Find everything you need for the holidays in Urbandale with our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top events and activities. Whether Urbandale is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide brings you the best of the holidays.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting melodies of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as they present "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," a mesmerizing blend of music and storytelling. With its unique fusion of rock and classical elements, the performance captivates audiences. Don't miss the chance to enjoy Mannheim Steamroller, known for its innovative take on holiday classics that brings a fresh sound to beloved tunes. And definitely don't forget the soulful rhythms of A Motown Christmas, a celebration of festive songs infused with the vibrant Motown style. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Urbandale
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (Des Moines)
- Mannheim Steamroller (Des Moines)
- A Motown Christmas (Des Moines)
- Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Tour (Des Moines)
- A Magical Cirque Christmas (Des Moines)
- Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass (Des Moines)
- East Village Holiday Promenade (Des Moines)
- Jingle in the Junction (West Des Moines)
- Christkindlmarket (Des Moines)
- Holiday Hullabaloo (Clive)
See these and even more events listed below!
Urbandale Holiday Light Displays
Jingle in the Junction
What to Expect:
Extended business hours with free entertainment and holiday lights.
Description:
Valley Junction transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with extended business hours, offering a perfect opportunity to find holiday gifts, enjoy dinner, and experience three blocks of free entertainment under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Jingle in the Junction
Urbandale Holiday Markets and Shopping
East Village Holiday Promenade
What to Expect:
Inaugural tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza.
Description:
The East Village Holiday Promenade is a free celebration featuring activities, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly fun. Local retailers, restaurants, and attractions stay open late, offering a variety of holiday-themed events, including an inaugural tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: East Village Holiday Promenade
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional European culture and hand-crafted products.
Description:
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market featuring European culture, traditional foods, and hand-crafted products. Enjoy bratwurst, candied nuts, and authentic German foods while shopping for unique artisanal gifts. The event includes KinderKorner for children's activities and a diverse entertainment stage with polka bands and choirs.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Christkindlmarket
The Peppermint Trail
What to Expect:
Peppermint-themed holiday specials and activities.
Description:
The Peppermint Trail is a holiday event featuring peppermint-themed specials and activities along The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and the Roosevelt Cultural District. Local businesses offer holiday cocktails, in-store discounts, and peppermint-flavored desserts. The event includes visits from Santa Claus, carolers, a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, and a Toys for Tots collection. A free holiday trolley ride, known as the Bee-Merry-Line, connects various stops.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: The Peppermint Trail
Urbandale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
What to Expect:
All-new version of the Christmas trilogy with elaborate light shows and pyrotechnics.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents "The Lost Christmas Eve," a rock opera that weaves a poignant story of redemption and love, featuring infectious hard rock and Christmas tunes.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Mannheim Steamroller
What to Expect:
Dazzling multimedia effects and distinctive Mannheim sound.
Description:
Mannheim Steamroller presents a timeless holiday tradition with their distinctive sound, featuring classics and dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller
A Motown Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class vocal performance blending Motown classics with holiday favorites.
Description:
A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, combining Motown's greatest hits with everyone's favorite holiday classics. The show includes dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies, all performed in the memorable, soulful Motown style.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Motown Christmas
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Tour
What to Expect:
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith performs with award-winning guest Riley Clemmons.
Description:
Michael W. Smith and his special guest Riley Clemmons will perform their most popular Christmas classics in a night for the whole family. This event features a blend of timeless classics and critically acclaimed holiday albums, showcasing Michael W. Smith's extensive collection of Christmas music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Tour
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class variety show featuring acrobatics, dance, and live music.
Description:
A variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Witness world-class entertainers performing your favorite holiday music, celebrating the magic of the season with the entire family.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
What to Expect:
Intimate holiday concert with pipe organ and brass section.
Description:
The Des Moines Symphony's Holiday Brass concert features the symphony's brass section and percussion, accompanied by the beautiful Dobson Pipe Organ at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The program includes traditional holiday favorites like "Joy to the World" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing." This intimate, family-friendly event also includes a special student activity called Orgelkids, where students can learn about pipe organs through hands-on experience.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
Urbandale Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Hullabaloo
What to Expect:
Indoor holiday celebration with diverse activities for all ages.
Description:
Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience featuring a variety of activities, including Santa's Workshop, Mrs. Claus's Kitchen, Toyland, Candyland, and a Sock Ice Skating Rink. Guests can meet colorful characters, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in crafts and games.
Where: Clive | More Info: Holiday Hullabaloo
Windsor Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with entertainment.
Description:
Lauren Campbell Photography presents Windsor Wonderland, an event featuring festive lights and entertainment in Iowa.
Where: Clive | More Info: Windsor Wonderland
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Johnston (3 miles)
- West Des Moines (3 miles)
- Des Moines (6 miles)
- Ankeny (9 miles)
- Ames (29 miles)