Nothing helps get you in the holiday spirit quite like a holiday event does. Seeing all the decor, smelling the scents of hot chocolate and peppermint, and gazing at the dazzling lights. There are a variety of events that will get you thinking all things holiday whether you just want to enjoy decorations while enjoying a treat or shopping under the glow of the lights. 

Holiday Hullabaloo 
Returning for 2024, celebrate the Holiday season at Horizon Events Center. Benefitting Dorothy's House, explore Mrs. Claus's Kitchen, build a craft in Santa's Workshop, shop in the Marketplace, check out the Ice Bar, and so much more. Holiday Hullabaloo also has special events throughout the season such as Breakfast with Santa, Noon Year’s Eve, photos with Santa, and more! 

Where: Horizon Events Center
When: November 29 – December 29, check hours here.
Tickets: $30, $20 ages 4 – 12 and 62 and older 

Santa Express 
This real life Polar Express in Boone was named one of the 30 Best Holiday and Christmas Trains in the U.S., and for good reason. Wear your most festive Christmas pajamas and take an hour-long round trip to the quaint but charming “North Pole,” singing Christmas carols and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies along the way.   

Where: Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
When: weekends, November 29 – December 22
Tickets: $50 for first class coach, $25 for classic coach 

Dome for the Holidays
It’s a winter wonderland inside the always-warm Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Dome for the Holidays transforms the gardens into a festive world for the holidays. Now an evening event, you can enjoy festive lights, glass blown sculptures, gnome hunt, music, food, and more.  

Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
When: Wednesdays – Sundays, November 16 – December 31
Tickets: $15, $9 children 13 and under, free for children 1 and under 

Jingle in the Junction 
Few places are better to get you in the holiday mood and knock out your holiday shopping than Historic Valley Junction, particularly during their annual Jingle in the Junction jubilee. On four Thursday evenings in November and December, take a step back in time with horse-drawn trolley rides, Christmas carolers, ice carvings, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Shops stay open late with holiday sales and mini-events. 

Where: Historic Valley Junction
When: Thursdays, November 21 – December 19
Tickets: free 

East Village Holiday Promenade 
Santa's Village has nothing on the East Village when the Holiday Promenade takes over the East Village for five Fridays in November and December. Kicking off on November 22 with the tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza and (deep breath) Santa (!!), each week has a different theme and activities, so multiple trips may be in store. From horse-drawn trolleys and wreath displays to scavenger hunts and hide and seek ornaments, this is the most epic and Des Moines way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some retail therapy. It’s even got its own Spotify playlist! 

Where: Historic East Village
When: Fridays, November 22 – December 20
Tickets: free 

Holly and Ivy
See Salisbury House decorated for the holidays on December 7 and 8. Explore the rooms as they are decorated for the season from local interior designers, florists, home stagers, and more. Explore Santa’s Sweet Shoppe for treats, hot chocolate, cocktails, and mocktails. Santa will be there for a visit, and so much more. Get tickets here. 

Where: Salisbury House and Gardens
When: December 7 and 8
Tickets: $20 in advance ($25 at door), members $18 ($22.50 at door), $5 for ages 6 – 12, for ages 5 and under 

Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Immerse yourself in European culture with Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Head to Principal Park to shop from vendors set up in wooden stalls, nosh on German foods, listen to diverse entertainment, and sip on warm mulled wine. The event is free and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! 

Where: Principal Park
When: December 5 – 8
Tickets: free

Baile de Navideno de la Feria de Iowa
Throw on your best ugly Christmas sweater and celebrate the holiday season Latin-style. You can enjoy festive food and drinks and a local taco truck. There will also be live music by Parranderos Latin Combo, Indestructible Banda Azteca, and Grupo515. 

Where: 4-H Exhibits Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
When: December 13
Tickets: $25, $15 for ages 20 and under 

Holiday Hoedown
Ever been to a country-themed holiday party? Holiday Hoe-down is just that. This 21 and older event features live music from Owen Justice Band, Jordan Beem, and Tyler Richton and the Hank Boys, as well as holiday cocktails and food.  

Where: 4-H Exhibits Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
When: December 14
Tickets: $25 for 21 and older 

The Peppermint Trail 
More than 50 local shops, restaurants, and businesses will be featuring peppermint and holiday-themed specials. Enjoy Gingerbread house decorating, carolers, visits from Santa Claus, and so much more. Make a stop at Bauder’s for one of their famous Peppermint Ice Cream Bars, Crème for peppermint hot chocolate, and stop at The Station on Ingersoll for their Holiday pop-up, Miracle on Ingersoll. 

Where: The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand and Cultural Roosevelt District 
When: December 14
Tickets: free

Christmas at Terrace Hill
Join Governor Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds for Christmas at Terrace Hill. This annual event invites you to explore the historic property and enjoy the holidays with the family while decorating ornaments, listening to carolers, enjoying Christmas cookies, taking a photo with Santa, and writing a letter to Iowa National Guard service members who are deployed.  

Where: Terrace Hill
When: December 15
Tickets: $25 for a family of four ($5 for additional child), $10 individual tickets 

Highland Park Shop Hop
Explore Highland Park and different vendors as you wrap up your holiday shopping. Shops will be open for exploring, and Santa will be making an appearance at The Little Book from 10 a.m. – noon as well.

Where: HIghland Park Neighborhood
When: December 14

Winter Wonderland 
If you missed Center Grove Orchard this fall, hit up Winter Wonderland this holiday season. Experience twinkling lights, trees, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. Want to make your experience even more magical? Purchase the Yuletide Spectacular which includes not only Winter Wonderland, but U-Build Bears and Brunch with Santa.  

Where: Center Grove Orchard
When: Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 – December 22
Tickets: $12.95