Santa is coming to Des Moines!
Check your list twice and get ready for some holiday magic! From classic mall Santas to special events and festivals, it’s the perfect time for your family to visit Santa in Des Moines.
Is this your child’s first trip to Santa, or has it been a tricky situation in the past? Check out our tips for a tear-free Santa visit.
We are proud to partner with New Horizon Academy to bring you this guide. New Horizon Academy provides exceptional early childhood education and care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from 6 weeks old through pre-kindergarten. Through research-based curriculum and nurturing care, New Horizon Academy supports the development of cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills in every child. Visit their website to learn more about our early learning programs, state-of-the-art classrooms, commitment to health and safety, and more. Schedule a tour at one of the NAEYC Accredited schools today or check out this virtual tour.
Photos with Santa in Des Moines
Bass Pro Shops
When: November 1 – December 24, hours vary
Where: Santa’s Wonderland, 1000 Bass Pro Drive N.W., Altoona
Get a free photo with Santa and enjoy free kid’s crafts and activities. Advanced registration is required.
Jordan Creek Town Center
When: November 21 – December 24, hours vary
Where: Sephora Court, lower level, 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Take photos with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are encouraged.
Holiday Hullabaloo
Where: December 5 – December 24, hours vary
Where: Southridge Event Center, Des Moines
Enjoy a private audience with Santa Claus in his parlor where you can share a Christmas wish list, take a photo, and make a special holiday memory.
Santa N Paws
When: Through November 16
Where: Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Join for the 39th annual Santa N Paws with the ARL! Bring the whole family, humans and pets alike, for a photo to celebrate the 2025 holiday season!
Merle Hay Mall
When: November 28 – December 24, hours vary
Where: 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines, Lower Level of Valley West Mall
Catch a ride on the kid-sized train before seeing Santa. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations encouraged.
Where to See Santa in Des Moines
November 21 | Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Get ready to kick off the winter season with a magical evening of ice skating, laughter, and holiday joy with special guest, Santa Claus. He’ll be making a jolly appearance to spread holiday cheer and take some early gift requests.
November 26 | A Night Under the Lights, Waukee Centennial Park
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
A festive parade followed by dinner, festive drinks, and hot chocolate. Don’t miss Santa at the shelter after the parade. Bring food items to donate.
Fridays – Sundays, November 28 – December 21 | Santa Express
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, 225 10th St., Boone, IA
Take the family on a ride to the North Pole. Enjoy drinks and a visit from Santa on the ride.
November 28 – 30 | Festival of Trees & Lights, Iowa Events Center
The 42nd 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 30, Dec 6, 13, 20 | Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Hullabaloo, Southridge Event Center
7:45 a.m.
Let kids tell Santa their Christmas wishes and capture the moment with a photo with Santa. Decorate a sugar cookie, listen to a holiday story, and enjoy a buffet breakfast. Reservations required.
November 29 – December 23 | Brunch with Santa
Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge
Kids can share their wishlist with Santa on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Pre-purchased tickets are required and include brunch and a time slot to visit with Santa.
November 29 | Christmas in Olde Town, Altoona Area Historical Society, 104 2nd St. SE, Des Moines
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with festive fun—meet Santa himself, sip on hot chocolate, roast marshmallows at the s’mores station, and enjoy magical reindeer encounters! Plus, don’t miss live entertainment, holiday crafts, carriage rides, and endless photo ops to capture the memories.
December 5 | Waukee WinterFest, Waukee Triangle, Ashworth Dr & 6th St, Waukee
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bring on the holiday cheer with your friends, family, and neighbors at Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration. Free soup, cookies, and hot cocoa. Activities and of course, Santa!
December 6 | Jingle Bell Stroll
Gray’s Lake Park
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Walk along a festive holiday-themed loop, enjoy games and craft stations, visit Santa Claus for a memorable photo, listen to festive holiday music, sip on delicious hot chocolate, and more.
December 6 | Windsor Wonderland at Colby Park
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Bring the family for a carriage ride, meet Santa’s reindeer, hot chocolate and cookies, crafts, and more.
December 19 | Drone Show with Santa Claus, East Village
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Take photos with Santa Claus at Molly’s Frozen then end the night with a dazzling drone show at 8 p.m.
Where’s your favorite place to see Santa in Des Moines?
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, locations, and other information before heading to an event or activity.
I love this list! It’s great to see so many options for Santa photos in Des Moines. I can’t wait to take my kids to see him. Thanks for the tips!
We just took our family 30 minutes to the Garden center in Cummings, Iowa. Your list is wrong. Santa was not there today. Santa will be there next weekend. Not ideal with a 9 month old.
We are sorry for your experience. All of our listings include a disclaimer to double check with the business.
Great list! I can’t wait to take my kids to see Santa this year. The locations you mentioned sound perfect for some memorable photos. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great list! I’m so excited to take my kids to see Santa this year. I love the idea of combining the visits with some local holiday events. Can’t wait to create some special memories!
Thanks for this helpful guide! I’m excited to take my kids to see Santa this year. The locations you mentioned look magical, especially {insert favorite location from the blog}. Can’t wait to create some wonderful memories!