Photos: Iowa City’s West Overlook Campground lights up for the season

West Overlook Campground in Iowa City has been transformed for the season. Visitors can drive through a mile of animated light displays. It’s open Sundays through Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. Admission starts at $10 for a family car or van.

Elizabeth Wood

Nov. 30, 2025 10:46 am

Children point up at the lights on display for the light tunnel during the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

A woman points at lights as she and her family drive through the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Children point up at the light tunnel as their family drives through the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Aseel Matar (left), Lila Eastvold (center), 16, and Reel Matar, 17, hand out candy canes and pamphlets to cars driving through the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

A new light display called “S.S. Santa” is featured at the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Children look out at the sea-themed lights during the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

A truck drives through a light tunnel during the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

A child looks out at the holiday lights from their vehicle during the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Volunteer Reel Matar, 17, catches snowflakes on her tongue during the Holiday Lights at the Lake at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City on Friday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)