This is your all-in-one guide to every holiday happening in Greater Des Moines. Lights, shows, pop up bars, festive events, ice skating, Santa sightings, you name it, it’s here. We gathered everything, wrapped it up with a bow, and packed it tighter than a holiday cookie tin. Enjoy the season without scrambling. 

Note: You can think of some sections as a sampler plate, just enough to get you in the spirit, and if you want the full festive feast, follow the links at the bottom of those categories for the complete holiday spread.

MARKETS AND HOLIDAY EVENTS 

There are so many special holiday markets and events around our region. You may see a few familiar faces on this list, and a few new ones as well! All the way from Altoona to West Des Moines, and even out to Cumming and Ames, there’s something to do practically every day of the season. Shop local this season and explore thousands of vendors from all over providing handcrafted gifts and handmade goods during these events and markets. 

Catch all of the holiday markets and events happening in Greater Des Moines here.

HOLIDAY SHOWS 

Sing, dance, and listen to holiday music this season with plenty of spectacular shows. Snag tickets for holiday entertainment from Hoyt Sherman Place, Noce Jazz Club, the Des Moines Civic Center, The Ingersoll, and more venues across the metro. See fine art performances like ballet and symphony concerts or get dinner and drinks with a full-blown show!

Catch all of the holiday shows, performances, and entertainment happening in Greater Des Moines here.

LIGHT DISPLAYS & SHOWS 

We’ve asked locals in our region for some of the best holiday light displays you can find! Categorized by specialty drive-throughs, neighborhoods, walkable holiday strolls, and events, there is so much to see. Make it an evening in Beaverdale, Dogtown (Drake neighborhood), or Windsor Heights and grab dinner from a local spot. Or get tickets for a fantastic display at the Iowa State Fairgrounds or a whimsical train ride from Santa’s Express in Boone. 

Catch all of the light displays around Greater Des Moines here. 

HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS AND RESTAURANTS   

The holiday season rings in cheer and festive spirit (in more ways than one). Head to one of the many holiday pop-up bars around Greater Des Moines for a spirit of your choice. Whether it’s a sweet martini or perhaps it’s a warm and boozy hot chocolate, many of your favorite bars and restaurants are offering festive menus you won’t want to miss. Beyond the drinks, cozy in for a warm plate of comfort food (after all, 'tis the season!) because there’s no better excuse to pack on the carbs than during the holidays.

Catch all of the holiday and Christmas-themed pop-up bars and restaurants around Greater Des Moines here.

Additional Holiday & Seasonal Activities in Greater Des Moines 

ICE SKATING  

Brenton Skating Plaza
Where: 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines 
When: Open daily starting November 20. Check hours here.

If you’re having trouble harnessing the holiday spirit, let us suggest an evening skate under the stars with a skyline (and giant Christmas tree) as the backdrop. You’ll be dreaming of a white Christmas in no time.  

Johnston Town Center Ice Rink
Where: Merle Hay and NW 62nd Avenue 
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 
Skate Rental Dates: Friday-Sunday; December 5-February 28

This rink uses synthetic ice and is the first of its kind in the metro. It's open daily and if you have your own skates, you skate for free! Skate rentals are available Friday-Sunday for $5. 

Iowa Wild Community Ice Rinks
Where: Various locations around Greater Des Moines, find them here. 
When: Dawn-dusk

The Iowa Wild have partnered with local communities around Greater Des Moines to offer public ice rinks. These are completely free to use, just have to bring your own skates. Perfect for going on your own time at your own speed! 

MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
Where: 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines 
When: Varies, see schedule here.

The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex gives you plenty of chances to glide or wobble on the ice, without the frostbite.  Admission is $8 and skate rentals are $5, making it an easy holiday outing. Check their schedule before you go since times shift a bit from week to week and only online registrations are accepted.

CHRISTMAS ON THE BIG SCREEN 

Flix Brewhouse
Movies: Ebenezer (NEW), Focker-in-Law (NEW), Violent Night 2 (NEW), Elf, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Bad Santa, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Love Actually, Krampus, A Christmas Story, White Christmas, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, and The Polar Express.
When: Movies and showtimes vary. See details here.

The Palms in Waukee
Movies: Focker-in-Law (NEW), The Polar Express in IMAX, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
When: Movies and showtimes vary. See details here.  

Cinemark Century Jordan Creek
Movies: Ebenezer (NEW), Christmas at the Kringles (NEW), Focker-in-Law (NEW), Violent Night 2 (NEW), The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Elf.
When: Movies and showtimes vary. See details here.

Varsity Cinema
Movies: Bitter Christmas (NEW) and Hundreds of Beavers-A Northwoods Christmas.
When: Movies and showtimes vary. See details here.

WHERE TO SEE SANTA IN GREATER DES MOINES 

Bass Pro Shops Santa Wonderland
Where: 1000 Bass Pro Drive Northwest, Altoona 
When: Now-December 24

One of the most popular FREE places to get a photo with Santa, with beautiful backdrops, this one fills up fast. They release spots a week ahead at 12:01 a.m. each night, so set that alarm to reserve a spot here.

Jordan Creek Mall
Where: 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines 
When: November 20-December 24 

Iowa’s largest mall has one of the most popular Santas. So popular in fact, that reservations are highly encouraged. Book a photo experience starting at $19.99.   

Merle Hay Mall
Where: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines 
When: November 27-December 24

Make a reservation for a traditional Santa experience, or check their calendar for dates and times for special experiences like Pajama Night, Santa Paws, Super Heroes, and more. 

Pro Tip: A lot of holiday events around Des Moines include a photo-op with Santa!

Other Holiday Resources: