It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the magic of the 2023 holiday season in the Des Moines area is full of holiday events and seasonal, family-friendly outings to keep your crew merry and create treasured holiday memories to last a lifetime.
We’ve found loads of family-friendly holiday events worth adding to your calendar this season, from Thanksgiving events to holiday markets to Santa sightings. We’ve got plenty more ways to make seasonal memories this season in our Holiday Fun Guide and our Event Calendar. Bookmark this page, too, as we’ll add more can’t-miss holiday events as we learn about them.
Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always verify dates, times, location and other information, as circumstances can change.
Here’s our list of the best Christmas and holiday events in Des Moines:
Jingle in the Junction
Valley Junction • 5th Street • West Des Moines, IA 5026
Join the Valley Junction community for their annual “Jingle in the Junction” holiday event. The businesses in Historic Valley Junction and the streets will be lined with over 125,000 twinkling lights. In addition, enjoy extended shopping hours, FREE horse-drawn trolley rides, Santa, carolers and more.
When: Thursday, November 16 & 30, December 7 & 14 2023 at 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Holiday Promenade
Historic East Village • E. 6th Street • Des Moines, IA • (515) 244-4211
The annual Holiday Promenade will return to the Historic East Village for five Fridays bursting with holiday cheer from November 17th to December 15th! Holiday Promenade will be an exciting celebration full of holiday themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. Historic East Village retailers, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to remain open until 9:00 pm each Friday.
When: Fridays, November 17, 24, December 1, 8 & 15, 2023
Cost: FREE
Urbandale Mayor’s Lighting Celebration
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park • 3600 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-3963
Join the Mayor and City Council as they flip-the-switch and light up the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park for the holiday season! They’ll have hot cocoa and cookies for you to enjoy as you walk around the beautifully decorated park.
When: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Festival of Trees and Lights
Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center • 833 5th Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309
Festival of Trees & Lights is a three-day public event that is the main fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital. The event features beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, children’s activities, food, shopping and more.
When: November 24, 25 & 26, 2023; Starts at 10:00 am daily
Cost: $5 per person, 2 and younger are FREE
Holiday Hullabaloo
Former Woodsmith Shop • 10320 Hickman Road • Clive, Iowa 50325
Holiday Hullabaloo is an InnovativEvents production. Guests at this family-friendly immersive holiday experience will be surprised and delighted this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment and festivities that will allow you to create some fun holiday hullabaloo and memories.
When: November 24 through December 31, 2023 – Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: General Admission tickets are $15.00 to $25.00. Season Passes are also available.
Winter’s Eve
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater • 4100 Mills Civic Parkway • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 222-3600
The City of West Des Moines invites you to their annual Winter’s Eve celebration. Enjoy wintry refreshments, a Heartland Youth Choir performance, and the reveal of the 2023 Light Bearer. Be sure to catch the Mayor’s Tree Lighting at 5:45pm.
When: Monday, November 27, 2023 at 5:30pm
Cost: FREE
Waukee Winterfest
Waukee Triangle • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 978-0007
Bring on the holiday cheer with Waukee’s annual WinterFest! Kids can visit Santa, watch an artist create holiday ice sculptures, take a trolly ride, enjoy cookies, and warm up with hot cocoa. Experience Waukee’s historic Downtown Triangle and its unique businesses that will be hosting open houses. Organizers are asking attendees to bring non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to those in need.
When: Friday, December 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Holly & Ivy Holiday Home Tour
Salisbury House & Gardens • 4025 Tonawanda Drive • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 274-1777
Salisbury House welcomes you to join them for the holidays during their annual Holly & Ivy home tour. Experience this grand 1920s estate along with two privately-owned unique and historic homes within the surrounding neighborhood at their holiday best. Each room of Salisbury House will be decorated by the finest local interior designers, florists, and home furnishing stores and is bursting with holiday cheer!
When: Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: General Admission tickets $25 per person
Windsor Wonderland
Colby Park • 6900 School Street • Windsor Heights, IA 50324 • (515) 645-6819
Windsor Heights’ annual community holiday celebration will feature: Movies in the Park: The Grinch, a holiday lights contest, crafts, hot chocolate, carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, Santa visit, ice sculptor and MORE!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Beaverdale Holiday Happenings
Beaverdale Business District • Des Moines, IA 50310
The Beaverdale community is celebrating in style this holiday season. They’re hosting a series of fun events including: dinner and drink specials at local bars and restaurants, a holiday lights contest, tree lighting ceremony, Shop Hop deals at local businesses, Santa Story time and more.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Living History Farms Family Christmas
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 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 2, 2023 at 12:00 to 3:00 pm
Cost: Advanced Tickets $9.00 LHF member; $8.00 non-member
Dazzling in the District
The District at Prairie Trail • SW District Drive • Ankeny, IA 50023
They’re kicking off the holiday season in Ankeny with Dazzling in The District. Stroll The District at Prairie Trail on a holiday scavenger hunt and stay for the dazzling grand finale tree lighting ceremony and fireworks with Mayor Mark Holm! Fun for the whole family with a day full of holiday cheer, seasonal arts and crafts, festive treats and drinks, shopping and dining.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 2:00 to 6:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Sensory Friendly Christmas Party
Kind and Uplifting ABA Therapy • 525 NE 72nd Street • Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 • (515) 979-9932
Experience the magic of a Sensory-Friendly Christmas, thoughtfully hosted by Kind and Uplifting ABA Therapy, a special event designed for children with unique needs. Join them for an unforgettable time filled with heartwarming moments. Capture the joy with photos with Santa. Unleash your creativity with Christmas crafts. Savor delicious snacks and more! To secure your spot, please make sure to pre-register.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE but registration is required.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park • 3600 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-3963
It has been rumored someone has left candy canes and candy on the grounds around Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park! Kids ages 1-8 can bring their bag and flashlight and help Urbandale Parks and Recreation 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. This event will take place strictly outdoors.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE but registration is required. Parents must accompany children.
Holidays at the Town Center
Johnston Town Center • Merle Hay Road & NW 62nd Avenue • Johnston, IA • (515) 278-5233
Join the City of Johnston for their annual holiday celebration at their Town Center. This event will be a festive evening filled with family fun. There will be an appearance by Santa and his reindeer, ornament making, free ice skating, holiday tree lighting and more family-fun activities!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Grimes Drive Thru Holiday Celebration
Grimes South Sports Complex • 750 S James Street Grimes, IA 50111• (515) 986-5770
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to Grimes! Join the Grimes Chamber of Commerce for their Drive-Thru event! 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.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Light up the Carousel for the Holidays
Heritage Carousel in Union Park • 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue • Des Moines, IA
Kickstart the holiday season with a magical lighting of the Heritage Carousel! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joining in on the festivities, making it an event to remember. Warm up with hot chocolate, indulge in delicious cookies, and let the holiday music set the festive tone. As a special treat, enjoy FREE Carousel rides and take home a charming Carousel ornament (limit of one per family, please). This event is open to the public.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost: FREE; They’re also offering an exclusive opportunity: with a donation of $100 or more during their Fall Fundraiser, you’ll receive V.I.P. Passes. Your V.I.P. Ticket includes “Fast Pass” access to ride the Carousel all night.
Luminary Hike
Grandview Park – Enclosed Shelter • 3230 Easton Boulevard • Des Moines, IA 50317 • (515) 237-1386
Embrace the winter chill and the enchanting darkness with an invigorating hike that promises to be an unforgettable experience. Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites you to explore the Grandview Park trail illuminated by nature-themed luminaries. Afterward, gather around the warmth of a crackling fire and treat yourself to a comforting cup of hot chocolate.
When: Sunday, December 8, 2023 at 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Candy Cane Hike
Middleswart Lodge • 15875 118th Avenue • Indianola, IA • (515) 961-6169
Tis the season to bust out your favorite ugly sweater and candy cane strips! Hike the trails near the Middleswart Lodge to find hidden candy canes. Do you have the eyes to find them all? If so, enter your guess in the candy cane box for your chance to win a candy cane-themed goodie bag. Staff will have hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies for you to enjoy after your hike, while supplies last. Feel free to come and go as you please.
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Home for the Holidays Kick-Off
The Indianola Town Square • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-6269
Indianola Downtown warmly invites you Home for the Holidays! You’re sure to find your holiday cheer as they transform their Square with the dazzling sights, sounds (& smells) of the season. Ask Santa if you are on his Nice List, take a horse drawn wagon ride, join in on a carol or find a treat just like your grandma used to make. And there is no better place to find the perfect gift than their beautiful boutiques, so be sure to bring your gift list!
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Ugly Sweater Bowling Party
Warrior Lanes • 190 Southeast Laurel Drive • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 987-4840
Put on your most outrageously ugly holiday sweater and round up the family for an entertaining afternoon of bowling. Join Warrior Lanes for a family-friendly glow-in-the-dark bowling event that’s perfect for all ages and abilities. It’s the ideal way to combine festive spirit with a little friendly competition.
What are your favorite events to attend with your family during the holiday season in Des Moines? We want to know!
