Find the 2021 Holiday Guide here.
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it is time to start making plans for festive, family-friendly outings. Of course, the holidays will look a bit different this year, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still bring the holiday cheer. There’s still several things to do this holiday and Christmas season with Des Moines kids, so we’ve rounded up the very best for your family to enjoy.
From Thanksgiving events to holiday markets to Santa sightings we’ve got what you need to get your family into the spirit of the season. For more ways to make memories during the holidays, check out our Holiday Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.
Note: While we are trying to promote safe activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, keep your family and others safe by wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate distance. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always verify dates, times, location, and other information.
Christmas and Holiday Events in Des Moines:
12 Days of Holiday Promenade
Historic East Village • Des Moines, IA • (515) 244-4211
One of the most popular events in the Historic East Village, the Holiday Promenade is the kickoff to the holiday season in Downtown Des Moines! This year’s Promenade will feature event activities on six Sundays, Nov. 15 to Dec. 20, and stores will offer special deals on six Wednesdays, Nov. 18 to Dec. 23. In addition to some fun activities, Sundays will offer reserved parking meters for online pick-up.
When: Sundays and Wednesdays November 15 to December 23, 2020. Sundays 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; Wednesdays 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Jingle in the Junction
Valley Junction 5th Street • West Des Moines, IA 5026
The holiday classic you look forward to all year is back, as many Valley Junction businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and stroll 5th Street under the glow of over 125,000 holiday lights.
When: Thursday, November 19, December 3, December 10 and December 17 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Fridley Theatres Discount Holiday Matinees
Indianola – Paramount 7 105 South 1st Street, Indianola, IA 50125
Pleasant Hill – Copper Creek 9 1325 Copper Creek Drive, Pleasant Hill, IA 50317
Waukee – The Palms Theatres & IMAX 200 Northeast Westgate Drive, Waukee, IA 50263
Fridley Theatres has a great line up of favorite kids’ movies and holiday classics. Children must be supervised. Seating is limited and subject to availability. Tickets will be available online the week before or at the box office.
When: Saturday and Sundays November 21 through December 20 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Cost: $2
Disney on Ice
Wells Fargo Arena • 833 5th Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309 • 515-564-8000
Share every magical moment filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved Disney songs and stories that give everyone a reason to believe! Disney On Ice will limit arena capacity to preserve social distancing. All fans age 2 and older must have a ticket and wear a face covering.
When: November 26-December 6, 2020; Multiple times offered.
Cost: Tickets start at $23
Blank Children’s VIRTUAL Festival of Trees & Light
The Festival of Trees & Lights is a five-day event that is the main fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital. This year’s event will be hosted virtually, but will still feature beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, children’s activities, and more!
When: Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
Cost: Purchase the app for $5
Jolly Holiday Lights
Adventureland • 3300 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 334-2636
Light Up a Child’s Life at Jolly Holiday Lights, a great holiday tradition! Drive-through this holiday light spectacular and see more than 100 magical light displays. 100% of admission fees go directly to Make-A-Wish Iowa!
When: November 27 – December 30, 2020; 5:30 – 10:00 pm. (Closed December 24 & 25)
Cost: $20 per car
Santa’s Rock N Lights Drive Thru Light Show
Santa’s Rock n Lights is a drive thru Christmas light show experience. This is a totally new tradition coming to Living History Farms this year. Load up family and friends to watch the action of lights dancing to music all from the warmth of your car! Tickets can be purchased online.
When: November 27 through January 3, 2020; Standard Hours: Sunday to Thursday 5:00 PM to 9:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Christmas Week Hours: December 23th-24th: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, December 25th: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and December 26th-27th: 4:50 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: $19.99 – $27.99
Hometown Holidays AGLOW & Mistletoe Mingle Nights
Uptown Ankeny will be hosting a number of socially distant fun holiday events. Hometown Holidays AGLOW features 25 animated LED light displays lining SW 3rd Street in Uptown and extending to the Ankeny Market Pavilion. Uptown businesses will be opening their doors late on Thursday evenings for Mistletoe Mingle Nights to give you more time to sip, shop, dine and explore!
When: November 25 through December 31, 2020
Cost: FREE
Waukee Winterfest on Wheels
Waukee Public Works Building • 805 University Ave, Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 978-0007
The typical WinterFest event is being switched up to “WinterFest on Wheels” this year. The years events will be held at the Waukee Public Works Building. Santa Claus and his helpers will hand out treats and goodies as visitors drive through one of the building’s vehicle bays. Participants will stay in their vehicles. A virtual tree-lighting, ice sculptor demonstration, book donations, holiday light competition and a toy/food drive will also be held with modifications. Anyone is welcome to drive through the event.
When: Friday, December 4, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Playhouse on the Air Presents: Miracle on 34th Street
Des Moines Playhouse • 831 42nd Street • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 277-6261
Enter a 1940s radio studio where a radio host, sound effects artists, and a star-studded acting company bring the holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street, to life. Young Susan Walker has been raised by her well-meaning mother, Doris, not to believe in Santa Claus. Then she meets Kris Kringle, the man hired to play Santa at Macy’s department store. When a jealous Macy’s employee frames Kris for an assault, attorney Fred Gailey must prove to Doris, Susan, and a court of law that Kris IS the real Santa. Perfect for the whole family!
When: December 4-20, 2020; 7:00 pm Thursdays and Fridays; 2:00 pm Saturdays & Sundays
Cost: Tickets start at $29
Semi-Virtual Holly & Ivy Holiday Home Tour
Salisbury House & Gardens • 4025 Tonawanda Drive • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 274-1777
Decorated by local designers and retailers, each room at the Sailisbury House will be adorned in festive holiday décor, providing inspiration for your own home or holiday event. The first 250 tickets sold will include a one-time admittance to the Salisbury House during the month of December to view the festive holiday decor in person, in addition to the online tour filled with tidbits on the Weeks family and history as well as virtual tours of both the Salisbury House and multiple private homes! Tours of the participating private homes are available to view on the virtual platform only. Special timed entry for self-guided tours have been implemented to minimize contact and encourage social distancing. A maximum number of 20 guests are allowed per timed entry.
When: December 4 through December 20, 2020. Multiple tour times offered.
Cost: $20
Jingle Bell Stroll
Gray’s Lake Park • 2101 Fleur Drive • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 237-1386
Walk thru the snow covered and holiday-themed half-mile trail, grab a socially distanced snap with Santa and take home a pop bottle birdfeeder kit–all for free! Since you cannot chat with Santa Claus, we invite you to bring a letter (with your address listed) and we’ll be sure he reads before he departs for the North Pole. This event, hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation is designed for kids 13 and under. Register by December 4, 2020.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Living History Farms Family Christmas – Cancelled
Living History Farms • 11121 Hickman Road • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-5286
Join LHF for a day of holiday traditions filled with Christmas cheer! Visit various sites in the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill to participate in the holiday traditions of a Victorian Midwestern family. While you’re there, do a little holiday shopping for unique gifts in the MarketPlace Museum Store. Living History Farms is the perfect place to celebrate the time-honored holiday traditions of the season!
When: Saturday, December 5 at 12:00 to 4:00 pm
Cost: Advanced Tickets – $7.00/Adult; $6.00 LHF member
Candy Cane Hike
Annett Nature Center • 15565 118th Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-6169
Bring the whole family out to hike the trails of Annett Nature Center in search of hidden candy canes. Submit your guess for how many candy canes are on the trail and get entered to win a wintery surprise. This is a self-guided hike, so you can come and go between 1PM-3PM. Check in at the front desk for instructions and a trail map. Please dress for the weather. Registration is required by December 3,2020.
When: Saturday, December 5 at 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Beaverdale Holiday Lights & Holiday Happenings
Beaverdale Neighborhood
The Beaverdale Neighborhood Association sponsors a Holiday Lights contest each year. And, this year’s is supposed to be bigger and better than ever! Awards will be announced on December 5th during the Holdiay Happenings Event. Be sure to shop attend the tree lighting and enjoy a virtual Santa visit. Watch their Facebook page for details.
When: Holiday Happenings December 5 at 9:30 am to 10:30 pm. See the lights December 6 through December 31, 2020 at 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Cost: FREE
Dazzling in the District
1500 SW Main Street • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 964-9444
Hosted by the District at Prairie Trail, there will be holiday shopping, food and beverage specials, live music, activities, a scavenger hunt, prize drawings and a special surprise for photos with Santa at this annual event.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 2:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Gingerbread Lane
SE Richland Court • Ankeny, IA 50021
Gingerbread Lane is a long tradition on Richland Court in Ankeny where 30+ homes are decked out for the holidays. Expect lots of gingerbread themed handmade displays and oodles of twinkling lights. Watch their Facebook page for schedule updates and reminders.
When: December 5 through 31, 2020 at 5:30 to 10:00 pm.
Cost: FREE. Non-perishable food Donations will be accepted on the weekends for the Food Bank of Iowa.
Light Up Urbandale
Lions Park • 4103 72nd Street • Urbandale IA • (515) 278-3936
Join UCAN for a Holiday Drive-Thru Celebration! This event is designed to celebrate Light Up Urbandale in a safe and socially distant way. All attendees will remain in cars! Make a loop around Lions Park to see the beautiful Holiday Tree, special light/decoration displays, dancing reindeer and more with the ULTIMATE stop being Santa and an opportunity to drop off your little one’s letter to him!
When: Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE; Donations for UCAN’s Holiday Helping Hands programs will be accepted.
Grimes Holiday Celebration
Grimes South Sports Complex • 750 S. James Street • Grimes, IA 50111 • (515) 986-5770
Grimes’ first ever Drive-Thru Holiday Celebration event! Bring the kiddos to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy activities including trivia, gift bags, tree voting contest, and holiday lights and music! Make sure to bring along your letters to Santa for his little helpers to pick up!
When: Sunday, December 6 at 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Celebration of Lights
Ashworth Road Baptist Church • 5300 Ashworth Road • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 223-0914
Ashworth Road Baptist Church’s Celebration of Lights is a dancing light show with over 15,000 lights dancing in an animated fashion set to music. To kick off the seasonal display they host a Christmas celebration for the public. This year it will be a drive through event. Take a socially distant picture with Santa and of course, watch the unveiling of their animated Christmas light show.
When: The celebration event is on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 5:00 pm. The lights can be viewed December 6 through 25, 2020 at 5:00 to 9:00 pm.
Cost: FREE
Christmas Wonderland
4501 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265
The West Des Moines Christian Church will be celebrating the Christmas season with their 55th annual live nativity. The entire family will enjoy this living nativity featuring costumed actors and live animals.
When: Friday, December 11, Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Giovannetti Community Shelter • 8900 Douglas Avenue • (515) 278-3963
It has been rumored someone has left candy canes and candy on the grounds around Giovannetti Community Shelter! Bring your bag and flashlight and help find them all! After collecting all the candy, enjoy hot cocoa from the patio. Parents must accompany children, please register child only. Dress according to the weather. Hosted by Urbandale Parks and Recreation for kids ages 1-8. Registration required.
When: Friday, December 11 at 6:00 to 7:00pm
Cost: $8.00
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker in Home Experiences
(515) 244-0507
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season from the comfort of your own home through a variety of curated packages. From online tutorials to take home tea parties, a wine dinner and more, there is something for everyone.
When: Package pickup Saturday, December 12 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Cost: Packages start at $35.
Synchronized Lights & Live Nativity
Fellowship Community Church • 225 North Avenue • Norwalk, IA• (515) 981-0699
Usher in the Christmas season by visiting Fellowship Community Church in Norwalk. Their property will be covered in 60,000+ LED lights that are synchronized to Christmas music. They’ll also have a live nativity with real animals. The best part is you can enjoy everything from the warmth of your vehicle.
When: Saturday & Sunday December 12 & 13, 2020 at 5:30 to 8:00pm.
Cost: FREE. Donations will be accepted and will be used to assist local needy families.
Light the Night
Jester Park Nature Center • 12130 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109 • (515) 323-5350
Celebrate winter’s official arrival and one of the longest nights of the year! Take a short hike along the Discovery Trail lit with luminaries, enjoy a fire under the stars and share a cup of cocoa.
When: December 19 and 21, 2020; Multiple Times offered.
Cost: $5
Light the Night
Brenton Arboretum • 25141 260th Street • Dallas Center, IA 50063 • (515) 992-4211
Celebrate Winter’s official arrival and the longest night of the year! Bring a thermos of cocoa and your cozy blankets to enjoy a fire under the stars as you set your intentions for the new year. Come any time between 5:30 and 8:30 pm, stay just a bit or a little longer. All ages welcome, a great event for families!
When: December 21 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost: FREE
What are your favorite things to do with your kids during the holiday season in Des Moines? We want to know!
