Plan your holiday schedule in Des Moines with ease! Our guide has all the top festive events. For Des Moines residents and guests, our guide is your key to the holiday highlights.
One of the cherished events is the Holiday Promenade, featuring local artisans and festive activities that set a joyful atmosphere. Another great event includes Jingle in the Junction, showcasing delightful holiday lights and charming music throughout the neighborhood. And the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss for its heartwarming reenactment of the classic story. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Des Moines
- Holiday Promenade
- Jingle in the Junction (West Des Moines)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Santa’s Rock N Lights (Urbandale)
- Santa Express (Cambridge)
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines
- Festival of Trees & Lights
- A Magical Cirque Christmas
- Holly & Ivy
- Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
See these and even more events listed below!
Des Moines Holiday Light Displays
Jingle in the Junction
What to Expect:
Extended business hours with holiday lights and free entertainment.
Description:
Valley Junction's Jingle in the Junction is a holiday celebration where businesses extend their hours, offering free entertainment, holiday lights, and a perfect setting to find gifts and enjoy dinner.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Jingle in the Junction
Santa’s Rock N Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through Christmas light show with synchronized lights and music.
Description:
Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show featuring over one mile of spectacular lights dancing to music at Living History Farms in Urbandale, IA.
Where: Urbandale | More Info: Santa’s Rock N Lights
Des Moines Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Promenade
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and extended hours for local vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Promenade is a free celebration featuring holiday-themed activities, entertainment, and shopping in Downtown Des Moines. Historic East Village retailers and attractions remain open until 9 p.m., offering a variety of family-friendly fun.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Holiday Promenade
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
What to Expect:
Traditional European culture celebration with hand-crafted products and mulled wine.
Description:
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market at Principal Park, featuring European-style foods, hand-crafted products, and cultural activities. Enjoy bratwurst, candied nuts, and authentic German foods while shopping for unique artisanal gifts. The event includes a KinderKorner for children, diverse artistic performances, and warm mulled wine.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Des Moines Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Faithful stage adaptation of a beloved animated classic.
Description:
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a faithful stage adaptation of the classic animated television special, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Commemorative silver sleigh bells for all passengers.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey to the North Pole with your family, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies while listening to a reading of The Polar Express. Characters from the story come to life, and Santa makes a special visit.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Santa Express
Festival of Trees & Lights
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday activities and charitable support.
Description:
The Festival of Trees & Lights is a central Iowa tradition featuring beautifully decorated trees, special performances, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts, and activities. It supports valuable programs at Blank Children's Hospital, including Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Festival of Trees & Lights
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class entertainers performing holiday music.
Description:
A variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages, featuring world-class entertainers performing favorite holiday music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Iowa Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker Ballet, a timeless holiday experience featuring Clara's adventures in a distant land where a prince battles mischievous mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy delights children of all ages. Choreographed and directed by a team of dance professionals in Central Iowa, this ballet is set to the iconic music of Tchaikovsky.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
Des Moines Other Holiday Activities
Holly & Ivy
What to Expect:
Holiday home tour with local decorations and live music.
Description:
Explore the grand 1920s Salisbury House adorned in its holiday best, featuring decorations by local interior designers and florists, live holiday music, and holiday workshops.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Holly & Ivy
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- West Des Moines (6 miles)
- Urbandale (6 miles)
- Johnston (7 miles)
- Ankeny (9 miles)
- Ames (30 miles)