One of the 50 Best Displays in the US

Keokuk, Iowa’s “City of Christmas” lights display made the list of the Top 50 Christmas Displays in America.

It contains over one million lights. Over 20,000 vehicles make it through the lights each year. We did find ourselves in a small backup, but it was well regulated and we didn’t have to wait long to enter into the lights.

I was impressed with the variety of lights along with some constructed displays. I’ve included photos along with explanations of some of the light displays.

**Angels in a row as you go around the curve.**

**The train goes around and around the Christmas tree.**

One of the displays, showing a school scene.

The icy pond included a whale. — **The icy pond includes a whale.**

A little History

The lights began in 1989 and started with a Toyland, Santa’s Barn with reindeer and elves, Santa’s Workshop, a Nativity Scene, and an International Christmas Display. Just over three decades later, the lights have continued and they have increased the number of displays ever since.

Tune In on the Radio

You can also tune the radio to 90.1 FM to hear holiday music and comments about the various displays.

Details

Hours: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Opening Night Nov. 24; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Nov. 25-Dec. 23, seven days a week until Dec. 23; All night beginning at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve; 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Christmas Day; 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 2023.

Admission: By Donation

Address: 900-998 Rand Park Terrace, Keokuk, IA 52632 (Between 15th and 17th– Grand and Orleans Avenue)

What’s for Dinner!

Before checking out the lights we had dinner at Dr. Getwell’s Bar and Grill. It is in a brick building in downtown Keokuk that dates to the 1880s.

The restaurant went for a fun atmosphere, with everything going with a doctor’s theme, including a heart attack burger and the kid’s menu being listed as pediatrics.

I had there bacon ranch burger which included cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream along with onion chips, with a side of crinkle-cut fries, which all was pretty tasty. Andrew ate all his chicken or crazy fingers and fries, so he must have liked it, too.

It is a popular place so you might want to get there earlier than around 6 pm, we had a bit of wait, but we were a larger group.

Hours: 11 am – 2 am, Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Sunday and Mondays.

Address: 1100 Main St, Keokuk, IA 52632