Ashworth Holiday Forest: Christmas Lights in West Des Moines

Michael Kromminga’s love of Christmas decorating started early. As he shared for our original story, his Christmas projects earned a mention in the Cedar Rapids Gazette when he was just 12 years old.

That enthusiasm grew into Ashworth Holiday Forest, a home Christmas display in West Des Moines featuring illuminated trees, holiday characters, and Christmas movie references.

Address: 3608 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Seasonal updates: Ashworth Holiday Forest on Facebook

The photos and video below show a previous season. Check the display’s Facebook page for current opening dates, nightly hours, donation requests, and Santa-mailbox information before planning your visit.

What do the donations support?

During our original coverage, Michael explained that the display collected nonperishable food and personal care items for West Des Moines Human Services. Collection containers were placed at the end of the driveway.

It added another purpose to the Christmas lights: helping neighbors while giving visitors something festive to enjoy.

Check the display’s current announcements for this season’s collection arrangements and requested items.

How much work goes into Ashworth Holiday Forest?

When we originally featured the display, Michael estimated that it included more than 100,000 lights and took approximately 175 hours to set up, with work beginning around late October.

The front yard along Ashworth Road featured a collection of artificial Christmas trees. Michael also shared that a young oak tree was decorated in memory of his father, who passed away in 2021.

Along the 37th Street side, we found Christmas movie characters, illuminated pine-tree cutouts, and a mailbox for letters to Santa. There were plenty of details to notice beyond the overall glow of the lights.

Where can I get those awesome pine tree cutouts?

The template is available from BarberellaHome on Etsy: https://tidd.ly/47LpDeG (affiliate link). There are templates of trees, reindeer, and more. You’ll need to purchase plywood and then use the template to create the outline and then staple lights behind it.