Des Moines News & Updates

Several Des Moines restaurants are preparing festive Christmas Eve and Day dining options. Patrons can enjoy special menus, from prime rib to traditional holiday fare.

The cost of Christmas decorations has increased this year, impacting consumers in Des Moines. This rise in prices affects various holiday items, including Christmas trees.

Enjoy your favorite holiday music at upcoming Christmas concerts in Des Moines. These events offer a festive atmosphere for celebrating the season.

Fareway is facilitating Toys for Tots donations to ensure every child experiences the magic of Christmas. This initiative aims to bring holiday cheer to families.

Chances for a White Christmas in Des Moines, Iowa, are slim this year. Residents may need to adjust their expectations for a snowy holiday.

Mariah Carey's iconic holiday song, 'All I Want for Christmas Is You,' has broken chart records. The song continues to be a festive favorite during the Christmas season.

NEW Cooperative, Inc. held its annual Hams for Hunger event, supporting food pantries across Iowa. This initiative helps provide essential food items during the holiday season.

A poll has identified the best family-friendly Christmas Day walks across the United States, including a notable trail in Des Moines, Iowa. The Gray's Lake Trail is highlighted for its suitability for holiday strolls.

An analysis examines the record levels of holiday spending among Iowans and the potential for accumulating debt. This report explores the financial impact of the festive season.

The Antolik Christmas Lights display in Bettendorf, IA, is mentioned in a report about holiday spending. This local display is part of the festive decorations seen during the season.

A Waukee tattoo shop has donated $15,000 worth of toys to an Iowa nonprofit, aiming to make Christmas special for local families. This generous act supports children in need.

Experience 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical' in Des Moines. This holiday show brings a beloved Christmas story to life on stage.

Hope Ministries is providing free Christmas Day ham dinners for families in the Des Moines area. Residents can sign up to receive a meal for the holiday.

A family in Northeast Missouri is back with their creative haybale Christmas display for 2025. The article mentions Des Moines in relation to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordering flags to be flown.

Several Iowa grocery stores are providing Christmas meal deals for the 2025 holiday season. These deals are designed to help families find affordable options for their holiday meals.

Hope Ministries is providing thousands of Christmas meals this holiday season, including ham dinners with sides. These meals will be delivered to families in need.

The '12 Bars of Christmas' event is scheduled to take place in Des Moines. This event includes a stop at Pints Bar Rooftop - PBR Country.

The Christkindlemarket in downtown Des Moines has announced changes to its operating hours. The annual German-inspired Christmas market will close early on Saturday and has adjusted hours for Sunday.

New Life Church in Des Moines is bringing back its 'Christmas on the Hill' event. This event offers a festive holiday experience for the community.

Des Moines is illuminating the holiday season with sparkling neighborhood lights. Residents are encouraged to catch a glimpse of the festive displays.

A nature hike is scheduled at Brown's Woods in West Des Moines. The event will meet at 9:00 AM at the park's location.

You can watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for free this weekend. Details on how to stream the classic holiday special are available.

Hanna Rumora will perform Candlelight Christmas Carols in Aledo. Rumora has previously performed with the Des Moines Metro Opera and Orchestra Iowa.

Looking for a festive way to celebrate Christmas in Des Moines? Several metro restaurants are offering special Christmas menus for dinner.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Benevolent Association hosted its annual Shop With A Cop program. Children filled out Christmas lists before heading to a local Walmart to shop.

The Iowa Stage Theater Company is performing 'A Christmas Carol,' a production they are familiar with. This show brings a classic holiday story to life for audiences.

Governor Kim Reynolds and her family are hosting a Christmas celebration at the Terrace Hill residence in Des Moines this Sunday. This event opens the governor's residence to the public for holiday festivities.

The Upper Des Moines Opportunity office in Storm Lake is seeking individuals and families to adopt a family for the Christmas season. This program helps ensure families have what they need during the holidays.

Students at Capitol View in Des Moines received new winter gear thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club Des Moines AM. This donation aims to help children before Christmas.

Iowa State University sets up a Christmas tree for display each year near Beardshear Hall. Students traveling from the Des Moines airport can find flights for the holiday break.

A new Des Moines Edition of Monopoly has been released just in time for Christmas. Properties on the board include local landmarks like Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Capitol.

The Fleur Cinema in Des Moines will be showing classic Christmas films this week. Screenings include 'A Christmas Story' and 'Black Christmas' starting December 10th.

An Indianola farm is celebrating its 43rd year of selling Christmas trees. This long-standing tradition provides fresh trees for the holiday season to the local community.

The Des Moines County Historical Society hosted its second 'A Very Heritage Christmas' event. This dinner and party was held at the Heritage Center to benefit the Phelps House.

An Iowa family is continuing the Wreaths Across America tradition to honor a late veteran advocate. This initiative places wreaths on veteran gravesites, including in Des Moines.

Krampus events are being held in various locations, including Des Moines, Iowa. These events are part of a growing interest in the folklore surrounding the Christmas season.

Deputies will be serving meals at Old Scratch Pizza as part of a Christmas charity event. This initiative aims to support the community during the holiday season.

A Christmas display in Indiana, known as Christmas Acres, suffered significant damage when vehicles drove through it. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Duncan Ballroom is set to host a Christmas Appreciation Night that also serves as a food bank fundraiser. This event aims to bring the community together for the holidays.

Operation Christmas Meal is distributing 27,000 free pork loins to Iowa families in need. This initiative by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation aims to help families during the holiday season.

Two children from Iowa have had their ornaments selected to hang on national Christmas trees. These ornaments represent designs from Iowa for the America250 celebration.

A Christmas dinner event, titled 'Anchored in Love,' was held to honor single mothers. The event took place at the Iowa Events Center.

Wartburg College's annual Christmas concert draws nearly 6,000 attendees. The concert is performed at Neumann Auditorium and in West Des Moines.

The 15th year of Operation Christmas Meal is making a stop in Calhoun County. The event will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Monday.

This article provides essential safety tips for setting up your Christmas tree at home. It aims to prevent potential hazards associated with holiday decorations.

Experience German-inspired Christmas traditions at the Des Moines Christkindlmarket, which has returned to Principal Park. Vendors offer festive products and traditional food, alongside Iowa craft beer.

Join a local event in Des Moines, IA, where you can paint four adorable festive Christmas motifs for the holidays. This event is part of the local things to do and weekend festivals.

The annual German-inspired Christkindlmarket has returned to downtown Des Moines, bringing festive products and traditional food to Principal Park. Regional vendors will sell hand-crafted items, with Iowa craft beer also available.

The Iowa State Fair is offering a cookie dough sale as a sweet holiday gift option. This event provides a unique Christmas gift idea for those looking for something special.

The annual German-inspired Christmas market has returned to downtown Des Moines, offering festive products. This event brings holiday magic to Principal Park.

Experience a display of 70,000 lights synchronized to Christmas music at this local event. It is also noted as a potential day trip destination from Des Moines.

The City Circle Theatre Company in Des Moines will be presenting Irving Berlin's White Christmas. This production brings a classic holiday show to the local stage.

The Osceola-Sentinel Tribune is highlighting the need for Toys for Christmas donors. This initiative supports providing gifts to children in the Des Moines, IA area.

Whisky River in Ankeny is offering a special "11 Cookies Crammed in the VCR" Christmas cocktail. This festive drink is inspired by the movie "Elf."

Miracle on Ingersoll is taking place at The Station on Ingersoll in Des Moines and runs from November 20th through January 3rd. This event is noted in a study about Iowa's love for Christmas.

TubaChristmas is bringing its signature sound back to Stephens Auditorium, honoring Iowan William Bell. Bell was born in Creston, Iowa on Christmas Day in 1902.

Experience a German-inspired Christmas right here in central Iowa at the Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Enjoy cultural foods like bratwurst and candied nuts during this festive event.

Milestone Church in Iowa is hosting its annual 'JOY' Christmas event designed for women to celebrate faith, fellowship, and the holiday season. The event aims to bring women together for a special seasonal gathering.

This December, Des Moines music venues will feature a variety of concerts, with Christmas performances being a significant part of the lineup. While many shows are holiday-themed, other musical choices are also available.

Discover why tamales are a cherished Christmas tradition and find the best spots in Des Moines to enjoy authentic flavors this holiday season. This article highlights the cultural significance of tamales during Christmas.

A Dillard's employee has gained viral fame on TikTok for sharing festive Christmas decor tours and his Southern charm. This story highlights how one individual is spreading holiday cheer through social media.

Experience the German-inspired Christmas at the Des Moines Christkindlmarket. This event offers a festive holiday experience with unique vendors and traditions.

The Des Moines Metro Opera Guild is hosting "A Taste of Christmas Past" on December 6th. This event is a fun and festive fundraiser for the Indianola Chapter of the Opera Guild.

Brenton Skating Plaza in Des Moines has reopened for the season, offering ice skating opportunities. The Christmas tree is up, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors.

Jim Brickman is bringing his annual Christmas show to the Paramount theater. He has a history of visiting Cedar Rapids and Des Moines during the holiday season.

Central Iowa is offering a variety of events to celebrate the holiday season this December. From tree lightings to markets and Santa visits, there are many festive activities planned in the Des Moines metro area.

Despite the cold weather, Iowans are embracing the winter season by enjoying snow activities and shopping for Christmas trees. One shopper was seen selecting a tree at Howell Tree Farm in Cumming.

More consumers are opting for real Christmas trees as prices for artificial trees have increased due to tariffs. This trend reflects a growing preference for natural holiday decorations.

The Iowa Poison Control Center is reminding residents to check their Christmas lights for safety. This advisory coincides with the start of the holiday season and National Christmas Lights Day.

Iowa shoppers are being urged to stay alert for a surge in Christmas-season online scams during Cyber Monday deals. This advisory aims to protect consumers from fraudulent activities during the busy holiday shopping period.

A white Christmas is still possible for Des Moines residents between December 13–26. Current weather patterns suggest a near-normal temperature and precipitation outlook for the holiday stretch.

The holiday season in Iowa is a time to celebrate and shop locally, with options in Des Moines and smaller towns. This guide offers tips for safe and enjoyable Christmas season shopping.

The Browns are presenting "A Brown Family Christmas Show" in Carroll, Iowa. This event promises holiday cheer and entertainment for attendees.

The Pella Opera House will be presenting three Christmas concerts throughout the month of December. This event is part of the "Caring Christmas 2025" initiative.

Scouting America troops are hosting a Christmas tree lot in Des Moines, offering real Christmas trees to the community. This event provides an opportunity for scouts to support their troops while helping residents find their holiday trees.

Several Iowa radio stations have begun playing Christmas music, with 104.1 FM in Des Moines being one of them. Residents can tune in to find holiday tunes as the Christmas season approaches.

As the winter and Christmas season progresses in Iowa, Des Moines residents are being urged to use smarter snow removal methods. This advice comes as the area prepares for upcoming snowfall.

Tickets are now available for Christmas at Terrace Hill, a holiday celebration at the Iowa Governor's official residence. The event is scheduled for December 14th.

The 14th Annual Single Moms Christmas Dinner will be held next week at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. The event is scheduled for December 6th from 5-8 p.m.

Governor Kim Reynolds lit the Iowa State Capitol Christmas tree on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The Des Moines Christian choir performed during the ceremony.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is featuring holiday light displays. These displays are open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Several Christmas tree farms around central Iowa are open for the season, with many opening on Black Friday. Miller Tree Farm in Runnells, founded in 1954, is one of the featured locations.

Santa Claus is visiting the Des Moines metro area for Christmas in 2025. Various malls and events will offer opportunities to see Santa. The Canadian Pacific holiday train is also returning to Iowa.

The holiday season has officially begun in central Iowa, with communities across the Des Moines metro area lighting up with festive celebrations. Many events and concerts are scheduled throughout the region.

The White House Christmas tree has arrived on the North Portico, delivered by Clydesdales named Logan and Ben. This marks the beginning of the holiday decorating season at the White House.

Des Moines will be buzzing with live entertainment options in December, including 'The Nutcracker' and 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.' Check out these festive performances for all ages.

Des Moines Performing Arts is hosting a variety of holiday shows this season, including 'The Notebook,' 'Wicked,' and 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.' These performances offer entertainment for all ages.

For over four decades, the Harman family has been growing and selling Christmas trees on their northeast Indianola farm. They provide a central Iowa tradition for families to make fresh-cut memories.

A 25-foot Christmas tree from Michigan is set to arrive at the White House early Monday afternoon. FLOTUS Melania Trump and her team will begin decorating the halls with the festive tree.

Christmas trees went on the auction block this week in Pennsylvania farm country, attracting numerous bidders. Retailers found plenty to like at the wholesale auction.

As winter approaches, many homes and businesses across central Iowa are decorating for Christmas. This guide highlights where to find festive light displays throughout the Des Moines metro area.

A holiday celebration event is transforming Des Moines into a magical winter wonderland. This festive experience promises to be more than just a visual spectacle for visitors.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Central Iowa, with festive lights soon to illuminate the Des Moines metro sky. Houses are being decorated, and an interactive map shows the best displays.

The Des Moines Fire Department offers crucial tips to prevent holiday fires, especially as Christmas trees are being set up. Keeping Christmas trees watered is a key recommendation to ensure safety.

Spirit Halloween has opened 30 Christmas-themed stores across various regions, including Des Moines, IA. These stores offer a wide selection of holiday merchandise for shoppers.

Jolly Holiday Lights, a popular central Iowa Christmas lights event, is bringing festive fun to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event is located in Des Moines, IA 50309.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will be performed at the Des Moines Civic Center in December. The show runs from December 16th to 21st.

Christmas trees, toys, plants, and other items are on sale for Black Friday in Des Moines. This event is part of the early holiday shopping season.

Christmas music has begun playing on central Iowa radio stations, signaling the start of the holiday season. This includes a Des Moines radio station making the seasonal switch to continuous Christmas music.

Families are heading to Valley Junction for its holiday kickoff, with the event feeling like Christmas arrived early. The area is embracing the festive spirit despite recent warm weather.

Voting is now open for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards. The content mentions "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and "C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters" as nominated shows.

The Browns are performing "A Brown Family Christmas Show" at Von Maur in West Des Moines. This event features live music, with Mr. Tyler Larson performing solo piano.

Atlantic officially kicked off its Christmas season with a visit from Santa Claus and the illumination of 200,000 lights. This event marks the start of the holiday celebrations in the area.

Several Christmas concerts are scheduled to take place in Des Moines, featuring holiday music for attendees. The Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped will host an annual benefit concert.

Beaverdale's Candy Cane Lane is a magical Christmas tradition that combines holiday cheer with a food bank fundraiser. This event in Des Moines, IA, has become a legacy of giving.

The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle fundraiser has officially begun in Des Moines, Iowa. This important initiative will continue to collect donations through Christmas Eve to support the organization's holiday season efforts.

Miller Pest Solutions is organizing its seventh annual 'Pest-Free Christmas' initiative in Des Moines, Iowa. This program aims to provide local families with healthier homes during the holiday season.

A Des Moines radio station is making its seasonal switch to continuous Christmas music. This change brings festive tunes to the airwaves as the holiday season approaches.

Des Moines' historic East Village is now illuminated with holiday lights, creating a festive atmosphere. This display is part of the seasonal celebrations in the area.

Iowans are encouraged to spread yuletide cheer by creating Operation Christmas Child boxes for children in need globally. This initiative allows for participation from Des Moines and surrounding areas.