Events Calendar
Welcome to dsm4kids’ calendar of family events!
No matter where you live in the Des Moines metro, you can rely on our calendar to find nearby events and activities your kids will love!
To keep up to date on weekend events and activities be sure to sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide!
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information listed on the calendar. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
Events considered for inclusion onto the dsm4kids calendar include those at local venues, including free and low-cost events, as well as special events that may require paid admission. Events are posted to the online calendar in a timely manner throughout the month.
While all submissions are considered, inclusion is based on event relevance. Events occurring outside of Central Iowa or events primarily geared toward adults will not be listed.
If you are a business or organization and would like to submit an event listing, please click on Submit Event.
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 26, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we’re hosting special events all season long!
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 26, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we’re hosting special events all season long!
Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 26, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we’re hosting special events all season long!
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Jolly Holiday Lights 2024
November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Jolly Holiday Lights has been a cherished holiday tradition in Central Iowa for more than 20 years, bringing joy to families while supporting a meaningful cause. This year, Winterland Inc., a national leader in large-scale holiday light displays, is proud to carry on the legacy of Jolly Holiday Lights. As the new host, Winterland will honor longtime organizer Make-A-Wish Iowa by including its treasured logo in the light display and give back to the organization’s mission of granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.
- 5:30 – 9 p.m. on weekdays
- 5:30 – 10 p.m. on weekends
Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 26, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we’re hosting special events all season long!
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Once a year, downtown Altoona transforms into a bustling winter wonderland for Christmas in Olde Town—a celebration of our community and the holiday season.
Load up your sleigh with family and friends and come join us for live music, walking tours, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a light show, and a special appearance from the Big Guy himself! Family-friendly activities start at 2 P.M.
Jolly Holiday Lights 2024
November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Jolly Holiday Lights has been a cherished holiday tradition in Central Iowa for more than 20 years, bringing joy to families while supporting a meaningful cause. This year, Winterland Inc., a national leader in large-scale holiday light displays, is proud to carry on the legacy of Jolly Holiday Lights. As the new host, Winterland will honor longtime organizer Make-A-Wish Iowa by including its treasured logo in the light display and give back to the organization’s mission of granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.
- 5:30 – 9 p.m. on weekdays
- 5:30 – 10 p.m. on weekends
Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 26, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we’re hosting special events all season long!
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to Grimes! Bring the kiddos to see Santa and enjoy activities including Trivia, goodie bags, tree voting contest, and holiday lights and music! This annual event is fun for the whole family. Make sure to bring along your letters to Santa for his little helpers to pick up!
For more information, be sure to check out our website: www.grimesiowa.com
Jolly Holiday Lights 2024
November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Jolly Holiday Lights has been a cherished holiday tradition in Central Iowa for more than 20 years, bringing joy to families while supporting a meaningful cause. This year, Winterland Inc., a national leader in large-scale holiday light displays, is proud to carry on the legacy of Jolly Holiday Lights. As the new host, Winterland will honor longtime organizer Make-A-Wish Iowa by including its treasured logo in the light display and give back to the organization’s mission of granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.
- 5:30 – 9 p.m. on weekdays
- 5:30 – 10 p.m. on weekends
Bundle up this winter and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park from November 26, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The park features a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights and we’re hosting special events all season long!
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas!
November 3 – December 24
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 5 through Christmas Eve. Advanced on-line reservations are highly recommended. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Free Holiday Fun
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.