Once December 1st is here, the Advent count down begins. Suddenly we have barely three weeks left to squeeze every bit of holiday fun out of this city that we possibly can. There are amazing holiday light displays to take in and photos to be taken with Santa. In short, no matter how hard you try to do it all, there is more epic fun stuff going on than anyone could possibly do in a month!
To stay on top of it all, keep checking our Event Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide for the most up-to-date celebrations. And, be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletter, so you can get our weekend picks delivered directly to your inbox.
Now get your calendars ready! Here are the top things to do with kids this month in Des Moines:
December 1st
Create art, dance to live music, taste some snacks and explore the Des Moines Art Center during Entirely Kids Day a drop-in style art experience for the whole family.
December 2nd-17th
If you’re looking to see a holiday movie classic on the big screen in Des Moines this holiday season, you’re in luck!
- Flix Brewhouse will once again host their 12 Days of Flix-Mas starting with “Scrooged” on December 2nd and ending with “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on December 17th.
- Fridley Theatres’ will be showing “The Grinch” during their FREE Holiday Merchant Movie Series, December 14th & 15th.
- B&B Theatres will be showing a few holiday movies during their B&B Retro Nights! on December 3rd, December 5th, December 10th and December 16th.
December 7th & 21st
Come in from the cold to experience a different kind of blizzard – a Butterfly Blizzard in Reiman Gardens’ Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing! An amazing nature moment for young and old alike! While you’re there, partake in fun, themed crafts and sip hot cocoa.
December 7th, 14th & 21st
Lunch n’ Laughs are theatre for the wee ones in mind, and still fun for the entire family. Join your favorite damsel on stage in “The Commedia Rapunzel” at CAP Theatre in Altoona.
December 13th
A cold December day is the perfect time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy National Cocoa Day. Join Polk County Conservation at Jester Park Nature Center and enjoy a Hike and Hot Cocoa. All ages welcome.
December 14th
Learn to ice skate for FREE with an Introduction to Ice Skating at Brenton Skating Plaza. You’ll learn basic ice-skating skills in a fun and energetic environment. All skill levels are welcome for ages 4 and up. Your reservation includes admission and skate rental.
December 15th
Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble at Franklin Junior High. Christian Carichner of Iowa State University leads the ensemble for a FREE concert of holiday favorites featuring guest soloist Mike Giles.
December 20th & 21st
Enjoy the humor and soulful a cappella vocals that make Tonic Sol-fa The Nights Before Christmas Tour a holiday tradition for many at Hoyt Sherman Place.
December 22nd
Light the menorah, Hanukkah starts tonight and ends the evening of Monday, December 30, 2019. Links to local Jewish congregations can be found at The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines.
December 25th
It’s Christmas! May yours be Merry and Bright!
“Little Women” Marches into Des Moines movie theatres on Christmas Day. The eighth film adaptation of the 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott.
December 26th
Kwanzaa, the seven-day festival of African American heritage and history kicks off. Light the first candle on the kinara to celebrate the principle of unity.
dsm4kids wishes you and your family a festive, fun-filled holiday season! Whether you are wanting to visit Santa, take in the lights or a Christmas concert we’ve tried our best to list activities and events that will help you create your family’s holiday traditions in your hometown.
Where will your family kid n’ play in Des Moines this December? Let us know!
