Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in December

All our favorite holidays events are back including Holiday Hullabaloo, Christkindlmarket and the Holiday Promenade. Enjoy these plus some new traditions this holiday season.  So put on that ugly sweater, grab a hot chocolate and plan your December in Des Moines today. 

Bookmark these other fun posts and guides to help you plan this holiday season:

Bookmark these other fun holiday guides to plan this season:

Dome for the Holidays 

Address: Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens,909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309

When: 

  • Wednesdays – Sundays, November 16 – December 31
  • Wednesday-Friday: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
  • Also open Monday, December 23rd, Monday, December 30th and Tuesday, December 31st

Cost: Must purchase tickets online 

  • Adults $15, Children (13 & under) $9, Children (under 1) FREE
  • Botanical Garden members receive a $3 discount on each ticket price.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens invites you to add a new holiday tradition this year by attending Dome for the Holidays. Wander through the indoor illuminated light show throughout the tropical conservatory and Gardeners’ Show House. See a stunning collection of blown glass pieces created by Hot Glass out of the Quad Cities. Don’t miss the beloved holiday Train Display – featuring a new look and theme, and the family of holiday gnomes. It will take between 45-70 minutes to walk through. 

Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard 

Address: 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046

When:

  • November 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd at 9:00 AM
  • December 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th,14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd at 4:00 PM

Cost: Purchase tickets online.

  • $7.95 per person (4:00 PM-7:00 PM session) 
  • $12.95 per person (9:00 AM-1:00 PM session)

Spend the morning or evening at Center Grove Orchard exploring their Winter Wonderland. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a gourmet hot chocolate stand, holiday games, gingerbread cookie decorating, winter wonderland walkthrough, u-build bears, and a meet and greet with Santa. Other fun holiday events include brunch with Santa and pj’s with Santa.

Holiday Hullabaloo

Address: Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th St., Clive, IA 50325

When:

  • November 29 – December 29
    • Fridays: Noon – 7pm
    • Saturdays: 10am – 7pm
    • Sundays: Noon – 6pm
  • December 23: Monday: Noon- 6pm
  • December 24 : Tuesday: 10am- 2pm

Cost: Buy tickets here

  • 3 and under free
  • Ages 4-12, $20 each
  • Ages 13-62, $30 each
  • Ages 63+, $20 each
  • Season passes are also available 

Holiday Hullabaloo is back with some exciting new things. Check out the Enchanted Forest, which is an immersive, glowing winter wonderland and explore the incredible holiday LEGO® Displays by Iowa LEGO Users Group. Step foot inside a life-size gingerbread house, work off some holiday stress at the snowball fight arena, slide around the sock skating rink, decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and make a stop at Santa’s Workshop. There are also special events happening throughout the month including Breakfast with Santa, pictures with Santa, Noon Year’s Eve and just for the adults, Silver Bell NYE Soiree. There is so much to see and do at Holiday Hullabaloo, you might want to get a season pass to experience it all!  Holiday Hullabaloo was created by InnovativEvents, Inc, as an annual fundraising opportunity for Dorothy’s House. Check out our full guide here. 

Christkindlmarket

Address: Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

When:

  • Thursday, December 5th, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
  • Friday, December 6th, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
    • Yuletide Hall after hours 9:00 PM-10:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 7th, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
    • Yuletide Hall after hours 9:00 PM-10:00 PM
  • Sunday, December 8th, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM 

Cost: Free to attend

Get yourself into the holiday spirit by attending Christkindlmarket Des Moines, a German-inspired Christmas market. Bring the kids to Kinder Korner to learn about various European languages, color pictures and hear traditional stories. Then head to Yuletide Hall to the heated entertainment area to listen to Polka, Irish Traditional and pub songs, bagpipes and so much more. The fresh-air market will give you all the feelings of the holidays with roasted nuts, gifts, treats, and lots of filling food. And of course don’t forget to enjoy Glühwein, a warm, mulled wine! The kids might also enjoy Breakfast with St. Nick on Sunday morning from 9:00 AM-10:45 AM. Visit here for more reasons to attend Christkindlmarket. 

Waukee Winterfest 

Address: Downtown Waukee Triangle, Waukee, IA

When: Saturday, December 6th, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM

Cost: Free to attend

Join Waukee Parks and Recreation in the Downtown Triangle for Waukee Winterfest. Don’t miss Santa and Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke light the tree in Triangle Park at 6:00 PM sharp. After the tree lighting, visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in the Community Center. Businesses will be open with tasty treats throughout the evening. Other festivities include an ice sculptor, a scavenger hunt, winter games, a s’mores station, mini golf, snowball drop and a performance by the Premiere Dance Studio. In the spirit of giving this season, bring non-perishable food items, new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations. These will be distributed to those in need by Waukee Area Christian Services. Donations can be dropped off during WinterFest at the Community Center or during the week before WinterFest at the Waukee Public Works Building (805 University Ave).

Jingle Bell Stroll 

Address: Gray’s Lake Park, Southeast Picnic Area, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

Cost: Free but register online.

Swing on by Gray’s Lake Park for Jingle Bell Stroll. Des Moines Parks and Recreation hosts this annual holiday event. Walk along the holiday loop filled with holiday games, crafts, and of course a visit with Santa! Enjoy the holiday tunes and pick up some hot chocolate to keep you warm. Bring your letter for Santa with and include your address. Parents and guardians, be sure to bring your phone to take a quick picture with Santa. 

The Peppermint Trail

Address: 

  • The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, Des Moines, IA
  • The Roosevelt Cultural District

When: Saturday, December 14th, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM 

Cost: Free to attend

Shop, eat, and enjoy holiday festivities at The Peppermint Trail on the Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand. Vote for your favorite Gingerbread house at Creme. From 12:00 PM-2:00 PM, Santa will be strolling along Ingersoll Avenue. Enjoy a holiday trolley ride from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM. The Roosevelt Cultural District will also have a Winter Wellness Market and carolers from Roosevelt High School Choir. There will be specials at the various restaurants and shops throughout the day. 

Holiday Promenade 

Address: East Village, Downtown Des Moines, IA

When: Fridays, December 6th, 13th, 20th, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Cost: Free to attend 

See the East Village light up in holiday spirit this season with the Holiday Promenade. Do some holiday shopping at the variety of shops, stop by a restaurant for a delicious meal and enjoy the extra holiday fun around the village. Free trolley rides will take place from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM. Each Friday will include different events such as a scavenger hunt, special activities at Santa’s Workshop, free admission to skate at the Brenton Skating Plaza, and a holiday drone show. Be sure to follow @downtownDSMUSA on social media to find out more.