When the snow starts to fall and the lights begin to twinkle, Greater Des Moines turns into a stage and you’re invited to the front row. Whether you’re leaning in for a heart-warming holiday play, ready to tap your toes at a festive concert or hunting for the perfect “wow” moment with the whole crew, this list of shows has it all. Grab your mittens, snag your tickets and let the magic of live performances turn your winter into something unforgettable.
DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
Iowa Dance Theatre presents: The Nutcracker
Where: Des Moines Civic Center
When: 7 p.m., December 12; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., December 13
Tickets: $31 — $59
Join Clara’s magical journey through a dream-like winter wonderland where dancing mice, snow-falling forests and the Sugar-Plum Fairy bring holiday enchantment to life.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical
Where: Des Moines Civic Center
When: 7 p.m., December 16 — 19; 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. December 20; 1:00 p.m and 5:30 p.m. December 21
Tickets: $35, $54.50, $84.50, $125
A larger than life staging of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic where Max the Dog guides you through the Grinch’s scheming, the Whos’ soaring songs and the heart growing finale that turns the story into a full theater spectacle.
A Christmas Carol
Where: Stoner Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sundays), December 5 — 21
Tickets: $45
Watch miserly Ebenezer Scrooge travel through the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and awaken to the true spirit of the season.
The Des Moines Symphony New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque
Where: Des Moines Civic Center
When: 8 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $40 — $90
Ring in the New Year under the stars with the Des Moines Symphony and Cirque aerialists from Troupe Vertigo — a soaring, gravity-defying celebration where acrobatics meet orchestral movie classics
DES MOINES COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Where: Des Moines Community Playhouse
When: 7 p.m., November 21; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. November 22; 1 p.m. November 28; 4 p.m. November 28; 1:00 p.m. November 29
Tickets: $20 - $30
A group of notorious kids hijacks the local church pageant for the snacks, then unexpectedly helps everyone rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE
Christmas with The Celts
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
When: 7 p.m., November 25
Tickets: $29.50 — $69.50
Feel the hooves of Irish step-dancers and the blast of pipes as The Celts blend timeless Irish carols with modern holiday hits in a festive, foot-stomping concert experience.
Christmas with Lorie Line
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
When: 7 p.m., December 4
Tickets: $68
Lorie Line returns to the stage as a solo pianist and celebrates the Christmas season with faith-filled stories and the best-of-the-best holiday music.
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
When: 7 p.m., December 11; 7 p.m., December 12; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., December 13; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., December 14
Tickets: $35 - $89
Join Clara and her enchanted nutcracker as they whirl through snow‑covered forests and sugar‑sweet lands in a dazzling holiday ballet at Hoyt Sherman Place.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
When: 7:00 p.m., December 18
Tickets: $29.50 — $70
Experience New Orleans‑style jazz infused with holiday cheer as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings their ‘Creole Christmas’ celebration to Des Moines.
Tonic Sol-Fa “Wrap It Up” - The Final Holiday Tour
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
When: 7:30 p.m., December 20
Tickets: Starting at $39.50
A slick, high‑energy holiday big‑band throw‑down where Sinatra swagger meets modern sparkle at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.
NOCE
Under the Mistletoe with Lauren Vilmain
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m., December 1; 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. December 21
Tickets: $38 — $60
Vocalist Lauren Vilmain blends classical training, jazz sophistication, and soulful blues in a captivating performance with her Quintet and the NOLA Jazz Band at Noce Jazz Club.
Max Wellsman’s 16th Annual Home for the Holidays
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m., December 4; 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. December 6, 12, 13; 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. December 14
Tickets: $38 — $60
Max Wellman returns with his beloved Home for the Holidays, a jazzy, variety‑show–style celebration of classic Christmas tunes led by music director Dave Rezek and a top-notch ensemble
All I Want For Christmas: Gina Gedler
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., December 5; 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., December 7; 7 p.m., December 23
Tickets: $27 — $60
Join renowned singer and actress Gina Gedler and her combo of musicians for an evening of some of her favorite warm and toasty Holiday songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Eartha Kitt, Diana Krall, and many more!
A Charlie Brown Christmas with Tanner Taylor Trio
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m., December 8,10, 15, and 22; 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., December 27
Tickets: $38 — $60
Hear the classic score from composer Vince Guaraldi, brought to you by one of the great piano trios in the region.
Sounds of the Season with the Des Moines Big Band
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m., December 17
Tickets: $38 — $60
Join the Des Moines Big Band for a monthlong series of favorite holiday classics put through a Big Band filter.
Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O – National Act!
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m., December 18
Tickets: $38 — $67
Renowned drummer Matt Wilson brings his signature blend of joyous swing, playful improvisation, and masterful ensembles to a must-see modern jazz experience.
A NOLA Christmas
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m. , December 9; 7 p.m., December 23; 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., December 26
Tickets: $38 — $60
Experience five generations of jazz mastery as The NOLA Jazz Band delivers soulful, high-energy blues and traditional New Orleans sounds that have captivated audiences from NYC to Europe.
A Swingin’ Christmas W/Carson Parker, Featuring Aviana Gedler
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., December 19
Tickets: $38 — $60
Join up-and-coming pianist & composer Carson Parker in a brand new Christmas show with his full band, featuring Iowa native (now Chicago-based) singer & multi-instrumentalist Aviana Gedler.
Christmas with the Nate Sparks Big Band
Where: Noce
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. December 20; 5 p.m., December 22
Tickets: $38 — $60
An elite big band led by the great composer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist Nate Sparks, featuring new arrangements of some of your holiday favorites!
Noce’s Wild Party
Where: Noce
When: 8 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $167 — $182
Celebrate Noce’s 10th birthday in roaring ’20s style at the 11th annual WILD PARTY, a jazz-filled extravaganza with performances by Max Wellman and friends, plus a full evening of food, music, and festive activities.
SALISBURY HOUSE AND GARDENS
Holiday Concert at Salisbury House
Where: Salisbury House and Gardens
When: 7 p.m., December 7
Tickets: $65
Tina Haase Findlay brings her powerhouse blues, soul, and rock to a festive evening at the estate, with your ticket including complimentary wine, beer, and desserts.
TEMPLE THEATER
The Naughty List: A Music Revue
Where: Temple Theater
When: 8 p.m., December 18 — 20
Tickets: $40, $50
A cheeky, two-person holiday romp packed with Christmas hits, wicked humor and a satirical spin on Santa, family and all the weirdness wrapped up in the season.
The Finesse Holiday Special
Where: Temple Theater
When: 7 p.m, December 21 — 22
Tickets: $20, $25
A soulful, pajama-party style holiday showdown as The Finesse leads two nights of classics, singalongs and surprise performances to spread festive joy.
Pop n Jolly
Where: Temple Theater
When: 6:30 p.m., December 23
Tickets: $37.50, $47.50
Pop-’N’-Jolly is a joyous, multi-generation holiday concert full of timeless favorites, neighborhood laughs, sing-alongs, special guests and all the feels of Christmas nostalgia
