Nothing helps get you in the holiday spirit quite like a holiday event does. Seeing all the decor, smelling the scents of hot chocolate and peppermint, and gazing at the dazzling lights. There are a variety of events that will get you thinking all things holiday whether you just want to enjoy decorations while enjoying a treat or shopping under the glow of the lights.
Dome for the Holidays
It’s a winter wonderland inside the always-warm Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Dome for the Holidays transforms the gardens into a festive world for the holidays. Now an evening event, you can enjoy festive lights, glass blown sculptures, gnome hunt, music, food, and more.
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
When: Tuesdays – Sundays, November 15 – January 4
Tickets: $17, $11 children 13 and under, free for children 1 and under
Jingle in the Junction
Few places are better to get you in the holiday mood and knock out your holiday shopping than Historic Valley Junction, particularly during their annual Jingle in the Junction jubilee. On four Thursday evenings in November and December, take a step back in time with horse-drawn trolley rides, Christmas carolers, ice carvings, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Shops stay open late with holiday sales and mini-events.
Where: Historic Valley Junction
When: Thursdays, November 20 – December 18
Tickets: Free
East Village Holiday Promenade
Santa's Village has nothing on the East Village when the Holiday Promenade takes over the East Village for five Fridays in November and December. Kicking off on November 21 with the tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza and (deep breath) Santa (!!), each week has a different theme and activities, so multiple trips may be in store. From horse-drawn trolleys and wreath displays to scavenger hunts and hide and seek ornaments, this is the most epic and Des Moines way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some retail therapy. Plus, this year they are debuting a drone show on the final Friday. It’s even got its own Spotify playlist!
Where: Historic East Village
When: Fridays, November 21 – December 19
Tickets: Free
Santa Express
This real life Polar Express in Boone was named one of the 30 Best Holiday and Christmas Trains in the U.S., and for good reason. Wear your most festive Christmas pajamas and take an hour-long round trip to the quaint but charming “North Pole,” singing Christmas carols and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies along the way.
Where: Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
When: weekends, November 28 – December 21
Tickets: $56 for first class coach, $28 for classic coach
Winter Wonderland
If you missed Center Grove Orchard this fall, hit up Winter Wonderland this holiday season. Experience twinkling lights, trees, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. Want to make your experience even more magical? Purchase different add-ons like Brunch with Santa, PJ’s with Santa, or Cookie Decorating here.
Where: Center Grove Orchard
When: Friday — Sunday, November 29 – December 21; December 22 — 23
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Immerse yourself in European culture with Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Head to Principal Park to shop from vendors set up in wooden stalls, nosh on German foods, listen to diverse entertainment, and sip on warm mulled wine. New this year, the event is happening over the course of two weekends. The event is free and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Where: Principal Park
When: December 4 — 7, 11 — 14
Tickets: Free
Holiday Hullabaloo
Returning for 2025, celebrate the Holiday season at Southridge Event Center. Benefitting Dorothy's House, explore Mrs. Claus's Kitchen, build a craft in Santa's Workshop, shop in the Marketplace, check out the Ice Bar, and so much more. Holiday Hullabaloo also has special events throughout the season such as a Baby Rave, Breakfast with Santa, Noon Year’s Eve, photos with Santa, and more!
Where: Southridge Event Center
When: December 5 – December 28, check hours here.
Tickets: $24, $15 ages 4 – 12 and 63 and older
Living History Farms Family Christmas
Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a 19th-century Christmas: enjoy carols, storytelling, cookie decorating, crafts, parlor games, and even a “snowball” toss in the Flynn Barn. Explore historic buildings like the Flynn Mansion, Print Shop, and Church of the Land, and take a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride (weather permitting). Kids can have their photos taken with Santa, too!
Where: Living History Farms
When: December 6
Tickets: Advance admission: $11 for ages 2+ ($10 for members); Admission at the door: $12 for all visitors ages 2+
Holly and Ivy
See Salisbury House decorated for the holidays on December 6 and 7. Explore the rooms as they are decorated for the season from local interior designers, florists, home stagers, and more. Explore Santa’s Sweet Shoppe for treats, hot chocolate, cocktails, and mocktails. Santa will be there for a visit, and so much more. Get tickets here.
Where: Salisbury House and Gardens
When: December 6 and 7
Tickets: $25 at door
Holiday Hoedown
Ever been to a country-themed holiday party? Holiday Hoe-down is just that. This 21 and older event features live music from Jordan Beem and Tyler Richton and the Hank Boys, as well as holiday cocktails and food.
Where: 4-H Exhibits Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
When: December 12
Tickets: $25 for 21 and older
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 Chain & Spoke for a peppermint latte, Palmer's for cookie decorating, and at The Station on Ingersoll for their Holiday pop-up, Miracle on Ingersoll.
Where: The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand and Cultural Roosevelt District
When: December 13
Tickets: Free
Baile de Navideno de la Feria de Iowa
Throw on your best ugly Christmas sweater and celebrate the holiday season Latin-style. You can enjoy festive food and drinks and a local taco truck. There will also be live music by Indestructible Banda Azteca and Grupo515.
Where: 4-H Exhibits Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
When: December 13
Tickets: $25, $15 for ages 20 and under
Santa Run 5k
This family-friendly event welcomes runners, walkers, and everyone in between—jog, sprint, or take a leisurely stroll through a winter wonderland. Every participant receives a Santa suit and a $10 gift card to Fleet Feet Des Moines, and $10 of your entry fee supports a local charity of your choice. Don't forget to grab a warm cup of hot chocolate at the finish line!
Where: Fleet Feet Des Moines
When: December 13
Tickets: $50
Christmas at Terrace Hill
Join Governor Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds for Christmas at Terrace Hill. This annual event invites you to explore the historic property and enjoy the holidays with the family while decorating ornaments, listening to carolers, enjoying Christmas cookies, taking a photo with Santa, and writing a letter to Iowa National Guard service members who are deployed.
Where: Terrace Hill
When: December 14
Tickets: $30 for a family of four ($5 for additional child), $10 individual tickets
Winter Wonderland Iowa Wild Game
Step into the season at Winter Wonderland on December 19! Enjoy festive lights around the rink, holiday activities for all ages, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Fans can also take advantage of Friday beer and cocktail specials as they cheer on the Wild. Get tickets HERE.
Christmas Vacation Game
Everyone gets their “holiday bonus” at Christmas Vacation Night on December 27! Break out your best ugly sweater and enjoy a festive evening featuring live music from Local Concert Series artist Brian Thompson Band, as well as a Christmas Vacation t-shirt giveaway. Adults can also enjoy 2-for-1 Confluence Beers throughout the game.
