5 Must-Do Christmas Activities in Des Moines for Families
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Christmastime is hands-down my favorite season of the year. It’s the perfect time to make memories and experience the magic of the season with your family.
As a mom who’s called Des Moines home for over a decade, I’ve had the joy of celebrating many Christmases here with my four kids.
From festive lights to holiday events, we’ve seen it all, and each year I can’t wait to experience the next holiday season. 🎄 🎅🏻

Every December, I make a bucket list of all the family-friendly events and attractions the Des Moines area has to offer, and experiencing these activities as the kids grow and change is a tradition that never gets old.
If you’re like me and love to soak up the holiday spirit but only have time for a few favorites, here are my top 5 must-do family activities in Des Moines this Christmas season.
These are the ones that truly capture the magic of Christmas for us, and I’m excited to share them with you!
1. Ice Skating at Brenton Skating Plaza
Located along the scenic riverfront in downtown Des Moines, Brenton Skating Plaza is the ideal spot to get outside, stay active, and soak in the Christmas spirit with your family.
For us, ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza has become a holiday tradition our boys eagerly look forward to each year. ⛸
There’s something truly magical about the twinkling lights of downtown Des Moines reflecting off the ice, and the brightly lit Christmas tree near the rink adds an extra festive touch. 🎄
We especially love going in the evening, when the atmosphere feels even more magical. It’s a picture-perfect holiday outing that our family cherishes.
If you have little ones who are still learning or even older kids who are new to skating, the rink offers skating aids that make it easier (and a bit less nerve-wracking!) for them to join in the fun.
And for family members who’d rather stay cozy and watch, the benches around the rink provide a front-row view of all the action and a great vantage point for the holiday lights.
Last year, we paired our skate outing with a memorable family dinner at Exile Brewing Company’s SnowGlobe experience—just make sure to book in advance! ❄️
If reservations aren’t available, Zombie Burger is another favorite nearby, offering a fun and quirky dining experience. 🍔
For a sweet end to the night, we sometimes stop by Molly’s Cupcakes for treats that keep everyone smiling (and sugared up!) before bed. 🧁
Ice Skating Admission Fees:
- Adults (13 and over): $10
- Children (6-12): $6
- Children under 5: Free
- Skate rental: $5 per pair
2. Holiday Hullabaloo
Last year was our first time at the Holiday Hullabaloo, and the kids absolutely loved it!
I thought we’d only stay for a couple of hours—almost four hours later, I was still trying to drag my kids out so my youngest could get home for a nap! 😴
They had such a great time that we went back again on another day and even returned for the Holiday Hullabaloo’s Noon Year’s Eve event. 🥳
So, I’m sure you’re at the edge of your seat, wanting to know more!
The Holiday Hullabaloo takes place at the Horizon Events Center on 100th Street in Clive, Iowa.
This immersive holiday experience is packed with holiday characters, activities, treats, and games, making it a perfect Christmas event for families.
Our kids’ favorite activity was the snowball fight in the snowball arena. ❄️
For active boys like mine, running around in socks and throwing “snowballs” is a dream come true! And I have to say, the snowball arena itself is pretty magical.
For kids who enjoy quieter activities, there’s cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, mini-golf, sock ice skating, photo ops, LEGO building, and plenty of cozy spots to enjoy a treat and coffee.
Plus, there are chances to meet holiday characters like the Grinch, Susie Snowflake, and Jack Frost. There’s truly something for everyone!
➡️ For the littlest ones, there are dedicated play areas just for them.
The decorations are top-notch and incredibly immersive. Imagine sipping coffee in a giant igloo or taking a family photo in a life-sized gingerbread house—you’ll find it all here!
Note: Since you’ll likely spend several hours here, you’ll need to grab a bite to eat. The Hullabaloo has you covered with Café Kringle, perfect for satisfying those snack cravings.
Holiday Hullabaloo Admission Fees:
- Adults 62 and over: $20*
- Adults 13-62: $30*
- Children 4-12: $20*
- Children under 4: Free
*Please note: Service fees and tax will add to the admission price.
3. Miracle on 86th Street
Miracle on 86th Street in Urbandale is a magical light display that’s sure to dazzle the whole family—and it’s completely FREE!
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Conveniently located near the Urbandale Public Library, you can park in the library lot and take a stroll through the lights.
It’s one of my favorite displays in the area, with the added fun of being able to walk through it.
You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities, including a festive sleigh, a wooden train for the kids to climb on, and gingerbread houses to pose under.
This display runs every night from late November through early January, making it the perfect spot to create some cherished family Christmas memories outdoors.
➡️ Extra Tip: If you’re looking to see more lights, take a short drive to Ashby Avenue and Wallace Lane off Beaver Avenue. This neighborhood goes all out and is just about 4 miles from Miracle on 86th Street.
4. Winter Wonderscape at Reiman Gardens
We absolutely love visiting Reiman Gardens during the holiday season—it’s become a cherished family tradition for us!
Located in Ames, Iowa, just about 35 miles north of Des Moines, Reiman Gardens is the perfect destination for a festive evening drive or a fun day trip.
Their Winter Wonderscape is an immersive outdoor holiday light show that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
It’s always a joy to bundle up, grab some cozy hats and scarves, and see the incredible lights with our kids.🧣
Our kids love this Christmas event, too!
They get such a kick out of walking through the light tunnels, singing Christmas songs as we go, and spotting all the different displays.
Every year, they insist on grabbing hot chocolate and holiday treats—it’s all part of the fun!
To attend, you’ll need to purchase a timed ticket in advance on the Reiman Gardens website, as there are no on-site ticket sales.
The event takes place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in December, starting at 5 p.m.
The one-way path through the lights is about ¾ of a mile, which typically takes around an hour to walk through at a leisurely pace.
Strollers and wagons are allowed, so it’s easy for families with younger kids to enjoy the experience together.
Winter Wonderscape Admission Fees:
- Adult (General Public): $16
- Youth (2-12): $7
- Children under 2: Free
🌟 Expert Tip: Be sure to dress warmly if the weather is supposed to be cold! You don’t want unhappy and complaining cold kids (or parents). Layer up, wear your warmest winter gear, and you’ll be set to enjoy all that Winter Wonderscape has to offer. ❄️
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5. Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard
Another one of our family’s favorite Christmas events is Center Grove Orchard’s Winter Wonderland.
It’s absolutely worth the 40-minute drive north to Cambridge, Iowa, and has become a holiday highlight for us!
Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard feels like stepping into a true Christmas wonderland.
Our kids were thrilled from the moment we arrived and didn’t want to leave!
First, we took a festive horse-drawn wagon ride, which was the perfect start to the day.
Next, we entered a building transformed into a magical Christmas scene. The immersive decorations and lights made us feel like we were in a storybook.
The holiday walkthrough follows a special story about Stella Snowflake, taking you through incredible scenes like Candy Cane World, gingerbread houses, snowmen, Santa’s workshop, and even the North Pole! 🎄
There was even “snowfall” for that extra touch of winter magic, and the light displays are simply amazing.
The experience doesn’t end there! Center Grove Orchard’s Winter Wonderland has plenty of holiday games for the family, including “Who’s Your Snowman?” (a fun twist on Guess Who?), festive cornhole, winter tic-tac-toe, Connect 4, and more. ☃️
And of course, a visit to Center Grove Orchard wouldn’t be complete without seeing the farm animals! You’ll walk through a lighted tunnel to meet baby pigs, goats, and kittens. 🐖 🐐 🐈
Our kids loved visiting the animals and it’s a highlight we always look forward to.
I could go on and on, but here are the key details:
Center Grove Orchard’s Winter Wonderland has two session options most days:
- Morning session: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ($12.95 in advance; $14.95 at the gate)
- Evening session: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. ($7.95 in advance; $9.95 at the gate)
- Under age 3: Free
➡️ Please note: Certain activities are only available during either the morning or evening session. Check the website for more details. Additionally, there’s a processing fee per ticket for advance purchases, but buying in advance ensures your spot in the session of your choice!
Christmas Activities in Des Moines
From twinkling lights to festive events, Des Moines is such a special place to be during the holiday season.
Our family has created so many cherished memories at these Christmas spots.
Whether it’s a visit to some of our favorite light displays or participating in one of our favorite Christmas activities, these experiences have become traditions that we look forward to year after year.
If you’re planning a holiday season in Des Moines with your family, I hope these ideas help make it memorable and magical for your family, too.
Leave a comment to share your favorite Christmas experience or event in Des Moines.
May you love your adventure! KW