Ride the rails this holiday season at The Santa Express

Experience a holiday adventure on the rails with Santa Express at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad! Take an hour and a half trip from Boone to the North Pole and back from Dec. 12-14. Along the way, the train crosses the impressive 156-foot-tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge. During the trip, Santa passes through the train to greet children and hand out a special gift.

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December 11-13, 2025

Winter Wonderscape at Reiman Gardens

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, and so much more.

Experience the magic

December 13, 2025

Ames Main Street Holiday Farmers' Market

Celebrate the holiday season at the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market! Mark your calendars for Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and enjoy a festive shopping experience! Discover incredible gifts, decor, treats, and more, all handcrafted by local artists and producers!

Shop local

December 13-14, 2025

The 44th Annual Nutcracker Ballet

Don't miss the annual performance of the Nutcracker Ballet at Stephens Auditorium this weekend Dec. 13-14. This production puts area youth and adults on stage alongside world-class performers resulting in a spectacular holiday celebration that features stunning production values!

See the show

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