2025 Walk-Through Night at the Holiday Lights Show: What to Know Before You Go

CLICK HERE FOR 2025 PARKING MAP

Get ready for a magical evening under the stars! Walk-Through Night in Decorah, Iowa is a special one-night only opportunity to experience the Holiday Lights Show on foot, offering a cozy, up-close view of the dazzling displays and festive atmosphere.

We encourage you to wear a holiday-themed costume, this is a night for fun! All donations from the event support Helping Services for Youth & Families. 

📅 Date, Time & Location

• • Walk-Through Night kicks off the Holiday Lights season (Thanksgiving-Christmas is drive through ONLY).
  • It’s always the night before Thanksgiving from 5-7:30 pm. (Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025).
  • The event is located at Pulpit Rock Campground, 505 Pulpit Rock Road, Decorah, IA 52101.

NO VEHICLES allowed in the park on this special night. Pulpit Rock will be closed to traffic, but we have AWESOME traffic controllers who park efficiently and safely on the north end near 5th Avenue and the south end of the park off of Oneota Rd (many know it as the Twin Springs campground entrance). From Highway 52 enter via Valley View Drive or Oneota Rd. Car pooling is encouraged!

The event happens in all types of weather, so dress accordingly! The event will only cancel for extreme weather conditions (look for announcements on Facebook.com/helpingservices

🚶 What Makes It Special

• This is the only night visitors can walk through the lighted displays.
• Enjoy the sights at your own pace, take photos with the displays, and soak in the holiday cheer.
• Perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants a more immersive experience.
• It’s a great time to reunite with friends returning home for Thanksgiving. Share the excitement of kicking off the holiday season with the entire community!

🎉 Activities & Attractions

• Entry and shuttle rides into the park are free. Your generous donations to greeters at the gate or at the food stands help support the event.
• Hot cocoa, cookies, and homemade soups from local vendors are also free – but donations are appreciated (NOTE: Food will not be served prior to 5 pm!).
• Pokey Pete, the beloved children’s train, will offer rides to children on the west side of the park (weather pending). Thank you to Decorah Lion’s Club for making this possible.
• Live carolers from local groups and high schools are featured. There is a posted announcement board at the event for scheduled times.
• Enjoy the Live Nativity, hosted by St. Ben’s members.
• Fun photo ops are scattered throughout the park. Grab a friend or take a selfie!
• Santa Claus makes his first appearance of the season. Get ready to have your photo taken by professional photographers (available 7-10 days later via a link on our website).

🧥 What to Bring

• • Warm clothing and comfortable shoes—this is an outdoor event in late November.
  • Bright, high visibility clothing is encouraged for young children walking back to the parking lot in the dark.
  • Flashlight (optional) for extra visibility when walking back to your car.
  • Camera or phone to capture the lights and memories.
  • Cash or mobile giving for donations and treats.

💵 Admission & Donations

• Entry and parking is free, but donations are encouraged to support Helping Services for Youth & Families.
• Donation stations are located near the entrance and at food stations.

🅿️ Parking & Accessibility

• • Free parking and handicap parking is available at the soccer fields on Pulpit Rock Road (north side of campground) and the Twin Springs entrance (south side of the campground).
  • Car pooling is encouraged! 
  • EARL Transit will give rides to the north front entrance of Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah, Iowa.
  • The walking path is stroller-friendly and mostly flat, but may be uneven in places—use caution.
  • For your safety, law enforcement and emergency services will be present throughout the event.
  • Porta potties available.

Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, or flying solo, Walk-Through Night is a heartwarming way to kick off the season and support a great cause