Last updated: November 11, 2024
Ready for holiday magic, Johnston? Our guide is packed with must-see events and activities. From Johnston regulars to holiday explorers, this guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
One of the season's standout attractions is the Festive Jingle in the Junction, where the streets come alive with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. Families can enjoy festive music and delicious treats throughout the day. The Holiday Hullabaloo promises an array of fun activities, including crafts and local vendors showcasing unique gifts. And don't forget the East Village Holiday Promenade, where you can stroll through charming streets filled with holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Johnston Holiday Light Displays
Jingle in the Junction
- What to Expect
- Extended business hours with free holiday entertainment.
- Description
- Valley Junction transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with extended business hours and free entertainment on 5th Street under over 100,000 holiday lights.
- Where
- West Des Moines | More Info : Jingle in the Junction
Grimes Drive Thru Holiday Celebration
- What to Expect
- Extensive holiday light display with interactive activities.
- Description
- Christmas Lane at the Florida Strawberry Festival features over 1.5 million lights, live entertainment, and activities like face painting and meeting Santa. The event includes rides, concessions, and a KidZone with LEGO stations and ornament decorating.
- Where
- Grimes | More Info : Grimes Drive Thru Holiday Celebration
Santa’s Rock N Lights
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with over 100,000 animated lights.
- Description
- Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show at Living History Farms in Urbandale, featuring over one mile of synchronized lights, including 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, giant 3D sculptures, and festive displays.
- Where
- Urbandale | More Info : Santa’s Rock N Lights
Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
- What to Expect
- Immersive light displays with interactive elements.
- Description
- Reiman Gardens' Winter Wonderscape features over 150,000 dazzling lights throughout 17 acres of outdoor gardens, including captivating tunnels, massive laser-lit disco balls, dynamic light strands dancing across a frozen lake, and a colorful neon jungle.
- Where
- Ames | More Info : Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Johnston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
- What to Expect
- Traditional European culture and hand-crafted products.
- Description
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market at Principal Park, featuring European culture, traditional foods, and hand-crafted products. Enjoy bratwurst, candied nuts, and mulled wine while participating in cultural activities and shopping for unique gifts.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Christkindlmarket Des Moines
East Village Holiday Promenade
- What to Expect
- Inaugural tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza.
- Description
- The East Village Holiday Promenade is a free celebration featuring activities, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly fun. It includes the inaugural tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza and encourages Historic East Village retailers, restaurants, and attractions to remain open until 8 p.m.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : East Village Holiday Promenade
Johnston Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Hullabaloo
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with diverse activities for all ages.
- Description
- Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience featuring a variety of activities, entertainment, and festivities. Enjoy activities like Santa's Workshop, Mrs. Claus's Kitchen, and the Sock Ice Skating Rink, along with live entertainment and holiday decor.
- Where
- Clive | More Info : Holiday Hullabaloo
Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities and crafts.
- Description
- Center Grove Orchard transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, including U-Build Bears and special events, creating a joyful atmosphere for all ages.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard