Santa in Des Moines 2025
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:
- Holiday Events in Des Moines
- Holiday Shows in Des Moines
- Des Moines Holiday Markets 2025
- Bass Pro Shop Santa Wonderland – All the Details!
- Des Moines Parent Event Calendar – The best way to stay up to date with events and activities.
Southridge Event Center; 1111 East Army Post Road in Des Moines
December 5 – December 28
Hours: Various days have various hours. Take a look at full schedule.
Capture the magic of the season and make your holiday preparations easier at Holiday Hullabaloo – the perfect event to help moms and grandparents check “photos with Santa” off their holiday to-do list. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, finding time to create meaningful memories can be a challenge, especially when juggling family schedules and festive duties. Holiday Hullabaloo offers the perfect solution by providing not just any Santa, but the warm, welcoming, and picture-perfect Santa Claus everyone dreams of. Skip the long lines at the mall, avoid the last-minute rush, and make an event out of it – bring your little ones, decked out in their holiday best, and snap treasured photos in a relaxed, festive setting. Whether those memories go on your fridge, a holiday card, or shared with grandparents far and wide, you’ll have a keepsake for years to come.
For grandparents, this event is the perfect opportunity to be part of the holiday magic alongside their grandkids. Instead of standing on the sidelines, imagine the joy in their hearts as they watch their little ones beaming next to Santa. And it’s not just about the photos — it’s the entire experience. From Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen cookie decorating to Toyland’s games and giggles, there’s so much to enjoy together. The best part? You’ll walk away not only with adorable holiday photos but with the deep satisfaction of knowing you’ve created priceless memories while also supporting Dorothy’s House and helping other families in need this season. Purchase tickets and learn more.
Santa’s Wonderland
Bass Pro Shops
November 2 – December 24
Santa’s Arrival: November 1 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 2 through December 24. Reservations are recommended. To learn more and make a reservation, visit www.basspro.com/santa.
Photos with Santa Paws
Paws & Pints
November 19 – November 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Photos with Santa Paws! Tell your pup, Santa Paws is coming to town! Capture the holiday magic with Photos with Santa Paws at Paws & Pints. Join us on November 19-22 and December 10-13 from 5-7 PM for a festive photo session your pup will love. First come-first serve. Take a look at full details here!
Photos with Santa
Jordan Creek Town Center
November 21 – December 24
101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Sit and chat with Santa at the Jordan Creek Mall. Participate in fun events such as Pet Night. Different time slots are available. Make your reservation ahead of time!
Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night + Tree Lighting
Brenton Skating Plaza in Downtown Des Moines
November 21 from 5 to 9 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 29 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! Stay up to date here.
Winterset Festival of Lights
Winterset, Iowa
November 28; 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 28 – November 30
Blank Children’s Hospital is proud to announce the 42nd Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will be at the Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in 2025. 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 42nd 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.
Santa Express
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
November 28 – December 21
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.
Santa and His Reindeer Night at Miracle on 86th Street
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park; Near Urbandale Public Library
December 5 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 us at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park on Friday, December 5, from 4:30-6:30 PM.
Waukee WinterFest
Waukee Downtown Triangle
December 5; 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.
Clive Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Clive Public Library
December 5 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!
Holidays at the Town Center
Johnston Town Center
December 6 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.
Santa & The Grinch at Bentley Ridge Tree Farm
Bentley Ridge Tree Farm in Grimes
December 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Santa and the Grinch will be spreading holiday cheer, handing out free goodie bags to all the kids, and posing for photos full of smiles and silliness. Don’t miss this magical meet & greet—perfect for families and little ones!
Jingle Bell Stroll
Gray’s Lake Park – Southeast Picnic Area
December 6 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 from November 1 to December 1.
Family Christmas
Living History Farms
December 6 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.
Adapted Holiday Party
Birdland Park
December 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A holiday program specifically designed for children and teens with disabilities that includes holiday arts and crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus. FREE!
Photos with Santa Paws
Paws & Pints
December 10 – December 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Photos with Santa Paws! Tell your pup, Santa Paws is coming to town! Capture the holiday magic with Photos with Santa Paws at Paws & Pints. Join us on November 19-22 and December 10-13 from 5-7 PM for a festive photo session your pup will love. First come-first serve. Take a look at full details here!
Breakfast with Santa
Holiday Hullabaloo; Southridge Event Center
December 6, 13 and 20 at 8 a.m.
Join Holiday Hullabaloo for a meal with Santa! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa has a special gift for each child. They will capture the moment in a photo of your child with Santa. Mrs. Claus will decorate a sugar cookie with each child and read a holiday story. Learn more and purchase tickets. Reservations are required.
Skate with Santa
The RecPlex in West Des Moines
December 19 from 6:30 to 8 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.
Breakfast with Santa
Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge
December 20; 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.