Holiday Hullabaloo
The holidays come to life at Holiday Hullabaloo! As soon as you step inside, you’ll see nothing but holiday décor including a toyland, candyland, Holiday Hullabaloo-ville, life-size snow globe, life-size gingerbread house, and so much more filling dozens of square feet. Make your trip even more exciting with a snowball fight or by visiting the sock skating rink. You can also get your photo with Santa and decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen. The fun doesn’t stop there, check out the different events you can attend throughout Holiday Hullabaloo. Get your tickets and see hours here.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Bundle up! It’s Glühwein season. Indulge in bratwurst, warm mulled wine, and holiday shopping at Christkindlmarket Des Moines, returning with twice the magic this year across two weekends: December 4 — 7 and 11 — 14. Step into a charming slice of Europe at Principal Park, where wooden stalls overflow with handcrafted treasures, authentic German fare fills the air with delicious aromas, and live entertainment brings festive energy to every corner. Grab your coats, gather the kids, and dive into this free outdoor Christmas market.
Jingle in the Junction
Looking to shop locally for the holidays? Head to Historic Valley Junction on Thursday nights for Jingle in the Junction. Under the glow of 125,000 holiday lights, enjoy extended shopping hours in your favorite Valley Junction stores! This gives you time to find the perfect gift, enjoy dinner, as well as enjoy three blocks of entertainment. Thursdays through December 18.
East Village Holiday Promenade
Another great opportunity to shop locally, the East Village Holiday Promenade, happens on Friday evenings through December 19! Wander the charming streets of Historic East Village, where shops stay open late, and sidewalks buzz with holiday-themed activities, lively entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
The Peppermint Trail
Head to The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand on December 13 for the return of The Peppermint Trail. More than 50 local shops, restaurants, and businesses will be featuring peppermint and holiday-themed specials. Enjoy Gingerbread house decorating, carolers, visits from Santa Claus, and so much more. Make a stop at Crème for peppermint hot chocolate, Palmer’s for a live ice carving, and stop at The Station on Ingersoll for their Holiday pop-up, Miracle on Ingersoll. Learn about all the specials here.
Black Cat
Local favorite Black Cat Ice Cream is bringing some holiday cheer to downtown Des Moines with the opening of their new location at 1301 Locust St., Suite D. on December 5. Just in time for the season, you can enjoy small‑batch scoops and creative flavors perfect for a festive treat. Whether it’s a sweet stop after holiday shopping or a cozy outing with friends and family, this new location is set to be a downtown favorite for celebrating the season with a little extra indulgence.
Disney’s Frozen
Catch the magic of Disney’s Frozen at the Des Moines Playhouse, where this hometown favorite brings the beloved story to life with all the charm and creativity they’re known for. Watch Anna, Elsa, and the whole crew take the stage in a fun, music-filled adventure that’s perfect for families, kids, and anyone who loves the movie. With familiar songs, festive vibes, and that warm Playhouse atmosphere, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a night out at one of Greater Des Moines’ favorite local theatres.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Bucknell Bison
The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team is coming to Des Moines this month for a highly anticipated game against the Bucknell Bison. Grab your tickets starting at just $27 and get ready for a fun-filled night cheering on the Hawks at Casey’s Center.
