Family Friendly Holiday Events in Des Moines

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HOLIDAY EVENTS IN DES MOINES

Make your holidays extra magical this year with special events all around the metro!

Holiday Events in Des Moines

Nov 12 – Jan 5 | Exile’s SnowGlobe

Where: Exile Brewing
What:
SnowGlobe is a pop-up bar located in Des Moines, Iowa at Exile Brewing Company. The entire brewpub is transformed by lights and decorations to make you feel like you are inside an actual snowglobe

Nov 23- 24 | Irish Christmas in America

Where: Temple Theater
What: The show features exceptional Irish music, song, and dance in a family-friendly performance rich in humor and boundless energy. Evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland. 

Nov 26 | Hip Hop Nutcracker

Where: Des Moines Civic Center
What: A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle that re-mixes and reimagines the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.

Nov 29 – Dec 29 | Holiday Hullabaloo

Where: 10320 Hickman Rd. Clive
What: Holiday Hullabaloo is an indoor, immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests of all ages. Featuring a wide range of activities and entertainment, your entire family will be mesmerized.

Nov 29 – Dec 1 | Festival of Trees & Lights

Where: Iowa Events Center
What: The Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will feature beautifully decorated trees, special performances from local music and dance groups, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts and activities, and the chance to be inspired by impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s.

Nov 29 – Dec 22 | Santa Express

Where: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
What: Join in for what has become a tradition for families across the Midwest. Take a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express, a journey that will take you from Boone to the North Pole, and return. Santa passes through the train, greeting children, and passing out a special gift.

Dec. 1 – 31 | Dome for the Holidays! 

Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
What: Stroll through the transformed tropical oasis as you enjoy a dynamic display of thousands of twinkling lights, an incredible collection of blown glass sculptures, festive music, train display, gnome hunt, refreshments, and more.

Dec 5 | Christmas with Lorie Line

Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
What: Spend an intimate evening with Lorie Line around the piano as she shares heartwarming stories and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

Dec 5 – Dec 7 | Kerstmarkt: Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market

Where: Molengracht Plaza, Pella
What:
Experience a Dutch Christmas Market in Pella, Iowa! This festive event will be held in conjunction with Pella’s Christmas Tour of Homes. Inspired by outdoor markets in the Netherlands, this cozy market will fill you with holiday cheer.

Dec 5 – Dec 8 | Christkindlmarket Des Moines

Where: Principal Park
What:
This German-inspired Christmas market aims to educate and entertain the community by exposing them to European-style foods, products, and fun. Featuring regional vendors, European foods, and activities for kids and adults alike.

Dec 12 – 15 | The Nutcracker

Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
What: Join Ballet Des Moines for the quintessential holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. This glittering professional production follows the magical story of Clara, her Nutcracker, and their extraordinary journey.

Dec 13 – 22 | A Christmas Carol

Where: Stoner Theater
What: The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure. Follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.

Dec 14 | The Peppermint Trail

Where: The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and the Roosevelt Cultural District
What: Celebrate the season with shopping and dining specials at your favorite local businesses in The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand and the Roosevelt Cultural District. Enjoy free holiday trolley rides, visits from Santa Claus, window displays, gingerbread contests, carolers, sweet treats, and more!

Dec 18 | Pentatonix ‘Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour’

Where: Wells Fargo Arena
What: As one of the most innovative, inventive, and inimitable vocal groups of all time, Pentatonix reimagines, reinvigorates, and redefines a cappella. 

Dec 21 | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Where: Civic Center
What: The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

Dec 22 | A Magical Cirque Christmas

Where: Civic Center
What: Embrace the holiday spirit with a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music.


Looking for more festive fun in Des Moines? Check out these holiday guides.

Where to See Santa

Where to See Christmas Lights

Christmas Tree Farms

Shop Local Holiday Gift Ideas

Experience Gift Ideas

Holiday Treats 

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