This year's must-see holiday light shows in the Des Moines metro

Only a grinch could frown after seeing these holiday lights across the Des Moines metro.

• We've compiled a list of free finds and displays worth the extra penny.

Free neighborhood drives

Gingerbread Lane: Along Southeast Richland Court in Ankeny.

Details: 31 homes help tell an “original gingerbread story.” Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods or money along to donate. Donations will go to the Food Bank of Iowa.

• Santa and his helpers collect donations Friday-Sunday, but food donations can be left anytime in the gingerbread house.

Bonus: Frosty Circle, (aka SE Rio Circle), which connects with Gingerbread Lane.

• ⏰ Daily through Dec. 31, 5:30-9:30pm.

Beaverdale: Throughout the neighborhood but Ashby and Wallace avenues are best known for their holiday lighting extravagance.

Details: Dozens of homes compete in an annual lights contest. People's choice voting starts today.

• ⏰ Lights up through Dec. 31, from 6-9pm.

Pay admission to these

Jolly Holiday Lights: 3300 Adventureland Dr., Altoona.

Details: It's the 25th year for this Make-A-Wish fundraiser that's 2.5 miles long with more than 100 displays, the largest in Iowa.

• Wishes of 80 kids with critical illnesses are, on average, granted via the event's revenue each year.·
• ⏰ 5:30-10pm through Jan. 2. (Closed Xmas Eve, Xmas and New Year's Eve.)

Cost: $25 per car or $20 online.

Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames.

Details: This is the second year for the 17-acre outdoor walk-through show featuring motion, music and massive disco balls twirling to laser lights.

• ⏰ Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Jan. 1, 5-8pm.

Cost: $5-$10. Free for kids under 2.

🎶 One note-able house display: 705 NE Canterbury Dr., in Ankeny.

Details: Teenager Josiah Davenport created a light show that's synchronized to music via tuning in to 89.5 FM.

• Part of the donations will go toward upgrading the auditorium at Ankeny Christian Academy, where he is a senior.
• ⏰ 5-9pm Sunday through Thursday, and 5-10pm Friday and Saturday.