Experience the magic of the holiday season in Des Moines, IA, where the city comes alive with festive cheer and community spirit. The Holiday Promenade in the East Village invites you to stroll through twinkling century-old buildings while enjoying local shops' special promotions and treats. Christkindlmarket Des Moines offers a taste of European traditions with its wooden stalls and cultural delights.
Don't miss the enchanting Festival of Trees & Lights, where creatively adorned Christmas trees illuminate the spirit of giving. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Des Moines provides a multitude of joyful events to make your holiday season unforgettable.
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The Top Christmas Events in Des Moines
- Holiday Promenade
- Festival of Trees & Lights
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines
- Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Show
- Salisbury House Holiday Tour
- Winter Farmers Market
- Enchanted Forest
- Candy Cane Lane
Des Moines Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Forest
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed forest experience
Description:
The Enchanted Forest transforms a local park into an immersive holiday experience. This interactive attraction features a winding path through a grove of trees, each telling a different holiday story through lights, sound, and animation. Visitors can embark on a self-guided journey, discovering hidden surprises and whimsical characters along the way. The event draws inspiration from Iowa's natural landscapes, incorporating native flora into the displays. You'll encounter talking trees, animated woodland creatures, and interactive light installations that respond to movement. The Enchanted Forest offers a unique blend of technology and nature, creating a multisensory experience that captivates visitors of all ages and brings holiday stories to life in an innovative way.
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Candy Cane Lane
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide holiday light display
Description:
Candy Cane Lane turns an entire Des Moines neighborhood into a dazzling holiday spectacle. This community-driven event sees residents collaborating to create a cohesive and impressive light display that spans several blocks. The tradition began in the 1960s and has grown into a beloved local attraction. Visitors can drive or walk through the neighborhood, marveling at the creative and often elaborate decorations adorning each home. You'll spot giant candy canes, twinkling reindeer, and synchronized light shows set to holiday music. Candy Cane Lane embodies the spirit of community and neighborly cooperation, bringing together residents and visitors alike in a shared celebration of the season's joy and light.
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Des Moines Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Promenade
What to Expect:
Weekly Friday night celebrations in the East Village
Description:
The East Village of Des Moines transforms into a bustling hub of holiday cheer during the Holiday Promenade. Every Friday night, local shops extend their hours, offering special promotions and festive treats. Visitors can stroll through the historic district, admiring the twinkling lights adorning century-old buildings. The event pays homage to the area's rich architectural heritage, with many structures dating back to the late 1800s. You'll find street performers entertaining crowds with lively tunes, adding to the jovial atmosphere. The Holiday Promenade embodies the spirit of community, bringing together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the season in this charming urban village.
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Christkindlmarket Des Moines
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
Christkindlmarket Des Moines brings a slice of old-world Europe to the heart of Iowa. This German-inspired Christmas market transports visitors to a traditional "Weihnachtsmarkt" with its wooden stalls and cultural offerings. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted nuts and spiced wine. Shoppers can peruse handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and other unique gifts while savoring authentic German cuisine. The market honors Des Moines' German heritage, which dates back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants settled in the area. You'll find yourself immersed in Bavarian culture as you explore the market, complete with traditional music and dance performances.
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Winter Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Indoor market featuring local produce and artisanal goods
Description:
The Winter Farmers Market brings the bounty of Iowa's farms indoors, offering a cozy shopping experience during the colder months. This vibrant market showcases an array of locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. The event highlights Iowa's rich agricultural heritage, connecting urban dwellers with rural producers. Visitors can sample seasonal treats and chat with farmers about their growing practices. You'll find unique holiday gift options, from homemade jams to hand-knit scarves. The Winter Farmers Market not only provides fresh, local food options but also fosters community connections, supporting small businesses and sustainable agriculture practices throughout the winter season.
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Des Moines Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees & Lights
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees benefiting Blank Children's Hospital
Description:
The Festival of Trees & Lights illuminates Des Moines with a dazzling array of creatively adorned Christmas trees. This annual event supports Blank Children's Hospital, combining holiday spirit with charitable giving. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs and themes of each tree, from whimsical to elegant. The festival originated in 1984 and has since become a beloved tradition in the community. Attendees have the opportunity to bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, potentially taking home a masterpiece of holiday decor. Beyond the trees, the event features live entertainment and special activities for children, creating a joyous atmosphere for all ages.
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Des Moines Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Comedy and variety show with a holiday twist
Description:
The Ho Ho Ho Holiday Show injects a hefty dose of humor into the holiday season with its unique blend of comedy and variety acts. This laughter-filled extravaganza features local comedians, musicians, and performers putting their own spin on holiday themes. The show's origins trace back to the vaudeville era, when variety shows were a popular form of entertainment in Des Moines. Audience members might find themselves part of an impromptu holiday skit or singing along to comical renditions of classic carols. The Ho Ho Ho Holiday Show celebrates the lighter side of the season, offering a refreshing break from traditional holiday performances and creating memorable moments of mirth and merriment.
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Des Moines Other Holiday Activities
Salisbury House Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated in period-appropriate holiday decor
Description:
The Salisbury House Holiday Tour offers a glimpse into Christmas past within a stunning 1920s Tudor Revival mansion. Each room of this architectural gem is adorned with period-appropriate holiday decorations, transporting visitors to the opulent celebrations of the early 20th century. The house, built between 1923 and 1928, boasts an impressive collection of art and rare books, adding to the tour's cultural significance. Guests can explore the lavishly decorated rooms, learning about holiday traditions of the era and the history of the Weeks family who once called Salisbury House home. The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of a bygone era while celebrating the timeless spirit of the holiday season.
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Nearby Events
Jolly Holiday Lights (Altoona)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display benefiting Make-A-Wish Iowa
Description:
Jolly Holiday Lights illuminates Adventureland Resort with a spectacular drive-through experience. This radiant display features over 100 light-up scenes, creating a mesmerizing journey through a winter wonderland. The event supports Make-A-Wish Iowa, granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station playing holiday music synchronized with the light show. Since its inception in 1995, Jolly Holiday Lights has become a cherished tradition for many Iowa families. The display includes animated figures, tunnels of lights, and themed areas that bring holiday stories to life, delighting guests of all ages from the comfort of their vehicles.
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Holiday Thieves' Market (Iowa City)
What to Expect:
Juried fine art show featuring local and regional artists
Description:
The Holiday Thieves Market showcases the talents of local and regional artists in a unique juried fine art show. This event transforms the Iowa Memorial Union into a gallery of creativity, featuring an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. The market's name harkens back to its origins in the 1970s when students would sell their creations before heading home for the holidays. Visitors can engage with artists directly, learning about their techniques and inspirations. The event celebrates the rich artistic community of the Midwest, offering a diverse array of high-quality, handcrafted items perfect for gift-giving or personal collections.
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Living History Farms Family Christmas (Urbandale)
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments of Christmas celebrations from different eras
Description:
Living History Farms Family Christmas transports visitors through time, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations of yesteryear. This immersive experience features historical reenactments spanning from the 1700s to the early 1900s. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, demonstrating traditional crafts, cooking methods, and holiday customs. The event showcases how Christmas traditions evolved over the centuries in Iowa. You can participate in hands-on activities like candle dipping or ornament making, connecting with the skills of our ancestors. The farms' authentic period buildings provide a picturesque backdrop, allowing guests to step into different eras and experience the warmth of holidays past.
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Living History Farms Family Christmas
Reiman Gardens Lighted Holiday Walk (Ames)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with holiday lights and displays
Description:
Reiman Gardens' Lighted Holiday Walk transforms the botanical oasis into a luminous winter spectacle. The gardens come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, artfully arranged to accentuate the natural beauty of the plants and structures. Visitors can stroll through themed areas, each offering a unique interpretation of holiday cheer. The event showcases the gardens' commitment to horticulture education, incorporating native Iowa plants into the displays. You'll discover whimsical light sculptures and creative uses of garden elements throughout the walk. This illuminated journey through the gardens offers a serene and contemplative experience, allowing guests to appreciate the interplay of nature and artistry in a whole new light.
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Reiman Gardens Lighted Holiday Walk