7 Must-Do Christmas Activities in Des Moines for Families
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Christmas in Des Moines is full of family-friendly magic—twinkling lights, festive parades, holiday train rides, and cozy traditions you’ll remember for years.
But if you’re like most busy families, it’s impossible to do it all in one season.
As a mom of four who’s lived in the Des Moines area for over a decade, I’ve participated in nearly every holiday event and tradition in town.
Some have become must-do favorites for us, while others are fun to sprinkle in when we have extra time.
That’s why I put together this list: to help you cut through the overwhelm, pick 1 or 2 special activities that fit your family this year, and feel great about those choices—because let’s be real, you can’t do it all and you don’t have to.
These are the Christmas events that truly stand out in Des Moines—plus a few bonus ideas if you’re looking for even more holiday cheer.
1. Ice Skating at Brenton Skating Plaza
Right along the riverfront in downtown Des Moines, Brenton Skating Plaza transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
For my boys (and me!), skating here is one of the highlights of the season—we make it a point to go every year.
Between the twinkling lights of downtown, the giant Christmas tree, and the holiday music, ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza feels like something straight out of a holiday movie.
Mom Tip: For little ones (or big ones who are learning), skating aids make it easier. And if you’d rather watch than skate, grab a bench, sip some cocoa, and enjoy the lights.
Where to Eat Nearby: We love pairing this outing with Exile Brewing Company’s SnowGlobe Pop-up (reservations go fast!) or a fun meal at Zombie Burger. And if everyone still has energy, Molly’s Cupcakes is the sweetest ending. 🧁
📍 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA
💲 Adults $10 | Kids 6–12 $6 | Under 5 Free | Skate rental $5
2. Festival of Trees (Thanksgiving Weekend — one-weekend event)
Held at the Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, this is the biggest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and it’s SO family-friendly.
It’s become a Thanksgiving-weekend tradition for us that we look forward to every year!
My kids love doing the Christmas tree scavenger hunt—racing around to find the objects on their list, and they also enjoy voting for their favorite tree.
Each person gets a ballot, and the boys take it very seriously, debating which one should win.
For example, you might see an ice cream tree, a Mickey Mouse tree, a Rudolph tree, or something equally creative.
Beyond the trees, there’s a ton for kids to do: crafts, sock skating, a little train ride, and other hands-on activities.
You can also catch dance performances, grab snacks, and just enjoy the festive buzz together. It’s the perfect beginning to the Christmas season!
2025 Dates & Hours
- Friday, Nov 28: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov 29: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov 30: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
💲$10 per person (ages 2 and under are free). Children’s activities are included with admission.
Plan-Ahead Tip: This happens Thanksgiving weekend only. If you’re out of town, swap in a season-long pick like Miracle on 86th Street (free walk-through lights) or Winter Wonderscape in Ames.
📍 Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, Des Moines, IA
3. Holiday Hullabaloo
When we first tried the Holiday Hullabaloo, I figured we’d spend an hour or two.
Four hours later, I was still coaxing the kids out of the snowball fight arena!
We’ve gone the last two years, and it’s on our must-do list again this Christmas.
I genuinely love this event—it’s super immersive and incredibly festive.
There’s upbeat music playing, magic shows, cozy nooks for treats and coffee, and so much more packed into every corner.
My kids make a beeline for Santa’s Command Center, and they always end up spending ages in the snowball arena.
Another one of our favorite parts? The characters. You’ll run into the Grinch, Susie Snowflake, Jack Frost, and other friends throughout the day.
Each one gives out a little character card, and my boys get very into collecting the whole set.
Activities span all ages: cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, LEGO building, sock skating, photo ops, mini-golf, toddler play areas, and plenty of spots to take a breather with a snack.
It’s high-energy, easy to spend half a day without realizing it, and a can’t-miss Christmas experience for families in Des Moines.
📍 Southridge Event Center, 1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA (new venue this year)
💲 Adults $24 | Kids 4–12 $15 | Under 4 Free. Family packs are also available, which can make it more affordable, check the Holiday Hullabaloo website for the latest bundle options.
*Price do not include online service fees.
4. Miracle on 86th Street
This Urbandale tradition is one of our favorite free holiday outings.
You can stroll through a dazzling display of lights, climb on a wooden train, and pose in sleighs and gingerbread houses.
I love this one because you actually walk through the display—you’re among the lights, not just driving past. Bundle up, slow down, and soak in another truly magical Christmas experience.
We usually park at the Urbandale Public Library and walk through with cocoa in hand. It’s festive, fun, and completely free—what more could you want?
➡️ Bonus tip: Drive a few miles over to Ashby Avenue and Wallace Lane, where neighbors put on one of the best DIY light shows in the metro.
📍 Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St, Urbandale, IA
💲 Free
5. Winter Wonderscape at Reiman Gardens
Just a short drive to Ames, Reiman Gardens goes all-out with their Winter Wonderscape.
We bundle the kids in hats and mittens, grab hot cocoa at the event, and walk the ¾-mile lighted path together.
I also love this one because you actually walk through the lights.
Being outside, bundled up, and in the middle of the displays feels extra magical—different from a drive-through and totally worth it.
The light tunnels are a huge hit with my boys. They always end up singing Christmas carols as we walk.
And because strollers and wagons are welcome, it’s doable for families with little ones.
Plan about an hour for the one-way route, and dress warm if temps dip.
📍 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA
💲 Adults $16 | Kids 2–12 $7 | Under 2 Free
⏰ Thurs–Sat evenings in December
6. Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard
Worth the 40-minute drive to Cambridge, Center Grove Orchard’s Winter Wonderland is truly magical!
From a horse-drawn wagon ride to walking through storybook-style Christmas scenes, it feels like stepping into the North Pole.
Inside, you follow a special storyline with Stella Snowflake, moving room-to-room through immersive sets: Candy Cane World, gingerbread houses, sparkling snowmen, Santa’s workshop, and even the North Pole finale.
The lighting, music, and little details (think peppermint paths and twinkly “snowfall”) make it feel like you’ve walked into a Christmas book.
Our kids especially love the snowball games, the walk-through story with Stella, and visiting the baby animals in the barn afterward.
Good to know: There are morning and evening sessions, and some activities are session-specific—double-check the schedule before you go. Dress warmly (layers and boots), and plan time for a treat or cocoa between activities.
📍 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA
💲 Morning session $12.95+ | Evening session $7.95+ | Under 3 Free
7. The Des Moines Holiday Parade (NEW for 2025 — one-morning event)
I’m so excited about this brand-new tradition! On November 29, 2025, downtown Des Moines will host its first Holiday Parade.
As a mom, I love that this event gives families another chance to celebrate together. I’m already planning to bring hot cocoa, blankets, and lawn chairs for the kids.
Plan-Ahead Tips:
- This is one day only—arrive early to snag a good spot (aim for 9:15 a.m.).
- Consider parking near Principal Park or in nearby downtown ramps.
- Dress in layers and pack hand warmers; November mornings can be chilly.
📍 Starts/Ends: Principal Park | Passes: Science Center of Iowa (home base)
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m.
💲 Cost: Free
More Holiday Fun Around Des Moines
While these 7 activities are the ones my family considers true “must-dos,” there are so many other fun options around the metro.
We’ve tried them all over the years, but I want to give you permission: don’t feel like you need to do everything.
Pick the ones that light your family up this season, and let the rest go.
- 🎄 Jolly Holiday Lights – A Des Moines classic! This beloved drive-through display now located at the Iowa State Fairgrounds has been a tradition for decades. You’ll drive through dazzling light tunnels, animated displays, and more—all while staying warm in the car. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Iowa, which makes this outing even more meaningful.
- ✨ Santa’s Rock n Lights – If your kids love music, they’ll be wowed by this synchronized drive-through light show. The colorful displays dance along to holiday tunes, making it a fun twist on the traditional light experience.
- 🎁 Jingle in the Junction – Head to Historic Valley Junction for a cozy small-town Christmas feel. On select Thursday nights, the streets glow with thousands of lights, horse-drawn trolley rides, carolers, and festive shopping. We love grabbing hot cocoa and wandering the shops—it feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
- 🚂 Santa Express (Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad) – About 45 minutes from Des Moines, this festive train ride is pure Christmas magic. Families board a decorated train with Santa and his elves, complete with cookies, cocoa, and holiday songs. My kids loved riding a real train and meeting Santa on board is always the highlight!
- ❄️ Exile Brewing SnowGlobe Pop-Up (Downtown DSM) – One of our favorite festive add-ons to a downtown night or late afternoon if evening reservations aren’t available. Exile Brewing Company turns into a giant Christmas “SnowGlobe”—book ahead because reservations go fast. We’ve paired this with Brenton Skating Plaza and it makes the whole evening feel extra festive.
Final Thoughts: Christmas in Des Moines with Kids
From twinkling lights to train rides with Santa, Des Moines is bursting with Christmas magic.
My family has made cherished memories at all of these events—but some years we only do one or two, and that’s more than enough.
So take the pressure off yourself. Choose a couple of favorites, bundle everyone up, and make it special. The holidays aren’t about checking every box—they’re about making memories with your people.
Leave a comment to share your favorite Christmas experience or event in Des Moines.
May you love your adventure! KW
