Holiday Events You Don't Want to Miss in Des Moines!

 

The holidays are a special time of year when family and friends come together to celebrate. If you're looking for some festive fun this holiday season, look no further than Des Moines! Here are some holiday events that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

 

Jingle in the Junction
Historic Valley Junction 
December 1, 8 & 15
5 to 9 p.m. 

The holiday season starts in Valley Junction as many businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of over 125,000 holiday lights.
Click HERE for more info. 

 

Holiday Promenade
East Village
November 18 – December 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The annual Holiday Promenade will return to the Historic East Village for five Fridays bursting with holiday cheer from Nov. 18 – Dec. 16. Holiday Promenade will be an exciting celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. Historic East Village retailers, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to remain open until 9 p.m. each Friday.  
Click HERE for more info.

 

Jolly Holiday Lights
Adventureland 
November 25 – January 1;  Closed December 24, 25 and 31
5:30 to 10 p.m. 

Jolly Holiday Lights is back at Adventureland. Bundle up the family and enjoy a 2.5-mile ride through more than 100 magical light displays. Admission fees go directly to Make-A-Wish® Iowa! Jolly Holiday Lights is a drive-through holiday light display that is set up annually by Make-A-Wish Iowa. $20 per car.
Click HERE for more info.

 

Santa Express
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad 
Several dates & times starting November 25 – December 18. 

This is a yearly tradition at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s depot. The entire family can enjoy a trip to the “North Pole”. On your way to visit Santa at the North Pole, you will sing songs, do fun activities, and more. You will also be served hot chocolate and a cookie, and you will get to meet, and receive a special gift from, Santa himself.  Wear your pajamas.
Purchase tickets HERE. 

Christkindlmarket
Principal Park
December 1; 5 to 9 p.m.
December 2 & 3; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 4; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience a German-inspired Christmas Market at Principal Park’s Main Lot December 1-4, 2022. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the holidays as you participate in a 700-year-old tradition. Shop regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls; enjoy lively performances of polka music, traditional dance, and choirs in the entertainment tent; participate in children’s activities; sip Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and savor European-style Iowa craft beer. Click HERE for more info.

 

Dazzling in the District
The District – Prairie Trail
December 3
2 to 6:45 p.m.

They are kicking off the holiday season with Dazzling in The District on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m. Then, cap the night off with the Mayor’s tree lighting and fireworks at 6:30 pm in Town Square Park. There will be fun, festive activities for the whole family, and of course, all the great things The District has to offer with dining, shopping, and entertainment. Click HERE for more info.

 

Movie in the Park – Elf
Windsor Heights Community Event Center
December 2 at 6 p.m.

Join Windsor Height on Friday, December 2nd for the next Movies in the Park where they will be showing Elf! Also, come to the Community Events Center early for FREE Pizza, Cookies, Popcorn, and drinks before the movie! Click HERE for more info.

 

Waukee Winter Wonderland
People’s Bank Waukee
December 10 from 9 to 11 a.m.

The event will feature the return of Santa and his REAL Reindeer, along with an open house at the bank where visitors can come inside, warm up, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Children (age 11 and under) can also submit a colored entry for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card! There are two choices of colored entries (a Santa-themed picture and a Snowman-themed picture) that will be available to color at the bank or can be downloaded below and printed at home. Submissions must be returned by Saturday, December 10th to Peoples Bank in Waukee to be entered into our drawing. Winners will be notified by 12/14/2022. Click HERE for more info.

 

Gingerbread Workshop
Grimes Public Library
December 3 & December 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The Gingerbread Workshop is back this year, both in person and as a Grab and Go Kit! Registration is required. Check out all the details. Click HERE for more info.

 

Holidays at the Johnston Town Center
Johnston Town Center
December 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Join the community on Saturday, December 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the Johnston Town Center to celebrate the holiday season. There will be an appearance by Santa and his reindeer, ornament making, the Johnston tree lighting, and more! Click HERE for more info.

 

Waukee WinterFest
Waukee Downtown Triangle
December 2; 4 to 8 p.m.

Bring on the holiday cheer with your friends, family, and neighbors at Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration held in the Downtown Triangle! Santa makes his big appearance at 6 p.m. at the tree lighting. Click HERE for more info.

 

Festive Fridays
Uptown Ankeny
December 2 & 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.

An evening shopping experience surrounded by Uptown Ankeny’s holiday charm. Click HERE for more info.

 

Whatever your holiday plans may be, don't forget to add some of these festive events to your calendar! From tree lightings and Santa appearances to movies in the park and night markets, there's something for everyone in Des Moines this holiday season.