Des Moines Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Des Moines and surrounding areas
Des Moines comes alive for the festive season as the historic district hosts Christmas markets, bright Christmas lights, and family-friendly performances. Events like the Des Moines Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar and the Waterfront Holiday Bazaar bring seasonal shopping and lively holiday activities. Walk along lit waterfront promenades, enjoy market stalls and concerts, and find many things to do that celebrate Des Moinesβ coastal holiday charm.
Find the best Des Moines Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
33 eventsHoliday bazaar with over 25 artisan vendors
Christmas Shows
20 eventsAnnual Celtic Yuletide concert with festive holiday music.
Christmas Lights
12 eventsOver one million lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.
Christmas Activities
32 eventsFree New Year's Eve celebration with fireworks at the Space Needle.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Seattle Center New Year's Eve Celebration
(Seattle)
Free New Year's Eve celebration with fireworks at the Space Needle.
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WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
(Seattle)
Immersive, larger-than-life holiday lantern displays at a zoo.
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Bellevue Botanical Garden dβLights
(Bellevue)
Over half a million sparkling lights in whimsical garden shapes.
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Snowflake Lane
(Bellevue)
Complimentary nightly parade with falling snow and festive floats.
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Zoolights
(Tacoma)
Over one million lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.
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Festive Season at Fairmont Olympic
(Seattle)
Historic Seattle hotel's festive season with exclusive offers.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near Des Moines
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Des Moines.
Jingle Bell Brunch 2025
Get ready for a magical morning of holiday cheer at the 2025 Jingle...
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See All Des Moines Christmas NewsDes Moines Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Des Moines
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Des Moines!
Des Moines Christmas FAQ
The Dome for the Holidays at the Botanical Garden and Jolly Holiday Lights at the Iowa State Fairgrounds are two of the largest annual events.
Des Moines is known for its vibrant neighborhood light displays and the annual Dome for the Holidays, which brings thousands of twinkling lights indoors.
The Drake Neighborhood, West Des Moines, and Ankeny are popular for their festive light displays and walking trails.
Downtown Des Moines and local community centers host holiday markets and vendor stalls featuring local makers and artisans.
Neighborhood light displays, free holiday markets, and community events like caroling are great budget-friendly options.
The Dome for the Holidays, Jolly Holiday Lights, and family-friendly holiday markets are great for kids of all ages.