Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, December 5th 2025 – Sunday, December 7th 2025

Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

A Christmas Carol

Friday, December 5th 2025 – Sunday, December 7th 2025
Program Times Vary
Des Moines Civic Center – Stoner Theater, Des Moines, IA

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through a magical, heartfelt journey of past, present, and future in this festive adaptation of Dickens’ classic. A cozy, joyful way to welcome the holiday season with the whole family. Learn More or Register Today

Disney’s Frozen

Friday, December 5th 2025 – Sunday, December 7th 2025
Program Times Vary
Des Moines Community Playhouse – Des Moines, IA
Join Anna, Elsa, and all your Frozen favorites on a musical adventure filled with courage, sisterhood, and winter sparkle. A perfect outing for kids and grown-ups who love this magical story. Learn More or Register Today

Holiday Hullabaloo

Friday, December 5th 2025
12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Southridge Event Center – Des Moines, IA
Holiday Hullabaloo brings festive fun all weekend long! From Baby Rave to the Welcome Santa Parade, LEGO build classes, and more. Celebrate Ugly Sweater weekend at Holiday Hullabaloo, a playful way to jump into the holiday spirit! Learn More or Register Today

Pajama Night with Santa

Friday, December 5th 2025
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Merle Hay Mall – Des Moines, IA
Wear your coziest PJs and enjoy magical moments with Santa at Merle Hay Mall. Snap photos, enjoy the décor, and make memories during this relaxed holiday visit. Learn More or Register Today

Luminary Hike

Friday, December 5th 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Grandview Park – Des Moines, IA
Take a winter walk along a glowing luminary trail and warm up afterward with hot cocoa by the fire. This free, family-friendly outdoor event encourages guests to bring a food bank donation. Learn More or Register Today

Outdoor Ice Skating

Friday, December 5th 2025
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Brenton Skating Plaza – Des Moines, IA
The ice is open! Skate under the stars at Brenton Skating Plaza and enjoy one of Downtown’s favorite winter traditions. Learn More or Register Today

Special Needs Jump

Saturday, December 6th 2025
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Get Air Trampoline Park – Des Moines, IA
Experience a calmer, sensory-friendly jump time with low music, a softer atmosphere, and space for families to play together. Siblings welcome. Learn More or Register Today

Grown-Up Book Fair: Holiday Edition

Saturday, December 6th 2025
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Des Moines Public Library – Central Library, Des Moines, IA
Shop books, stickers, gifts, local goodies, and more while supporting the Des Moines Public Library. A nostalgic, holiday-tinged trip for grown-up book lovers. Learn More or Register Today

Dazzling in The District

Saturday, December 6th 2025
2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
The District at Prairie Trail – Ankeny, IA
Enjoy holiday shopping, games, Santa visits, giveaways, and a festive scavenger hunt, all leading up to a beautiful tree lighting and fireworks show at 6:30 PM. Learn More or Register Today

Lighted Parade – Christmas in the Park

Saturday, December 6th 2025
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Downtown – Osceola, IA
Celebrate the holidays small-town style with ornament collecting, treats, letters to Santa, window displays, a toy giveaway, and the beloved Lighted Parade at 6 PM. Learn More or Register Today

Movie in the Park: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 6th 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Winter Wonderland at Colby Park – Windsor Heights, IA
A full afternoon of wagon rides, contests, crafts, Santa photos, and tree lighting, all topped off with an outdoor showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol. Cozy, festive, and free! Learn More or Register Today

Sensory Santa

Sunday, December 7th 2025
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Norwalk Easter Public Library – Norwalk, IA
Families in the Norwalk School District can book individual sensory-friendly Santa visits tailored to their child’s needs. Registration is required for this special event. Learn More or Register Today

Locally Grown Showcase: Holiday Market

Sunday, December 7th 2025
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Cellar Winery – Madrid, IA
Sip wine, browse handmade goods, enjoy warm treats, and shop local at this beloved boutique-style holiday market. This indoor shopping event is perfect for checking off your holiday shopping list! Learn More or Register Today

Kids Takeover Day – Iowa Wild

Sunday, December 7th 2025
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Casey’s Center – Des Moines, IA
Youth jersey giveaway, post-game skate, and family fun on the ice as the Iowa Wild take on Manitoba at the Casey’s Center this Sunday! Learn More or Register Today

Meet Autism-Friendly Santa

Sunday, December 7th 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
New Horizon Academy – West Des Moines, IA
Book a private 10 minute, sensory-friendly visit with Santa, complete with professional photos and a calm, welcoming environment. This Fi & Friends event is the perfect opportunity for a magical moment with Santa! Learn More or Register Today

Grimes Walk-Thru Celebration

Sunday, December 7th 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Heritage Park – Grimes, IA
Meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, explore festive displays, and experience a cheerful community walk-through celebration in Grimes, Iowa! Learn More or Register Today

Purchase your copy today!