Santa's North Pole Village Craft Sale
Visitors can shop nearly 200 vendor booths offering handmade goods, artisan crafts, holiday décor, treats, and unique gifts from makers across the Midwest. Festive trolley shuttles run during the event, featuring Santa and the Grinch for family photo opportunities. Proceeds support the Ankeny Art Center's youth scholarships, gallery exhibitions, and community arts programming.
What to Expect
Nearly 200 artisan booths, festive trolley shuttles, and Santa photo ops.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Ankeny Art Center
Food & Drink
Vendors offer treats for purchase.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and bustling
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Pre-sale tickets: $8, available September 15–October 31. After October 31, online tickets are $10. At the door on the day of the event: $10 cash only. Children 12 and under are free. – Get tickets
- Hours: Event: 9am–3pm. Quieter shopping: 1pm–3pm. Festive trolley shuttles: 8:30am–3:30pm.
- Parking: Parking is available at Prairie Trail Sports Complex or along Vintage Parkway. Visitors can also park at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center or B&B Theater and take a free festive trolley to the event. Shuttles run all day from 8:30am–3:30pm.
- Accessibility: Strollers are allowed. Later in the afternoon is less crowded.
Tips & Advice
- Buy pre-sale tickets online by October 31 to get the lower price, because tickets cost more online and at the door after that.
- Bring cash if you plan to buy tickets at the door on sale day, since door admission is cash only.
- Park at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center or B&B Theater and ride the free trolley, where Santa and the Grinch pose for family photos.
- Come in the afternoon if you have a stroller or just dislike crowds, because the last two hours of the sale are quieter.
- Children 12 and under get in free, so the whole family can come along without extra tickets for the little ones.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: festive trolley shuttles run throughout the sale, with Santa and the Grinch on board for photos.
- Quieter shopping hours in the afternoon, during the last two hours of the sale.
- Pre-sale tickets cost less through October 31.
- Vendor applications are closed, but makers can apply for the waitlist.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I shop for?
There are nearly 200 booths of handmade goods, artisan crafts, holiday décor, treats and unique gifts. The makers come from across the Midwest.
Where should I park?
You can park at Prairie Trail Sports Complex or along Vintage Parkway. You can also park at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center or B&B Theater and ride the free festive trolley, which runs all day.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, strollers are allowed. Coming later in the afternoon helps you avoid the crowd.
Is there a quieter time to shop?
Yes. The last two hours of the sale, in the afternoon, are set aside for a quieter shopping experience.
Where does the money go?
It's the Ankeny Art Center's largest fundraiser. It supports year-round arts education, gallery exhibitions, youth scholarships, community programming, and free and low-cost arts access.
More Christmas Events Near Ankeny
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.