Dome for the Holidays
A Top Holiday Attraction in Des Moines
Thank you for joining us for Dome for the Holidays 2025. We’re so glad you did! Because it’s a huge hit with visitors, we’ll be back and brighter starting November 2026. Remember, tickets go on sale Oct 15. Save the date so you secure the days and times you want.
Enjoy all the glow, without the snow.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s newest dazzling tradition—Dome for the Holidays starting in November. Visiting provides you a joyous seasonal activity filled with cheer for you, your friends and family.
Bring the whole family to our lush oasis to enjoy a dynamic display of thousands of twinkling lights.
Feel the festive vibes, participate in the annual gnome hunt, enjoy the beloved train, try seasonal concessions, and do something different. It’s an even more wonderful night when you reserve your own dome at the new Igloo Experience.
All ages delight in the artful arrangements.
This enchanting holiday event is the perfect way to experience the warmth of the season. Because it features thousands of lights, along with fun, interactive exhibits within a warm, cozy environment, you’ll be glad you came.
Finally, before you go, scan or click QR below to see a video.
Meet Goldie, your very own Iowa Insider.
Goldie flies all over the state to give you travel tips and itineraries filled with unique adventures. Even if your trip is months away, Goldie’s here to help you plan the perfect Iowa adventure. When you are looking to come enjoy Dome for the Holidays 2026, make sure to start your trip planning here!
Event Details
Look for more info coming around September 2026.
Supported by:
Thank you to all the volunteers who help make this happen.
FAQs: Know Before You Glow
What if a night of Dome for the Holidays is cancelled?
We post on our website and our social media pages on the day of the event if we need to close because of the weather. And, it may also be included on local news closure lists. If you purchased tickets for a night we need to close, we reach out to you with news of the closure at the email address used during checkout.
You can expect an indoor walking experience at Dome for the Holidays
Dome for the Holidays features an illuminated light display throughout our tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House. Most guests spend approximately 45-70-minutes enjoying the event. There are some lighting elements with some flashing lights contained within them; however, there is no strobe lighting.
What should I bring with me?
Have your pre-purchased timed-tickets printed or easily accessible on your mobile device OPEN and ready to scan! Be sure to dress for OUR weather. While it may be cold and snowy outside, once you step inside, be prepared to shed some layers and warm up in the tropical oasis. Coat racks are available onsite. The Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
May I bring my own food/drink to the Garden?
Outside food is not permitted. Because of this, concessions and light snacks are available for purchase from Flora and in the Garden Shop.
How about strollers and wagons?
Wagons are not allowed at the event as they can be tough to maneuver through crowds and become an obstacle to other visitors. You are welcome to bring strollers, but please note some of our paths are narrow. Because of this, during busy times they can be difficult to navigate. Finally, please consider leaving double-wide strollers at home or in the car.
How much do Igloo Experiences cost?
$150 for members and $165 for nonmembers.
What sort of dining experience do you have at Dome for the Holidays?
We have two great options to choose from! Our Igloo Experience and Evening Dinners from Flora are offered.
How should I buy tickets?
Tickets should be purchased online or over the phone to confirm availability. 515-323-6290.
Do Botanical Garden members get discounts on tickets?
Botanical Garden members receive a $15 discount on igloo reservations. However, all tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets sold at the door.
How do I receive my member discount?
Members and Garden Giving Club donors must sign in online during check out to apply their discount. To do this, click "sign in" at the top of the page to apply your discount. If you have not created an account with your email address, please click "Create Account." Finally, if you have forgotten your password, please click reset. Your discount appears after you click "add to cart."
What if a night of Dome for the Holidays is cancelled?
We post on our website and our social media pages on the day of the event if we need to close because of the weather. And may also be on local news closure lists. If you have purchased tickets for a night we close, we email you with news of the closure at the email address used during checkout.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Dinner reservations at Flora are non-refundable.
Are you open on holidays?
We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Please see the purchase link for our full list of available dates.
Can I come early to walk around the Gardens?
Doors open for Dome for the Holidays promptly at 5pm. If your reservation is for 5:15pm, please arrive by 5pm and plan to tour the event after your time concludes at 6:45pm. If your reservation is for 7pm, plan to tour the event anytime between 5pm and 6:45pm before checking in with your host between 6:45pm and 7pm.
Please do not arrive before 5pm as we are preparing for the event during this time.
What You Can Expect
Igloo Experiences take place in our heated, PVC structured geodesic domes. Experiences last 90-minutes in one of two private Igloos for up to 6 guests.
The igloos are situated on our outdoor terrace, a short walk from our conservatory doors. Please note: our outdoors gardens are closed during Dome for the Holidays, other than the area where the igloos are located. You will be the only guests allowed outside during the event and must remain within the designated areas of the event. Restrooms can be accessed in the Evergreen Gallery or near the main lobby.
Cookies and hot cocoa from Flora are included for everyone in your party.
There is also an option to order from a selection of beverages and seasonal items through concession service from Flora. *Alcoholic and non-alcoholic option available. Menu may vary.
Individuals included under the reservation get access to enjoy Dome for the Holidays before or after their Igloo Experience.
5:15 pm guests are encouraged to tour the event after their reservations and 7pm guests are encouraged to tour before. You have 1 hour and 30 minutes in the igloo from the time of your reservation. Your experience begins at your reservation time. Finally, if you arrive late, you will not be allowed extra time in the igloo.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
All igloo reservations must be purchased in advance, and you will be unable to buy tickets onsite.
What should I bring with me?
Be sure to dress for the weather. While it may be warm in our tropical conservatory, it can be cold and snowy outside, even inside the heated igloos. Some blankets and pillows are provided, but feel free to bring some extras. Also, the Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What sort of dining experience do you have at Dome for the Holidays?
We have two great options to choose from! Our Igloo Experience and Friday Evening Dinners from Flora.
What time is my Friday Night Dinner reservation?
Your reservation begins seating at 5:30 pm.
Admission to Dome for the Holidays included!
Admission to Dome for the Holidays is within the price of each reservation. You have plenty of time to tour the event after the meal concludes.
If I need to cancel my reservation?
Dinner reservations at Flora are non-refundable.
Can I come early to walk around the Gardens?
Doors open for Dome for the Holidays promptly at 5pm. Please do not arrive before 5pm as we are preparing for the event during this time.
How do I get to Flora at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden?
Access to the Botanical Garden directly from University Avenue is closed. To access the Botanical Garden from University Avenue, please take Pennsylvania Avenue south to Des Moines Street, turn right on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive. Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive and the Botanical Garden is on the right after you go under the I-235 bridge. Flora is accessible by entering through the doors to the left of the main conservatory entrance.
Can I come earlier than my entry time to walk around the Gardens?
Doors open for Dome for the Holidays promptly at 5pm. Please do not arrive before then as we are preparing for the event during this time.
When can I come?
Timed tickets must be purchased in advance, by selecting a 30-minute window to help reduce crowding. The specified date and time on your ticket is your entry time for Dome for the Holidays. Please keep in mind: you may arrive anytime during this 30-minute window and can stay as long as you like until Dome for the Holidays closes at 9 pm.
You’re sold out online for the time I want to come – can I come anyway?
No; tickets must be purchased in advance. You will be unable to buy tickets onsite. Non-ticketholders will be turned away.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
All tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. Please select a 30-minute entry window to help reduce crowding and increase your visitor experience. Visitors spend approximately 45-70 minutes at this event. The last entry time available is 8 pm. Dome for the Holidays closes at 9 pm.
Are you open on holidays?
We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Please see the purchase link for our full list of available dates.
What accessibility options do you have?
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is proud to be an ADA-compliant facility. Because of this, the Garden features paths and sidewalks of varying sizes, accessible doors and restrooms, and an elevator to provide all guests access to the conservatory balcony. You are welcome to bring your own strollers, wheelchairs, and motorized mobility scooters. There is a limited number of wheelchairs and strollers available on a first-come first-served basis. Since they are free to borrow, they are located just inside the entryway.
If you need special accommodation or have additional questions, please contact us at 515.323.9290 or email info@dmbotanicalgarden.com.
How do I get to Dome for the Holidays at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden?
Access to the Botanical Garden directly from University Avenue is closed. To access the Botanical Garden from University Avenue, please take Pennsylvania Avenue south to Des Moines Street, turn right on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive. Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive and the Botanical Garden will be on the right after you go under the I-235 bridge.
Where should we park?
A limited number of parking spots are available onsite and are free. Parking fills up quickly, so attendees are encouraged to carpool or rideshare to this event. To ease parking congestion, overflow parking is available along Robert D. Ray Drive.
Will the Garden Shop be open? Yes!
The Garden Shop is open each night of Dome for the Holidays. Since it is, be sure to check out the many items offered including our new Dome Grown™ collection of merchandise!
Do members need to buy tickets to Dome for the Holidays?
Yes, members must buy tickets for Dome for the Holidays.
What is the discount for members on tickets?
Botanical Garden members receive a $3 discount on each ticket price. All tickets need to be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.
How do I receive my member discount?
Members and Garden Giving Club donors must sign in online during check out to apply their discount. To do this, click "sign in" at the top of the page to apply your discount. If you have not created an account with your email address, please click "Create Account." If you have forgotten your password, please click reset. Then, your discount will appear after you click "add to cart."
How many member-priced tickets can I purchase?
The number of member-priced tickets available is based on your membership level. Memberships are nontransferable and are valid only for named individuals on the membership card. Named members must be present with all guests.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
All tickets must be purchased in advance; No tickets will be sold at the door. Please select a 30-minute entry window to help reduce crowding and increase your visitor experience. Visitors spend approximately 45-70 minutes at this event. The last entry time available is 8 pm. Dome for the Holidays closes at 9 pm.
Do I qualify for free access?
Either with Museums for All (EBT, SNAP, and WIC), Adventure Pass, Community or Reciprocal membership, or free/BOGO pass? Dome for the Holidays is a special event outside of the Botanical Garden’s regular admission hours. Thus it requires a pre-purchased timed ticket for entry. Therefore, the above regular admission-based programs do not apply for free access to Dome for the Holidays.
Can I use the free passes or reciprocal garden memberships for Dome for the Holidays?
No, Dome for the Holidays is a special event outside of the Garden’s regular operating hours. Free passes and reciprocal memberships may not be used for any special events outside of regular hours.
What is the photography policy?
Guests are invited to take candid, casual photography as well as pictures of the plants and light displays. For portrait and professional photography, please consult our Photography Reservation Policy and make a photography reservation.
What is the smoking policy at the Garden?
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a nicotine-free environment. Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, chewable tobacco and similar products are not permitted on the Botanical Garden property. This includes all grounds, buildings, restrooms and parking areas.
Are pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As defined by the ADA, service animals are dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. These dogs are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. You may bring your service animal, but please leave your pets at home. Finally, to protect our plants and grounds, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden does not allow pets on Garden grounds, including but not limited to non-service trained dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, and reptiles.
We lost an item. Who should I contact?
Please send an email to info@dmbotanicalgarden.com so that we can check out lost and found items.
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