3rd Annual Winter Market – Octagon Center for the Arts

Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, United States

The Octagon will hold the 3rd annual Winter Market, featuring great finds on holiday-themed artworks from local artists and week-by-week special deals.
November 24th, 2025 – Event Opening Day
December 19th (or 24th), 2025 – Event Closes

The RG Express – Reiman Gardens

The RG Express – Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA, United States

A Reiman Gardens holiday tradition is back! Visitors of all ages will be enchanted by the RG Express Train from Sat., Nov. 8, 2025, through Sun., Jan. 18, 2026. This detailed garden scale display was created by Applied Imagination, an internationally recognized company whose train displays merge botanical design and architecture.

$6 – $12
Winter Wonderscape – Reiman Gardens

Winter Wonderscape – Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA, United States

Featuring more than 200,000 dazzling lights throughout 17 acres of outdoor gardens, this walk-through light show includes popular favorites, as well as fun new surprises. Experience captivating tunnels that surround you with color, massive laser-lit disco balls, dynamic light strands dancing across a frozen lake, a whimsical re-creation of the game time favorite Candy Land, and so much more. Don’t miss the lights, colors, music and magic of Winter Wonderscape. 

Free – $16

Solstice Studio Night – Octagon Center for the Arts

Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, United States

Join us for a cozy winter solstice makers night, a welcoming craft event to celebrate the season together. Create handmade treasures inspired by the magic of winter solstice. This is a great opportunity to slow down, and stay present in the midst of a busy season as you make, chat, and connect in a relaxed community setting.

$15
The RG Express – Reiman Gardens

The RG Express – Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA, United States

A Reiman Gardens holiday tradition is back! Visitors of all ages will be enchanted by the RG Express Train from Sat., Nov. 8, 2025, through Sun., Jan. 18, 2026. This detailed garden scale display was created by Applied Imagination, an internationally recognized company whose train displays merge botanical design and architecture.

$6 – $12
Winter Wonderscape – Reiman Gardens

Winter Wonderscape – Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA, United States

Featuring more than 200,000 dazzling lights throughout 17 acres of outdoor gardens, this walk-through light show includes popular favorites, as well as fun new surprises. Experience captivating tunnels that surround you with color, massive laser-lit disco balls, dynamic light strands dancing across a frozen lake, a whimsical re-creation of the game time favorite Candy Land, and so much more. Don’t miss the lights, colors, music and magic of Winter Wonderscape. 

Free – $16