The holidays in Eastern Iowa keep getting brighter, thanks to Holiday Lights at the Lake. Entering its 4th year, Holiday Lights at the Lake, featuring a mile-long route of large, animated and dazzling light displays at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City, offers an enchanting experience for all ages.
This event is open every night Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve, and is organized and operated completely by volunteers! Holiday Lights at the Lake is honored to become a beloved tradition in the greater Iowa City area, creating and fostering long lasting memories for all. Viewers can enjoy the curated professional light displays that have been sponsored by local businesses. Each year, new displays and enhancements
are added. Visitors should look forward to seeing the new “Farming in Iowa” section and as always, every person will receive a complimentary candy cane, and treats for dogs too!
Most nights offer a drive-through experience, but Wednesday evenings are closed to vehicles to offer a walking experience for guests who prefer to stroll through the event at their own pace. Added this year is a walk-through night to start the season early on November 27th, Thanksgiving Eve. Cherished “Meet Your Local Heroes” night will be on December 4th, and “Glow in the Park” night will be on December 18th! Wednesday, December 25th (Christmas) will be a drive-through due to the holiday, but all other Wednesdays will be a walk-through night as long as winter temperatures
allow.

Admission for vehicles starts at $10 for regularly sized family vehicles (car, SUV, mini- van), and is higher for larger vehicles (limos, buses, etc). On Walk-through Wednesdays, the cost is $5 per person, with children 2 and under entering for free.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5:00 –9:00 p.m. Santa & Mrs. Claus are expected to be at the event every Wednesday and Sunday evening before Christmas! Tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite, or cash at the gate is accepted to avoid added fees.
All proceeds of this community event support Iowa’s only independent residential hospice home. The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County is one of only 81 such Omega Home Network homes in the U.S. Its staff and volunteers have been dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care since 2016. Since opening, they have cared for more than 400 hospice guests, their families, and friends in a compassionate home-like environment. Proceeds from this exciting event and legacy fundraiser enable the important work of The Bird House to continue into the future.
Be sure to put Holiday Lights at the Lake on your “bucket list” this holiday season. For more information about the event, volunteer opportunities and The Bird House, visit holidaylightsatthelake.com and follow along with their exciting updates on social media.