Last updated: November 11, 2024
Prepare for a holiday adventure in West Des Moines! Our guide has all the exciting festive activities. For those who call West Des Moines home and those who wish they did, our guide is your holiday lifeline.
Popular Events: Experience the charming ambiance of Jingle in the Junction, where local shops come alive with seasonal cheer and special promotions. Another highlight includes the Holiday Promenade, featuring delightful entertainment and an opportunity to find unique gifts. And the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an unforgettable musical experience that captures the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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West Des Moines Holiday Light Displays
Jingle in the Junction
- What to Expect
- Extended business hours with free entertainment under 100,000 holiday lights.
- Description
- Valley Junction transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with extended business hours, offering ample time to find the perfect gift, enjoy dinner, and experience three blocks of free entertainment under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights.
- Where
- West Des Moines | More Info : Jingle in the Junction
Santa’s Rock N Lights
- What to Expect
- Over one mile of synchronized lights and music.
- Description
- Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show featuring over 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, larger-than-life dinosaurs, reindeer, and emojis, all synchronized to music.
- Where
- Urbandale | More Info : Santa’s Rock N Lights
West Des Moines Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Promenade
- What to Expect
- Tree lighting ceremony and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Holiday Promenade is a free celebration in Downtown Des Moines featuring holiday-themed activities, entertainment, and shopping. It includes a tree lighting ceremony and various family-friendly events throughout five Fridays.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Holiday Promenade
Christkindlmarket
- What to Expect
- Traditional European culture and cuisine in a festive environment.
- Description
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market featuring European culture, traditional foods, and hand-crafted products. Enjoy bratwurst, candied nuts, and other authentic German foods while shopping for unique artisanal gifts. The event includes lively performances, a KinderKorner for children, and the opportunity to sip warm, mulled wine (Glühwein) from commemorative mugs.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Christkindlmarket
West Des Moines Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Festival of Trees and Lights
- What to Expect
- Supports critical services at Blank Children's Hospital through festive activities.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees and Lights is a central Iowa tradition that features beautifully decorated trees, special performances, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts, and activities. It supports valuable programs at Blank Children's Hospital, including Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Festival of Trees and Lights
A Charlie Brown Christmas
- What to Expect
- Faithful stage adaptation of a beloved animated classic.
- Description
- A Charlie Brown Christmas is a faithful stage adaptation of the classic animated television special, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. The show features a talented cast and delightful music, making it a heartwarming holiday experience.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : A Charlie Brown Christmas
Disney on Ice
- What to Expect
- Dynamic ice and aerial performances with diverse Disney characters.
- Description
- Disney on Ice presents Mickey's Search Party is an immersive adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and compelling storytelling. Join Mickey Mouse and friends on a quest to find Tinker Bell, exploring vibrant worlds and memorable performances.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Disney on Ice
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- What to Expect
- ALL-NEW epic musical performance of TSO's Christmas trilogy.
- Description
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents an ALL-NEW version of "The Lost Christmas Eve," the final chapter of their Christmas trilogy, featuring a rich and immersive musical experience.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Mannheim Steamroller
- What to Expect
- Dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
- Description
- Mannheim Steamroller presents a timeless holiday tradition featuring classic Christmas music in the distinctive Mannheim sound, celebrating over 35 years of festive performances.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Mannheim Steamroller
A Motown Christmas
- What to Expect
- Soulful Motown performance with legendary vocal group.
- Description
- A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group performing Motown's greatest hits and holiday classics with dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : A Motown Christmas
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Tour
- What to Expect
- Iconic holiday music performed by renowned artists.
- Description
- Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith, accompanied by award-winning guest Riley Clemmons, performs their most popular Christmas classics in a family-friendly concert.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Tour
A Magical Cirque Christmas
- What to Expect
- Dazzling circus acts and live holiday music.
- Description
- A variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music, with awe-inspiring performances and nostalgic charm for all ages.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : A Magical Cirque Christmas
West Des Moines Other Holiday Activities
Holly & Ivy Holiday Home Tour
- What to Expect
- Holiday home tour with local decorations and live music.
- Description
- The Holly & Ivy Holiday Home Tour at Salisbury House & Gardens features a grand 1920s estate decorated by local interior designers, florists, and event decorators. Each room is meticulously adorned for the holiday season, accompanied by live holiday music and various holiday workshops.
- Where
- Des Moines | More Info : Holly & Ivy Holiday Home Tour
Windsor Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday activities with Santa and festive lights.
- Description
- Windsor Wonderland is a festive event in Windsor Heights, IA, featuring family-friendly activities, holiday lights, and a visit with Santa.
- Where
- Windsor Heights | More Info : Windsor Wonderland