Things to do in Des Moines in December 2024

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This guide is sponsored by the Iowa Wild.

Enjoy special events all December long with the Iowa Wild

Hockey season is underway and the Iowa Wild have some great promotions planned for the month of December fit for the whole family. Enjoy a winter getaway for Margaritaville Night on December 7 or Meet Bluey with the kids on December 8. If you’re looking for something closer to the holidays, December 20 is the Wild’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game and on December 28 there will be a postgame fireworks show on the ice to help ring in 2025. Get your tickets today by clicking the link below!

For more information and to purchase tickets:

Website
Tickets

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Other Great Local Holiday Guides

Christmas Tree Farms
Special Holiday Events
Where to See Holiday Lights
Shop Local Gift Ideas
Shop Local Experience Gifts
Where to see Santa in Des Moines

Ongoing Events in Des Moines

Tuesday & Thursdays | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers get special access to the trampolines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $8.99 (free for a parent). It’s a great way to burn energy!

Thursdays | Caterpillar Club, Reiman Gardens in Ames
Get outside and have some fun with a weekly storytime at Reiman Gardens. This program is designed for kids ages 2-5 with an adult. Program is included with general admission to Reiman Gardens.

Thursdays | Tot Town, Valley Community Center
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Bring the little ones out to play at the Valley Community Center. This event is free.

2nd Monday of the Month | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 a.m.
Each month they read a story and you get to meet a special live ambassador animal from the Zoo’s education department.

1st Thursday of the Month | Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets, or a craft. This event is designed for ages 3 and up.

Once a Month on Wednesdays | Knee-High Naturalists, Jester Park Nature Center
Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists, you will hike, investigate, and navigate the trails and grounds of Jester Park as you learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Dress to be outside. Cost is free; registration is required.

First and Third Fridays | New Moms Postpartum Support Group, Waukee Wellness & Chiropractic
A safe and welcoming space where you can connect with other new moms who are going through similar experiences.

Things to do in December 2024

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.

Dec. 1 – Dec. 22 | Santa Express, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
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, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
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.

Through – Jan. 4 | Jolly Holiday Lights, Iowa State Fairgrounds
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays; 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends
Join them at their new location at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Don’t miss this beloved drive-through holiday light display.

Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 | Holiday Hullabaloo, 10320 Hickman Rd, Clive
Don’t miss this immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment, and festivities that will allow you to create some fun holiday hullabaloo and memories.

Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 | Winter Wonderlights, Ankeny Uptown
Over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street, in partnership with the City of Ankeny. This magical holiday light experience can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car. See more holiday light displays.

Dec. 2 | Winter’s Eve, Jamie Hurd Amphitheater
4:45 p.m.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season! Bundle up and enjoy complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and cider, generously donated by Hy-Vee.

Dec. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays | Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show, Reiman Gardens in Ames
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
With a wide variety of dazzling light installations throughout 17 acres of outdoor gardens, this walk-through light show includes popular favorites, as well as fun new surprises.

Dec. 5 – 8 | Christkindlmarket, Principal Park
Kick off the month with the ultimate holiday experience. Enjoy the aroma of roasted chestnuts mixed with sizzling Austrian sausages. Sip warm mulled wine or a seasonal brew as you walk through an open-air market.

Dec. 6 – 8 | Chicago, Civic Center
Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.

Dec. 6 | Light Up Polk City, Polk City Square
The holiday lights on The Square will officially be switched on at 6 p.m. Enjoy holiday music, business open houses/tailgates, horse-drawn carriage rides, a fire pit, and special appearances by some very special guests, including Santa!

Dec. 6 – 29| Beauty and the Beast, Des Moines Playhouse
Be our guest for this classic fairy tale based on the Academy Award-nominated Disney film.

Dec. 6, 13, 20 | Holiday Promenade, Historic East Village
This festive celebration is 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.

Dec. 5 – Dec 7 | Kerstmarkt: Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market, Molengracht Plaza, Pella
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. 6 | Waukee Winter Wonderland, People’s Bank 1185 SE University Ave Waukee
4 – 8 p.m.
This free event features Santa, LIVE reindeer, hot chocolate and cookies, and more!

Dec. 7 | Holiday Wreath Making, Jester Park
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Make a hand-tied evergreen wreath. You will be using a variety of fragrant evergreen from the Western US as well as local and Midwestern evergreens.
 
Dec. 7 | Local Holiday Maker’s Market, Valley Community Center
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Give meaningful, locally crafted gifts to your loved ones this holiday season. Grab a cup of coffee, a latte, or tea and shop at this local maker’s market. From jewelry to honey, dog biscuits to home decor – with over 80 local vendors, there’s something for everyone.
 
Dec. 7 – 8 | Red Acre Barn Holiday Market, Red Acre Barn, Prole, Iowa
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Bub Olive for the best locally-made crafts and small business boutiques. Enjoy holiday drinks from the Red Acre Barn Bar, holiday music, and prizes!
 
Dec. 7 | Holiday Open House, Hall of Laureates
9 am to 12 pm
Enjoy a holly jolly morning of festive celebrations at this free event. Enjoy caroling by the Grace Church Ensemble, indulge in some holiday treats, and check if you’re on the naughty or nice list with Santa! Explore the Hall of Laureates and experience the beautiful art and architecture.
 

Dec. 7 – 8 | Holly & Ivy, Salisbury House
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tour the grand estate adored in its holiday best as each room will be decorated by some of the most talented local interior designers, florists, home stagers, and creative individuals.

Dec. 7 | Windsor Wonderland: Meet Santa’s Reindeer, 6900 School St, Windsor Heights
3 p.m. to 5 p.m
Come say “Hello” to Donner, Dasher, and all of Santa’s helpers!
 

Dec. 7 | Holidays at the Town Center, Johnston Town Center
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This annual celebration of holiday spirit features a community tree lighting, an exciting visit with Santa and his reindeer, free ice skating, samples from local businesses, and more!

Dec. 7 | Dazzling in the District, Ankeny
2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Spend the day checking off your gift list, enjoying a special ice carving from Chef Austin Bailey, and of course games and chances to win some awesome prizes! Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. in Town Square Park followed by fireworks.

Dec. 14 | Peppermint Trail, The Avenues, Roosevelt districts
Along the Peppermint Trail, you will find discounts on holiday goods, drinks, and sweet treats for shoppers, service projects, giveaways, photo opportunities, pop-up shops, and more surprises. Carolers from Roosevelt High School and Plymouth United Church of Christ will be traveling through the district during the daytime hours.

Dec. 14 | Holiday Whobilation, Walnut Creek YMCA
4 p.m.

Start with Cheermeister Games, cookie decorating, and pictures with the Grinch then waatch the Grinch movie on the big screen in the gym, bring your own blankets and chairs!

Dec. 14 | Jingle Bell Stroll, Gray’s Lake Park
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Embrace the holiday spirit and create magical memories at the Jingle Bell Stroll. Event highlights include a walk along a festive holiday-themed loop, games and craft stations, pictures with Santa Claus, festive holiday music, and delicious hot chocolate.
 

Dec. 18 | Pentatonix ‘Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour’, Wells Fargo
As one of the most innovative, inventive, and inimitable vocal groups of all time, Pentatonix reimagines, reinvigorates, and redefines a cappella. 

Dec. 20 | Moms & Mocktails, 5050 Doanes Park Rd, Pleasant Hill
5:30 pm
Don’t miss this free social mixer! Learn how to make festive mocktails for the holiday season while connecting with other moms.

Dec. 21 | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Civic Center
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. 21 | Lights at the Museum, Des Moines Children’s Museum
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Play under the holiday lights and enjoy special activities. Admission at the door. $10 for ages 1 – 10, free for infants, kids over age 10, adults, and members.

Dec. 22 | A Magical Cirque Christmas, Civic Center
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.

Dec. 26-27 | Life-Size Candyland, Waukee Public Library
Make winter break extra fun with giant candy fun. The library’s front room will be transformed into a life-sized Candyland game board, and you may even meet some of your favorite game characters. Registration is required on December 26. All other dates will be first-come, first-served, with a limit of 3 groups at a time.


 Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list.

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, since it may change.

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