Winter is Iowa is always a bit of a magical experience – if you don’t have to drive to work in the snow, or ford any rivers on your way home! Despite the weather struggles we all deal with, there are a few winter towns in Iowa that truly come to live in the coldest season, and during the holidays, they are particularly magical. See our list of the best winter towns in Iowa below, and plan your trip for a picture-perfect getaway.
- Oskaloosa
Flickr / H. Michael Miley Oskaloosa is The Twinkliest Town In Iowa and visiting is sure to brighten your day. The entire town square lights up and there are plenty of Christmas decorations. Head here for a picture-perfect holiday evening.
- Wyoming
Flickr / Phil Roeder Wyoming is proud to be a Christmas City in Iowa, and it is so fun to stroll the town and check out all the lights and holiday displays.
- Dubuque
Flickr / Nicky Story Dubuque looks like a Hallmark town any time of year, but in the winter, it truly is magical. Keep an eye out for bald eagles on the river, and if you’re lucky enough to visit when it snows, walk around the Port of Dubuque neighborhood for stunning scenery.
- Des Moines
Flickr / Jason Mrachina Des Moines is a perfect Midwestern paradise. All throughout town, you’ll find beautiful light displays, and the tree in front of the Capital is a work of art.
- LeClaire
Flickr / Visit Quad Cities LeClaire is a charming little town in the Quad Cities area. Downtown businesses and restaurants really decorate their storefronts for Christmas, and combined with the small town feel, you’ll think you’re on a movie set.
- Mount Pleasant
Facebook / Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Mount Pleasant is a tiny college town that loves to decorate for the holidays. The town is even home to the North Pole Express!
- Le Mars
Facebook / Le Mars, Iowa Le Mars is home to the Pioneer Christmas Village, which is an old-time Christmas celebration held in the round barn. Visit to walk around in a true winter wonderland.
- Altoona
Facebook / Jolly Holiday Lights Adventureland in Altoona is home to the biggest light show around, and it’s all for a good cause! The light show is presented by Make a Wish and supports the charity in return. Visit for a drive you’ll remember forever.
- Amana
Facebook / Amana Shops Amana is, of course, full of charm year round. However, there’s something truly magical about visiting during the holidays. Don’t forget to visit the Village Store for fudge and the General Store for the International Christmas Market.
- Villages of Van Buren
Facebook / Villages of Van Buren County Visit any of the villages of Van Buren County, like Bonaparte, for an enchanting Christmas visit. Each town seems like it’s plucked right from a storybook, and if there’s a fresh coat of snow, you’ll be convinced you’ve found heaven itself.
When you find yourself is a snow-covered paradise, take a picture of the scene and share it on our Iowa Nature Lovers’ Facebook group! We’d love to see your own winter wonderlands.
Flickr / H. Michael Miley
Oskaloosa is The Twinkliest Town In Iowa and visiting is sure to brighten your day. The entire town square lights up and there are plenty of Christmas decorations. Head here for a picture-perfect holiday evening.
Flickr / Phil Roeder
Wyoming is proud to be a Christmas City in Iowa, and it is so fun to stroll the town and check out all the lights and holiday displays.
Flickr / Nicky Story
Dubuque looks like a Hallmark town any time of year, but in the winter, it truly is magical. Keep an eye out for bald eagles on the river, and if you’re lucky enough to visit when it snows, walk around the Port of Dubuque neighborhood for stunning scenery.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Des Moines is a perfect Midwestern paradise. All throughout town, you’ll find beautiful light displays, and the tree in front of the Capital is a work of art.
Flickr / Visit Quad Cities
LeClaire is a charming little town in the Quad Cities area. Downtown businesses and restaurants really decorate their storefronts for Christmas, and combined with the small town feel, you’ll think you’re on a movie set.
Facebook / Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce
Mount Pleasant is a tiny college town that loves to decorate for the holidays. The town is even home to the North Pole Express!
Facebook / Le Mars, Iowa
Le Mars is home to the Pioneer Christmas Village, which is an old-time Christmas celebration held in the round barn. Visit to walk around in a true winter wonderland.
Facebook / Jolly Holiday Lights
Adventureland in Altoona is home to the biggest light show around, and it’s all for a good cause! The light show is presented by Make a Wish and supports the charity in return. Visit for a drive you’ll remember forever.
Facebook / Amana Shops
Amana is, of course, full of charm year round. However, there’s something truly magical about visiting during the holidays. Don’t forget to visit the Village Store for fudge and the General Store for the International Christmas Market.
Facebook / Villages of Van Buren County
Visit any of the villages of Van Buren County, like Bonaparte, for an enchanting Christmas visit. Each town seems like it’s plucked right from a storybook, and if there’s a fresh coat of snow, you’ll be convinced you’ve found heaven itself.
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