Des Moines Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Des Moines and surrounding areas
Des Moines's Christmas 2025 comes to life around Downtown, the East Village, and the State Capitol with bright Christmas lights and holiday activities for all ages. Jolly Holiday Lights, Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass, and New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque bring seasonal concerts, illuminated displays, and Santa visits to the riverfront and nearby neighborhoods. From market shopping to festive events, Des Moines offers a range of winter festivities and things to do that capture the holiday spirit.
Find the best Des Moines Christmas happenings this year!
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Editor's Picks (6)
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Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express Trains
(Boone)
Festive train journey with Santa
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Jolly Holiday Lights
Drive-through light display supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa
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Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
(Ames)
Over 200,000 dazzling lights in a botanical garden setting.
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New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque
Symphony meets Cirque for a dazzling New Year's Eve celebration.
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Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
Symphony brass with pipe organ and percussion.
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Christmas in Olde Town
(Altoona)
Historic downtown transformed into a winter wonderland
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Shows Near Des Moines
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Des Moines.
New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque
Symphony meets Cirque for a dazzling New Year's Eve celebration.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Des Moines
Classic Tchaikovsky ballet with 24 professional dancers.
Des Moines Symphony Holiday Brass
Symphony brass with pipe organ and percussion.
Other Christmas Activities Near Des Moines
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Des Moines.
Johnston Winter Curbside Yard Waste Collection & Christmas Tree Disposal
Winter curbside yard waste and Christmas tree collection
Holidays at the Town Center
Community holiday celebration at the Town Center
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express Trains
Festive train journey with Santa
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Des Moines
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Des Moines Christmas FAQ
Some of the biggest events include Dome for the Holidays at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Jolly Holiday Lights at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. These events draw large crowds with their extensive light displays and festive activities.
Des Moines celebrates with community-driven neighborhood light displays like Dogtown Lights and seasonal events such as the annual gnome hunt at Dome for the Holidays, blending local creativity with holiday cheer.
The Drake Neighborhood, known for Dogtown Lights, and Beaverdale are popular for their extensive and artistic holiday light displays, offering walkable routes to enjoy festive decorations.
Downtown Des Moines hosts the main holiday market, while various neighborhood markets and craft fairs throughout the metro area showcase local artisans and makers, providing plenty of options to shop local.
Visiting neighborhood light displays like Dogtown Lights and Beaverdale Holiday Lights is free and festive. Additionally, many local markets offer free admission and seasonal entertainment suitable for all budgets.
Family-friendly options include Dome for the Holidays with its interactive exhibits and gnome hunt, as well as neighborhood displays that often host events with treats and activities for children, such as Dogtown Lights.