Santa in Des Moines 2026

Is taking cute photos of your kids with Santa a holiday tradition in your home? Santa is coming to Des Moines this holiday season and now is the time to share with him your wish list! There are several opportunities to see Santa, sip on hot cocoa, capture a free photo, and more in Des Moines this time of year. Many of the options listed below require advance registration. Please make sure you read closely and plan ahead. Keep this page bookmarked as we add more opportunities for fun photo ops and visits with Santa.

** Please note: We are actively updating this guide. Make sure you have it bookmarked and check back regularly for updates!

Bookmark these other fun holiday guides to plan this season:

NOVEMBER

Santa’s Wonderland

Bass Pro Shops

November 7 – December 24

Santa’s Arrival: November 7 at 5 p.m.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is proud to invite families to the beloved tradition of visiting Santa Claus this holiday season during the annual Santa’s Wonderland experience. Visit your local store to be one of the millions of families to take a FREE photo with Santa. Photo sessions will start on Sunday, November 7 through December 24. Reservations are recommended. To learn more and make a reservation, visit here.

Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night + Tree Lighting

Brenton Skating Plaza in Downtown Des Moines

November 20 from 5 to 11 p.m.

Opening night of Brenton Skating Plaza. The night will consist of a visit from Santa, a tree-lighting ceremony, an ice carver, and more.

Christmas in Olde Town

Altoona, Iowa

November 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Christmas in Olde Town is one of the most anticipated events of the year where the entire community gathers to celebrate the holiday season! Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with festive fun—meet Santa himself, sip on our famous hot chocolate, roast marshmallows at the s’mores station, and enjoy magical reindeer encounters! 

 Plus, don’t miss live entertainment, holiday crafts, carriage rides, and endless photo ops to capture the memories.

Brunch with Santa

Center Grove Orchard

Details coming soon!

Gather family and friends for a festive morning filled with laughter, good food, and time with Santa himself. Enjoy a hearty brunch buffet of pancakes, eggs, and sausage, or join us for our Old-Fashioned Christmas Special featuring French toast and homemade applesauce.

Shop the Country Store for gifts, treats, and a little extra holiday magic before you go.

The best kind of morning, full of smiles, syrup, and Christmas cheer.

Winterset Festival of Lights

Winterset, Iowa

November 27; 5 to 8 p.m.

Take a drive to Winterset and begin your holiday cheer with the Winterset Festival of Lights. All around the Madison County Courthouse, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, food, live and lighted window displays, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and photos with Santa. At 7:15 PM, a lighted parade featuring holiday movies will make its way around the courthouse square.

Festival of Trees and Lights

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

November 27-29

Blank Children’s Hospital is proud to announce the 43rd Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will be at the Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in 2026. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season. The 43rd Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will feature beautifully decorated trees, special performances from local music and dance groups, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts and activities, and the chance to be inspired by impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s. In addition, visitors can shop at the Holiday Gift Shop for gifts and more. Purchase tickets here.

Tinsel Themed Brunch: Santa

Either/Or

November 29

Bring the family, grab some brunch, take a memorable picture with Santa, AND let the kiddos share what’s on their wish list. Santa will be here 10 AM–1 PM and brunch will be served until 2 PM (regular service resumes at 2:30 PM). Anyone dining or drinking with us is welcome to get a photo with Santa! Reservations are highly recommended.

DECEMBER

Santa Express

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

November 27 – December 20

Join the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad for what has become a tradition for families across the Midwest. Take a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express, a journey that will take you from Boone to the North Pole, and return. Santa will pass through the train, greeting children, and passing out a special gift.

On your journey, you will cross the 156-tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge.

Purchase tickets here.

Clive Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Clive Public Library

December 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Mark your calendars, Clive Parks & Recreation has set a date for its annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting that will be held in front of Clive Public Library. Enjoy kid-friendly activities. Special guest appearance from the North Pole!

Waukee WinterFest

Waukee Downtown Triangle

December 4; 6 to 8 p.m. 

Bring on the holiday cheer with your friends, family, and neighbors at Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration held in the Downtown Triangle! Santa makes his big appearance at 6 p.m. at the tree lighting. After the tree lighting, visit with the jolly man in person at the Community Center over hot chocolate and cookies, and participate in open houses and activities with the Waukee Downtown Businesses. 

Holidays at the Town Center

Johnston Town Center

December 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual event will feature free ice skating, a visit with Santa and his reindeer, samples from local businesses, tree lighting, and a new holiday light show! Take a look at the full schedule and details here.

Jingle Bell Stroll

Gray’s Lake Park – Southeast Picnic Area

December 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Walk along the holiday-themed loop with games and craft stations. Visit Santa Claus, listen to some holiday tunes, and pick up a hot chocolate to keep you warm as you wander around the loop. Santa Claus will be available for photos. The event is designed for children 13 and under. Pre-registration is required.

Family Christmas

Living History Farms

December 5 from Noon to 3 p.m.

Hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the smells of a 19th-century Christmas: Cookie decorating Crafts Caroling Stories Parlor games Demonstrations at the Millinery, Print Shop, Drug Store, and Tangen Home Tours of the Historic Flynn Mansion Horse-drawn wagon rides* And take your photo with Santa! Buildings are heated. Bundle up for wagon rides! Learn more here.

The Peppermint Trail

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and Roosevelt Cultural District

December 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate the season with your favorite local businesses on The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and the Roosevelt Cultural District. The Peppermint Trail, presented by Veridian Credit Union, returns on Saturday, December 13, with shopping and dining specials happening all day at local shops and restaurants, plus a line-up of holiday festivities, including trolley rides, ice carving, photos with Santa, carolers, and more!

Skate with Santa

The RecPlex in West Des Moines

December 12 from 5:45 to 7 p.m.

Preregister to join Santa for a special public skating session at the RecPlex. Bring the kids and a camera to capture photos as you skate around with Santa.

Santa and His Reindeer Night at Miracle on 86th Street

Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park; Near Urbandale Public Library

December 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Meet Santa Claus and the reindeer! Santa is stopping by with a few of his reindeer this winter! This event is free and fun for the whole family! Come and take pictures and enjoy the lights at Miracle on 86th Street. No registration required. Join the City of Urbandale at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park.

Breakfast with Santa

Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge

December 19; 8 to 10 a.m.

Join West Des Moines Parks & Recreation for this fun, festive, holiday breakfast featuring Santa Claus himself! The event features an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, catered by “Chris Cakes”. Photos on Santa’s lap will be available…so be sure to bring your camera! A take-home craft is included. Must register.