It’s winter and the holiday season is upon us. Reiman Gardens has outdone itself again with its fifth annual Winter Wonderscape. Visitors of all ages are welcome to experience the dazzling outdoor display of over 190,000 twinkling lights throughout the gardens, along with interactive experiences and holiday decor. Winter Wonderscape will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday during the month of December and will also include Dec. 23. 

The event attracts and welcomes people of all ages to the Gardens to see the lights.

“It’s neat to see multigenerational families come and enjoy it together,” said Andrew Gogerty, Reiman Gardens marketing and communications manager.

Whether it’s a date night, a friend group outing, a family activity or just a simple de-stressor before finals, the Winter Wonderscape is the place for you.

Reiman Gardens staff and volunteers do not take this activity lightly. Beginning in early November, Gogerty said the crews spends “about 1,200 hours of labor,” setting up the 190,000 plus lights and dispersing them through the 17 acres of gardens to create the most dazzling and impactful effect. 

Thursday, Reiman Gardens offered a toy drive on the opening night to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Story County and meet players from the Iowa State Women’s basketball team. 

“It was fun to see them [the players] interact with kids and adult fans… we collected around 35-40 toys… it all went for a great cause,” Gogerty said.

Every year, Reiman Gardens likes to add something new and exciting to keep people coming back. This year, guests will be invited to purchase tasty s’mores-making kits to roast and enjoy on the paved courtyard near the Hunziker House (weather permitting). It will be a warm snack to savor while gazing at the lights above.

Tickets for the event will be sold online, priced at $16 for adults, $14 for Reiman Gardens members and Iowa State students, $7 for children (ages 2-12) and free for children under two years old. The ticket sales come in 30-minute increments to monitor the flow of people, but they sell out fast, especially on the weekends, so plan ahead if possible.

Whether it’s a long-standing family tradition or your first year in Ames for the holidays, you will not be disappointed by the wonder and splendor of Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape. 

“I think that’s what makes it such a fun event, is just to see the joy that it brings people,” Gogerty said. 

Grab your friends and family to soak up every bit of magic this event has to offer.