Explore the joy of the holidays in West Des Moines with our event guide. From West Des Moines devotees to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
One of the highlights is Jolly Holiday Lights, a dazzling display that lights up the night with festive cheer. Experience a blend of history and holiday fun at the Living History Farms Family Christmas event, where traditions come to life. And the Iowa Wild Teddy Bear Toss is something you definitely don't want to miss, adding a splash of excitement to your holiday season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in West Des Moines
See these and even more events listed below!West Des Moines Holiday Markets and Shopping
Historic Valley Junction Jingle in the Junction
What to Expect:
Historic district holiday celebration with horse-drawn trolley rides
Description:
Jingle in the Junction brings old-world charm to Historic Valley Junction. This celebration transforms the district's main street into a picturesque holiday scene, complete with twinkling lights and the clip-clop of horse-drawn trolleys. The event highlights the area's rich history, which dates back to the 1800s when it was a major railroad town. Local shops and eateries open their doors, offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. You can warm up by outdoor fire pits while listening to strolling carolers, their voices echoing through the historic streets.
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Historic Valley Junction Jingle in the Junction
West Des Moines Other Holiday Activities
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Festive 5K run/walk supporting the Arthritis Foundation
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run energizes West Des Moines with a spirited 5K event. Participants don holiday-themed costumes, complete with jingling bells, creating a symphony of sound as they traverse the course. This run stands out by combining fitness with fundraising for the Arthritis Foundation. The event traces its roots back to 1984, making it one of the longest-running holiday-themed races in the country. During the run, you can spot creative outfits ranging from full Santa suits to teams dressed as reindeer, adding a playful element to the physical challenge.
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Santa at Jordan Creek Town Center
What to Expect:
Santa visits in a modern shopping center setting
Description:
Santa's arrival at Jordan Creek Town Center brings a contemporary twist to a timeless tradition. This event merges holiday nostalgia with the convenience of a modern shopping experience. The center, which opened in 2004, has quickly become a hub for holiday activities in the region. Santa's setup features a sleek, stylish backdrop that contrasts with traditional mall Santa scenes. You can capture the moment with professional photos or use your own device for a personal touch. The event caters to diverse needs, offering special hours for children with sensory sensitivities.
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Santa at Jordan Creek Town Center
Nearby Events
Jolly Holiday Lights (Des Moines)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display benefiting Make-A-Wish Iowa
Description:
Jolly Holiday Lights illuminates Water Works Park with a dazzling drive-through experience. This annual tradition, spanning over two miles, supports Make-A-Wish Iowa's mission to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. As you cruise through the twinkling displays, you'll encounter animated scenes and colorful light tunnels. The event has raised over $4 million since its inception in 1995. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music, enhancing the immersive atmosphere.
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Living History Farms Family Christmas (Urbandale)
What to Expect:
Interactive 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Living History Farms transports visitors to Christmases past with its Family Christmas event. This immersive experience recreates holiday celebrations from the 1850s through the 1900s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories of Iowa's pioneer days. You can participate in making historic ornaments or sampling period-appropriate treats. The event showcases how holiday customs evolved over time, reflecting the changing face of Iowa's rural communities. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air as you explore the authentically decorated historic buildings.
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Living History Farms Family Christmas
Iowa Wild Teddy Bear Toss (Des Moines)
What to Expect:
Charity hockey game with stuffed animal donations
Description:
The Iowa Wild Teddy Bear Toss combines thrilling hockey action with heartwarming charity. Fans bring new stuffed animals to the game, launching them onto the ice after the Wild score their first goal. This cascade of plush toys creates a spectacle unlike any other sporting event. The collected toys are then distributed to local children's charities, spreading joy beyond the arena. This tradition, popular in hockey circles, began in 1993 in Kamloops, British Columbia. At the game, you can join thousands of fans in this unique display of community spirit.
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Santa Express Train Ride (Boone)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa through scenic Iowa countryside
Description:
The Santa Express Train Ride whisks passengers away on a nostalgic journey through Iowa's winter landscape. This vintage train, operated by the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, chugs along historic tracks dating back to 1893. Aboard the festively decorated cars, children and adults alike can meet Santa and his elves. The scenic route offers breathtaking views of the Des Moines River Valley, a sight rarely seen from this unique vantage point. You can sip on hot cocoa while listening to classic holiday stories, creating memories that harken back to a simpler time.
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Festival of Trees & Lights (Des Moines)
What to Expect:
Showcase of designer-decorated trees benefiting Blank Children's Hospital
Description:
The Festival of Trees & Lights transforms the Iowa Events Center into a forest of creativity. This event features over 100 trees, each uniquely decorated by local designers and organizations. The festival serves as a major fundraiser for Blank Children's Hospital, supporting vital pediatric programs. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs, from traditional to avant-garde, showcasing the diversity of holiday expression. The event's history dates back to 1984, evolving into a beloved Des Moines tradition. You can bid on your favorite trees in a silent auction, potentially taking home a masterpiece of holiday decor.
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Reiman Gardens’ Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show (Ames)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into illuminated winter landscape
Description:
Reiman Gardens' Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show reimagines the botanical space as a luminous winter spectacle. This event stands out by integrating light displays with the garden's natural beauty, creating a harmonious blend of nature and artistry. The show pays homage to Iowa's agricultural heritage with themed displays. As you stroll through the gardens, you'll encounter illuminated sculptures and interactive light features. The event showcases the versatility of the 17-acre space, normally known for its butterfly wing and conservatory, as it takes on a new identity after dark.
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Reiman Gardens’ Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show