Miracle on 86th Street

Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 21, 2023 through January 8, 2024. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we're hosting special events all season long!

Mayors Lighting Celebration

Mayor’s Lighting Celebration - Tuesday, November 21, at 5:30 PM

Join the Mayor and City Council as we flip-the-switch and light up the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park 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.

Miracle on 86th Street Charles Gabus Tree Park Winter Holiday Christmas Lights Snow 4 Credit Susan J

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt - Saturday, December 2, from 6:00-7:00 PM

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!  After collecting all the candy, enjoy hot cocoa from the patio. Parents must accompany children, please register child only. Dress according to the weather. This event will take place strictly outdoors. Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park is located at 3600 86th St in Urbandale, right by the library. Registration Deadline: November 25.

mailbox snow

Letter from Santa

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! Registration Deadline: December 6

decorated cookies

Cookies for Santa - Saturday, December 9, from 10:00-11:00 AM

Everyone knows that Santa loves COOKIES!! Join us at the Giovannetti Community Shelter as we decorate cookies for Santa. Please bring a container to take treats home. Parental supervision required. $15 Fee is for child only, parents are free. Please register child only. Registration Deadline: December 2  

Reindeer

Santa and the Reindeer - Saturday, December 9, from 4:00-6:00 PM 

Join us at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and meet Santa Claus and the reindeer! This event is free and fun for the whole family! No registration required.

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Winter Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, December 16

Bring your family to The Miracle on 86th Street at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, 3520 86th Street! (south of the Urbandale Library). Some clues have been left outside the Library and Charles Gabus Tree Park. Collect all the clues in to receive a prize. All teams that complete the challenge will receive prizes, but there will also be prizes for the top 3 families. Max 25 families, with a maximum of 6 people.  Registration required.  Registration Deadline: December 9

Thank you to our sponsors!

City of Urbandale, Polk County Board of Supervisors, Urbandale Friends of the Park, Urbandale Public Art Committee, and Veridian Credit Union.

Sponsor Logos for Miracle on 86th Street