Winter Wonderland: A Christmas Lights Stop in Le Mars, Iowa
Thousands of Christmas lights, glowing decorations, and arched walkways fill Winter Wonderland, a family-created holiday display on the west edge of Le Mars, Iowa.
Located at 629 Plymouth Street SW, the display is on private property belonging to Mark and Sheri Frerichs. During previous seasons, visitors have been welcomed onto designated walkways to explore the lights and enjoy the photo opportunities.
The photos below show our previous visit. A 2026 opening announcement and nightly schedule have not yet been verified for this article.
How did Winter Wonderland get started?
According to the family’s account shared for this article, Mark began decorating in 1985 with two strands of lights, two candles, and a Santa. It started as a way to spend time with the kids.
The family decorated their former home on Fourth Avenue before moving to their current property on the west edge of Le Mars. Over the years, that small beginning grew into a display spread across the yard.
What makes Winter Wonderland memorable is how much there is to discover. Instead of one centerpiece, the decorations create a series of scenes to explore along the walkways.
More holiday ideas for northwest Iowa and beyond
- Tour of Steeples in Sioux City: Explore another seasonal outing in northwest Iowa.
- Iowa’s best home Christmas light displays: Discover more holiday displays created by Iowa families.
- Iowa’s best free Christmas lights: Browse community displays and other stops by region.
During our original coverage, the family explained that Christmas preparations began in October, even while Halloween decorations were still on display out front.
As Halloween came down, Christmas took over. Their children and grandchildren helped with a final walk-through around Thanksgiving weekend, checking the display before welcoming visitors.
When is Winter Wonderland open?
In previous seasons, Winter Wonderland has operated from Thanksgiving weekend through January 1, with lights generally on from 5–10 p.m.
Those are the previously reported hours, rather than a confirmed 2026 schedule. Check for a current announcement before making a special trip.
Because this is an outdoor display at a private home, follow posted instructions and use only the designated visitor areas.
Is there an admission charge?
Winter Wonderland has previously welcomed visitors free of charge, including access to designated walkways and photo spots.
During our original coverage, we heard that some families returned each year for a photo beside the Grinch near the barn. Individual decorations and visitor arrangements may change between seasons.
Is this the same as Christmas Acres?
No. Winter Wonderland is the Frerichs family’s display at 629 Plymouth Street SW, on the west edge of Le Mars.
Christmas Acres was a separate display created by the Scheitler family in the countryside west of town. Its owners announced that it would not open for the 2024 season because of health concerns and the work involved.
The two displays have different owners and locations. An announcement about one should not be assumed to apply to the other.
What else can you do in Le Mars?
- Catch a holiday performance at Brown’s Theater
- Search out the ice cream cone sculptures in LeMars, Iowa
- Visit the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor
- Make a reservation at the Archie’s Waeside, which made the top 10 list of steakhouses in the United States.
