Gingerbread Lane in Ankeny, Iowa: What to Know Before You Go

Each December, a quiet Ankeny neighborhood turns into a glowing Christmas storybook.

Gingerbread Lane is a free holiday lights display on SE Richland Court, where participating homes decorate around a shared gingerbread theme. As visitors move through the neighborhood, signs and storyboards tell an original story from yard to yard.

You can slowly drive the route or park nearby and walk it, making Gingerbread Lane one of the most charming neighborhood Christmas light displays in the Des Moines metro.

The tradition also supports Food Bank of Iowa. Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food or make a monetary donation. Food Bank of Iowa has reported that Gingerbread Lane raised more than $18,600 between 2017 and 2023, helping provide more than 74,000 meals.

Here is what to know before you go.

Quick visitor information

Gingerbread Lane

Location: SE Richland Court, Ankeny, Iowa 50021
Nearby cross street: SE 8th Street
Cost: Free
Best for: Families, holiday light drives, walking, photography, and Christmas lights near Des Moines
Typical season: Early December through December 31
Typical hours: Approximately 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Donations: Nonperishable food and monetary donations are encouraged for Food Bank of Iowa

Dates, hours, special appearances, and donation methods may change each year. Check the Gingerbread Lane Facebook page before visiting.

What is Gingerbread Lane?

Gingerbread Lane is a coordinated neighborhood holiday display rather than a collection of unrelated Christmas decorations.

Participating homes use gingerbread characters, candy-themed decorations, lights, and storyboards to create one connected experience. As you follow the route, each yard helps move the story forward.

Approximately 30 homes have participated in recent years, although the exact number may vary.

The coordinated theme is what makes Gingerbread Lane stand out. The whole street becomes part of the display, giving it a more personal and imaginative feel than a typical drive past decorated homes.

Where is Gingerbread Lane?

Gingerbread Lane is located on SE Richland Court near SE 8th Street in Ankeny.

The neighborhood can be reached from SE Delaware Avenue or Highway 69, but the most important detail is to use the marked entrance.

Look for signs that say Enter Gingerbread Lane and follow the route in the correct direction. The storyboards are arranged in order, so entering from the wrong side may cause you to read the story backward.

Because this is a residential neighborhood rather than a commercial attraction, follow all posted signs and traffic directions.

Should you walk or drive?

You can enjoy Gingerbread Lane either by car or on foot.

Driving Gingerbread Lane

Driving is the easiest option when:

• Temperatures are very cold
• The weather is windy, snowy, or icy
• You have toddlers or young children
• Someone in your group has mobility concerns
• You want a quick addition to a larger Christmas lights drive

Drive slowly so everyone has time to see the decorations and read the storyboards. Be especially alert for pedestrians and children near the street.

Walking Gingerbread Lane

Walking allows you to slow down, read every sign, notice smaller decorations, and take better photos.

Visitors planning to walk can look for legal parking near SE 8th Street. Do not block driveways, park in restricted areas, or assume that every space near the display is public parking.

Walking is a good choice when the weather is comfortable and your group wants to spend more time with the story.

Whichever option you choose, remember that Gingerbread Lane takes place in a real neighborhood rather than a dedicated drive-through light park.

Best time to visit

Visit after dark, when the lights and illuminated decorations are fully visible.

Recent seasons have typically used evening hours of approximately 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., but confirm the current schedule before leaving home.

Earlier evening times are often best for families with young children. Weeknights may provide a quieter visit with less traffic, while weekends can be busier and may include appearances by Santa, elves, or volunteers collecting donations.

For a calmer experience, consider visiting on a weeknight shortly after dark.

Donations for Food Bank of Iowa

Admission to Gingerbread Lane is free, but visitors are encouraged to support Food Bank of Iowa.

Depending on the year, donations may include:

• Nonperishable food items
• Cash donations
• Online monetary contributions
• Donations collected by volunteers near the end of the route

Donation methods and collection locations can change, so check current updates before visiting.

Even a small donation helps turn the neighborhood display into something more meaningful than a Christmas lights drive. It allows visitors to enjoy the decorations while supporting Iowans experiencing food insecurity.

What to expect when you visit

Expect a residential street filled with Christmas lights, gingerbread characters, candy-themed decorations, and storyboards.

On busy nights, cars may line up near the entrance and move slowly through the route. You may also encounter families walking, children stopping to read signs, and volunteers collecting donations.

Santa or elves may appear on select evenings, but those appearances are not guaranteed.

There are no admission gates or commercial parking lots. Gingerbread Lane is a neighborhood tradition created by residents who continue living in the homes throughout the season.

Neighborhood etiquette

The homeowners put significant time and effort into creating Gingerbread Lane. Visitors can help keep the tradition enjoyable by treating the neighborhood respectfully.

• Drive slowly and watch carefully for pedestrians.
• Do not block driveways or park illegally.
• Stay on sidewalks and off private lawns.
• Keep music, horns, and other noise to a minimum.
• Avoid shining bright lights or camera flashes into windows.
• Follow entrance signs and volunteer directions.
• Take all trash with you.
• Be patient when traffic moves slowly.

The best way to thank the neighborhood is to leave it exactly as you found it.

Is Gingerbread Lane good for kids?

Yes. Gingerbread Lane is especially well suited to families.

Children can follow the gingerbread story, search for characters, admire the lights, and possibly see Santa or elves on select nights.

Walking works well for children who want to stop and read each storyboard. Driving may be easier with toddlers, during very cold weather, or when bedtime is approaching.

Before walking, remind children to stay on sidewalks, avoid private lawns, and remain close to an adult. Bring hats, gloves, and warm layers when temperatures are low.

Because there is no admission charge or long ticketed route, families can keep the visit as short or as leisurely as they prefer.

Bonus stop: Frosty Circle

While you are nearby, look for Frosty Circle, also known as SE Rio Circle.

It is located across the street from Gingerbread Lane. Not every home may participate, but it is close enough to add to your route while you are already in the neighborhood.

Frosty Circle can turn the outing into a slightly longer holiday lights stop without requiring another drive across Ankeny.

Photo and video tips

Gingerbread Lane is especially photo-friendly when explored on foot.

Good photo opportunities include:

• The Enter Gingerbread Lane sign
• Gingerbread characters and candy-themed decorations
• Storyboards in front yards
• Wide views of several decorated homes together
• Children reading the story
• Santa or elves when present

For better photos, consider visiting shortly after dark, when a little color may remain in the sky. Use night mode on your phone, hold the camera steady, and avoid bright flashes directed toward homes or windows.

Short video clips can also capture the display well. Try filming the entrance, decorated homes, storyboards, and a wide view of the street.

Always avoid blocking traffic, stepping into private yards, or interfering with other visitors while taking photos.

Before you go

• Confirm the current dates and hours.
• Use the marked entrance so the story reads in order.
• Bring a food or monetary donation when possible.
• Decide whether walking or driving works best for your group.
• Dress warmly if you plan to walk.
• Park legally and do not block driveways.
• Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.
• Remember that this is an active residential neighborhood.

Is Gingerbread Lane worth visiting?

Gingerbread Lane is worth visiting because it feels more personal than a commercial holiday light show.

The coordinated decorations, original gingerbread story, and neighborhood setting create a charming experience that is easy to enjoy with children or add to a larger Christmas lights drive.

Its support for Food Bank of Iowa also gives the tradition a larger purpose.

Bring the family, follow the marked route, and consider contributing food or money before you leave. Gingerbread Lane is a festive, affordable, and meaningful addition to a December outing in the Des Moines metro.