FREE ADMISSION + HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market
Browse seasonal foods, locally made gifts, and winter décor at Capital Square, with live entertainment and food trucks outside on Cowles Commons. Admission is free; food and purchases are extra.
Capital Square, 400 Locust St · Nov. 20–22, 2026
Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Event details →Verified October 14, 2026 · Organizer source
HISTORIC HOUSE + HOLIDAY DÉCOR
Holly & Ivy at Salisbury House
Tour rooms dressed for the holidays, vote for your favorite design, and enjoy music, Santa visits, and a holiday photo opportunity. General admission is $25 in presale through November 30 or $27 at the door; ages 6–12 are $5 and ages 5 and under are free.
Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr · Dec. 5–6, 2026 · 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Event details →Verified October 14, 2026 · Organizer source
21+ HOLIDAY PARTY
Spirits & Sparkles
An evening holiday party inside Salisbury House’s decorated estate, with live entertainment. The $100 ticket includes substantial appetizers, desserts, and two drinks. Ages 21 and over.
Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr · Dec. 4, 2026 · 6–10 p.m.
Event details →Verified October 14, 2026 · Organizer source
COMMUNITY + HOLIDAY TRADITION
Waukee WinterFest
Waukee’s annual holiday celebration returns to the Downtown Triangle on December 4. The city has confirmed the 2026 date, but detailed hours and activities are still to come; the schedule currently shown on its page is for 2025.
Downtown Triangle, Waukee · Dec. 4, 2026 · Hours TBD
Event details →Verified October 14, 2026 · Organizer source
CHRISTMAS POP-UP + DINING
SnowGlobe at Exile Brewing
Exile’s seasonal pop-up pairs festive food and drinks with elaborate holiday décor. Dining reservations are required through the organizer’s SnowGlobe booking page; seated parties have a 90-minute dining window.
Exile Brewing, 1514 Walnut St · Nov. 10, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027
Event details →Verified October 8, 2026 · Organizer source
MARKET + SHOPPING
Des Moines Holiday Boutique
Start your holiday shopping at EMC Expo Center. Adults are $14 at the door; advance online admission is $13 including the service fee through November 5. Children 12 and under are free.
730 3rd St · Nov. 6–8, 2026
Event details →Verified October 8, 2026 · Organizer source
LIGHTS + LOCAL SHOPPING
Jingle in the Junction
Historic Valley Junction businesses stay open late for holiday shopping and dinner, with free entertainment along 5th Street beneath the neighborhood’s holiday lights.
West Des Moines · Nov. 19; Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2026 · 5–8 p.m.
Event details →Verified October 8, 2026 · Organizer source
BALLET + HOLIDAY TRADITION
The Nutcracker — Ballet Des Moines
Ballet Des Moines brings Clara’s holiday adventure to Hoyt Sherman Place, with Tchaikovsky’s music and the Heartland Youth Choir. Six performances include afternoon and evening options; check the organizer for tickets.
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave · Dec. 10–13, 2026
Event details →Verified October 8, 2026 · Organizer source
BALLET + FAMILY OUTING
The Nutcracker — Iowa Dance Theatre
Iowa Dance Theatre presents its own production of the classic holiday ballet at the Des Moines Civic Center. This is a separate show from Ballet Des Moines’ production at Hoyt Sherman Place; confirm the venue when booking.
Des Moines Civic Center · Dec. 11–12, 2026
Event details →Verified October 8, 2026 · Organizer source
LIGHTS + OUTDOORS
Jolly Holiday Lights
A drive-through holiday light display at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The homepage advertises November 20–January 3 without a season year, while its FAQ still says 2026 dates are coming soon. We are awaiting a consistent 2026 confirmation.
Iowa State Fairgrounds · 2026 dates TBD
Organizer details →
FAMILY + GARDEN
Dome for the Holidays
An indoor holiday light experience in the tropical conservatory, with interactive displays and a gnome hunt. Public ticket sales open October 15.
Botanical Garden · Select evenings Nov. 14, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027
Organizer details →
MARKET + SHOPPING
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
A German-inspired Christmas market experience with seasonal food, drinks, and local shopping.
Principal Park · Dec. 3–6 & 10–13, 2026
Organizer details →
FREE + EAST VILLAGE
Holiday Promenade
Five Friday evenings of holiday shopping, live entertainment, and free trolley rides in the Historic East Village. The organizer lists general hours of 5–8 p.m.; some individual weekly entries end later, so check your chosen date.
Make a night of it with Winter Wonderland at Nightingale Cocktail, also in the East Village. Check its admission details and reservations separately.
Historic East Village · Nov. 20 & 27; Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2026
Organizer details →Verified October 14, 2026 · East Village organizer
FAMILY + GIVING
Festival of Trees & Lights
Decorated trees, Santa visits, crafts, performances, and holiday shopping supporting Blank Children’s Hospital. General admission is $10; ages 2 and under are free.
Iowa Events Center · Nov. 27–29, 2026
Event details →
FAMILY + HISTORY
Family Christmas at Living History Farms
An afternoon of historic holiday traditions, crafts, carols, cookie decorating, and Santa photos. Advance admission is $12; members $11; under 2 free.
Urbandale · Dec. 5, 2026, noon–3 p.m.
Event details →
MUSIC + PERFORMANCE
Symphony Holiday Brass
Holiday classics played by the Des Moines Symphony brass section, with pipe organ, timpani, and percussion. Tickets are $31–$61.
Westminster Presbyterian · Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 20, 4 p.m., 2026
Event details →
