Where to See Santa in Des Moines 2024

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SANTA DES MOINESSanta is coming to Des Moines!

Make a list, check it twice, and head out to see Santa. From the traditional mall Santa to festivals and events, if your family loves a trip to see Santa, this is your time.

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’re thrilled to share this guide of Where to See Santa in Des Moines with you!

Photos with Santa in Des Moines

Bass Pro Shops

When: November 2 – 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 22 – 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: November 29 – December 24, hours vary
Where: 10320 Hickman Rd, Clive
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.

Valley West Mall

When: November 21 – 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.

SANTA
D-KEINE photo by Canva

Santa Sightings in Des Moines

November 22 | 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 27 | A Night Under the Lights, Waukee Centennial Park
1 p.m. – 9 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. 

Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21 | Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Hullabaloo, 10320 Hickman Rd, Clive
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.

Fridays – Sundays, November 29 – December 22 | 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 30 – 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 30 | Christmas in Olde Town, Altoona Area Historical Society, 104 2nd St. SE, Des Moines
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy a hot chocolate bar, a smores station, a coloring contest, crafts, entertainment, and a visit from Santa! 

Dec. 1, 7, 8 | Brunch with Santa, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Bring the whole family for a magical morning of holiday cheer with the big man himself. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet with kid-friendly options, seasonal treats, and a hot cocoa bar! Kids will have an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, and don’t forget your cameras for photos with jolly Saint Nick!

December 6 | 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 7, 21 | Skate with Santa, The RecPlex in West Des Moines
12:15 p.m. –  2:15 p.m.
Get on the ice at the RecPlex during public skate to skate with Santa. Registration required.

December 9 | Santa in the Garden, Ted Lare Design Build & Garden Center
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Santa is coming to town and he’s stopping by the Ted Lare greenhouse to spread holiday cheer. Plus the elves are putting together festive crafts and games for the kids to enjoy.

December 14 | 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.

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.

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

Where to See Christmas Lights

Christmas Tree Farms

Shop Local Holiday Gift Ideas

Experience Gift Ideas

Holiday Treats 

3 COMMENTS

  1. 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.

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