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 2024 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:

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 26 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.

Miracle on 86th Street Tree Lighting – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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 50,000 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. 

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt! (Ages 1-8) – Saturday, December 7, 2024

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 31. Register here.

Santa and Reindeer! – Saturday, December 14, 2024

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 is required. Join us at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park on Saturday, December 14, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Sponsored by: Poam Logan Family.

Winter Family Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, December 21, 2024

Come enjoy the Miracle on 86th Street! We will hand out a single clue sheet to each family and you will need to collect the answers for each of the clues. Return the clue sheet to the Urbandale Parks and Recreation staff. All completed sheets will be collected in the order in which they are received. Prizes can be picked up at Urbandale Parks and Recreation, 3310 86th Street, starting December 27. Min. 5 families/Max. 30 families. Register here.