Every winter you can stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 25 through January 6. The park is lit with more than 100,000 holiday lights and we host special events all season long! The park features a custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, a gingerbread house, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events. See below for all the planned events.

2025/2026 Events:

Click on the headings below to learn more.

Flip the Switch! Miracle on 86^th Street Tree Lighting – Tuesday, November 25, 2025

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 100,000 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. 

Santa and Reindeer! – Friday, December 5, 2025

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 required. Join us at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park on Friday, December 5, from 4:30-6:30 PM.  Sponsored by the Poam Logan Family.

Letter from Santa! (Ages 9 and under) – $4

Enjoy this opportunity to receive a letter from Santa mailed directly to your child. This letter, written in simple, easy to read language, is a thrilling surprise for any child. It will come in an envelope with Santa's name and return address in the corner, addressed directly to your child. Letter will arrive approximately one week before Christmas. A unique and touching idea for all of your nieces, nephews or grandchildren no matter where they live! Please register by December 7.

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt! (Ages 1-8) – Friday, December 12, 2025

It has been rumored someone has left candy canes and candy on the grounds around Giovannetti Community Shelter! 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 30.

4th Annual Winter Family Scavenger Hunt

Join us as we partner with APEX  (Waukee schools) to bring a fun family scavenger hunt! Celebrate the holiday season by joining the 12 Days of Christmas Adventure through Urbandale Parks and Recreation! This fun, free scavenger hunt begins on December 1 and offers a festive way to explore the community. Sign up by November 26 to take part and enjoy fabulous prizes along the way. Once you sign up, you'll receive more details about the adventure and how to get started. Don't miss out on this exciting holiday activity!  Please register by Wednesday, November 26

New! Snowman Building Contest

It is Iowa, we don’t know when mother nature is going to give us the perfect Snowman snow. But we still want to see who can build the best Snowman! Have no fear, we will bring you the materials to build your own. Unfortunately, we can’t bring a cooler full of snow, carrots, and coal to each home. Instead, we will drop off foam “snowballs”, pipe cleaner “sticks”, beads for “coal”, and a toothpick “carrot”. The rest is up to you. You can add as much or as little flare as you want to your Snowman. Register for the contest online.