Presented by MidAmerican Energy and Willis Automotive
Supported by Security National Bank, Iowa State Bank, RDG Planning • Design
Now thru January 4
Experience the magic of the season at Dome for the Holidays—bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever. This beloved Des Moines holiday light display fills the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with color, wonder, and warmth. Whether you’re here for twinkling lights, family fun, or festive photo moments, you’ll find delight around every corner.
Here are some of the most dazzling fun facts from this year’s experience:
A Luminous Wonderland
New and expanded installations light up the Dome with 61,670 mini lumen bulbs—that’s nearly 4 miles of string lights surrounding you in brilliance.
You’ll also discover oversized illuminated botanicals throughout the space, including:
- 15 butterflies
- 6 bees
- 3 pinecones
- 2 dandelions
(No partridge in a pear tree… yet.)
Plus, 2,100 feet of LED rope and neon lighting add even more glow—enough to stretch across six football fields.
Snap the Photo of the Season
Don’t miss your moment in front of the spectacular 15-foot Bromeliad Tree, crafted from 350+ individual plants and 200 bromeliads.
Pro tip: Use our new mobile phone holder for the perfect hands-free holiday photo.
Warm Up with an Igloo Experience
Elevate your visit with a cozy Igloo Experience, which includes admission for up to six people—plus cookies and cocoa to sweeten the night. Looking for a bite? Flora is serving festive snacks, themed drinks, and Friday Night Dinners. Over the season, they’ll serve more than 1,360 cookies and cups of cocoa!
Play, Glow, and Explore
Step into the Gardeners Show House for all-new interactive features that let you play with the lights. Create glowing art on our 8-foot-wide lite-brite wall filled with 600 colorful pegs. Amp up the fun with light-up toys from the Garden Shop, where nearly 400 glowing wands, spinning globes, antlers, hats, and necklaces are ready to illuminate your evening.
Trains, Blooms & Hidden Surprises
- Two all-new model train displays wind through miniature landscapes bursting with vibrant plants.
- 750 amaryllis blooms—representing 24 stunning varieties—fill the Garden with natural holiday cheer.
- 50 hidden gnomes await discovery inside the Dome, along with 15 oversized flowers watched over by glowing bees.
Made With Love by Many Hands
Dome for the Holidays is truly a community creation. More than 80 volunteers, including three corporate groups, partnered with our Botanical Garden staff to design, craft, and assemble this magical display—making it a labor of love made by locals.
Glow Early, Glow Often
Tickets tend to go fast—especially for peak nights. Reserve in advance to beat the holiday crowds and choose the best time for your visit to Dome for the Holidays.
