh to sit in, an ice skating rink, and more.
When is it open?
The beautiful light display is open every day beginning November 25 through early January. Your best bet to take in all the beauty is to visit when the sun goes down after 5 p.m. The park closes at 10:30 p.m.
Community Ice Skating Rink
This community ice skating rink is located just south of the Urbandale Public Library and is open from Dawn to Dusk. The perfect family activity to do before the sun goes down and the lights come on! If a red flag is up, this means it is not open and unsafe to skate. If the green flag is up, this means it is okay to skate.
Special Events at Miracle on 86th Street
Plan a visit any evening or plan a visit during one of the special events Urbandale has planned this holiday season.
Flip the Switch! Miracle on 86th Street Tree Lighting – Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Join the Mayor and City Council at 5:30 PM as we flip-the-switch and light up the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park with more than 80,000 lights for the holiday season! We’ll have hot cocoa and cookies for you to enjoy as you walk around the beautifully decorated park. This event is free.
Santa and Reindeer! – Friday, December 5, 2025
Meet Santa Claus and the reindeer! Santa is stopping by with a few of his reindeer this winter! This event is free and fun for the whole family! Come and take pictures and enjoy the lights at Miracle on 86th Street. No registration required. Join us at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park on Friday, December 5, from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt! (Ages 1-8) – Friday, December 12, 2025
It has been rumored someone has left candy canes and candy on the grounds around Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park! Bring your bag and flashlight and come help us find them all! Parents must accompany children, please register child only. Dress according to the weather. This event will take place strictly outdoors. Please register by November 30.
Winter Family Scavenger Hunt – More details coming soon!
Join us as we partner with APEX (Waukee schools) to bring a fun family scavenger hunt! This event is free, but you must register here. More details to be announced by November 10.
New! Snowman Building Contest
It is Iowa, we don’t know when mother nature is going to give us the perfect Snowman snow. But we still want to see who can build the best Snowman! Have no fear, we will bring you the materials to build your own. Unfortunately, we can’t bring a cooler full of snow, carrots, and coal to each home. Instead, we will drop off foam “snowballs”, pipe cleaner “sticks”, beads for “coal”, and a toothpick “carrot”. The rest is up to you. You can add as much or as little flare as you want to your Snowman. Register for the contest online.
