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The Nice List – A Holiday Itinerary

The Nice List is your checklist of all the holiday things happening in Greater Des Moines. Holiday events? Shows? Lights? Pop-up bars? Ice skating? Movies? Santa?? We’ve made lists, and checked them twice, for all of it. Consider your stocking stuffed.

MARKETS AND HOLIDAY EVENTS 

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 Roosevelt Cultural District
When: December 14

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: Fifth Street in Valley Junction, West Des Moines
When: November 21, December 5, 12, and 19

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: November 22, 29, December 6, 13, and 20

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 Scenic and Valley Railroad, Boone
When: Fridays – Sundays through December 22. Tickets are $25 - $50 per person.

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, try out sock skating, and so much more. Holiday Hullabaloo also has special events throughout the season such as Breakfast with Santa, Noon Years Eve, Photos with Santa, and more!

Where: Horizon Events Center, Clive
When: November 29 – December 29

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 different add-ons like Brunch with Santa, PJ’s with Santa, or Cookie Decorating here.

Where: Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
When: Fridays – Sundays through December 23

For a list of all the holiday events happening in Greater Des Moines, click here.

HOLIDAY SHOWS  

Disney on Ice
Your favorite Disney stars are coming to life during Disney on Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party, featuring Moana, Coco, Aladdin, Frozen, Toy Story, and more. The family-friendly show will have the figure skating stars doing high-flying acrobatics and stunts, all with special effects, electric lighting, and set designs.

Where: Wells Fargo Arena
When: November 28 – December 1
Tickets: $26 – $94   

Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
It’s your quintessential performance – The Nutcracker. Follow along with Ballet Des Moines for the magical story of Clara, her Nutcracker, and their journey.  

Where: Hoyt Sherman Place
When: December 12 – 15
Tickets: $32 – $144

A Magical Cirque Christmas 
The world of acrobatics is feeling the spirit of the holidays with A Magical Cirque Christmas. Enjoy circus acts, jugglers, acrobatics, and more.

Where: Des Moines Civic Center
When: December 22
Tickets: $40 – $94

A Charlie Brown Christmas with Tanner Taylor Trio
Hear the classic Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack from one of the great piano trios in the region.  

Where: Noce
When: December 9, 10, 17, and 20
Tickets: $25 – $49

For a list of all the holiday shows happening in Greater Des Moines, click here.

LET THERE BE LIGHTS   

Jolly Holiday Lights
One of the most popular holiday light events, Jolly Holiday Lights, is returning for 2024 at a new location, the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For every $20-per-car ticket purchased, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Iowa. 

Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds
When: November 29 – January 4

Santa’s Rock N Lights
Visitors to this Living History Farms light show will travel through the mystical dinosaur world and over 700 feet of tunnels, including the techno rainbow tunnel. Tune your car radio to the station synced to the show lights for an immersive, full-sensory experience!  

Where: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale 
When: November 29 – December 31. Tickets start at $29.99 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance online. 

Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderscape
Want to see some lights and get your steps in at the same time? Head up to Ames, where Reiman Gardens unveils “Winter Wonderscape” – a walk-through light show featuring 17 acres of immersive light displays. Walk through brightly lit tunnels, meander through fantasy lights falling like stars, view massive disco balls twirling to laser lights, enjoy a 20’ wide fountain, and a wide array of other sparkling wonders.   

Where: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Boulevard Ames, IA 50011
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, December 1 – December 31, 5 p.m. to last ticket sold at 8 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and start at $7. 

Dogtown Lights
Each holiday season, the Drake neighborhood receives a colorful makeover with what they call Dogtown Lights. It’s a great way to explore the growing entertainment district around campus (and maybe convince your kids to go to school close to home). Go Bulldogs!

Where: 2321 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
When: Through February 2024

Festival of Trees & Lights
This public event serves as a fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and features beautifully decorated trees, food and entertainment, children’s activities, and more. Admission is $5 and free for children 2 and under.  

Where: Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at IEC - 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines
When: November 29 – Dec 1

For a list of all the best holiday lights in Greater Des Moines, including neighborhoods, click here.

CHRISTMAS POP-UP BARS AND RESTAURANTS  

SnowGlobe DSM 
Exile Brewing turns into a winter wonderland with a SnowGlobe concept, first popularized in Lawrence, Kansas. The restaurant and bar areas get a Clark Griswold makeover, with over a mile of Christmas lights, a semi-truck full of décor, and a Instagrammable “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals” neon sign in the basement. Reservations recommended.   

Where: Exile Brewing, 1514 Walnut Street, Des Moines 
When: November 12 – January 5, regular hours with additional Saturday and Sunday brunch hours from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Rudolph's Rooftop 
Head to The Republic on Grand to experience Rudolph's Rooftop Bar this holiday season. With specialty cocktails, a charming rooftop adorned with dazzling decorations, and a festive atmosphere, this bar is sure to put even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Pair your cocktail with an artisanal chef's favorite, and you'll be set for the perfect girls' night out or date night.  

Where: The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines 
When: November 15 – December 31

Tinsel at Either/Or 
One of the new kids on the block for Holiday pop-ups, Tinsel at Either/Or is full of experiences for the entire holiday season. Enjoy the décor inside or explore their giant patio full of holiday lights and photo ops all under the warmth of heaters. They have fun holiday events all month long, including their hot cocoa bar with all the fixings every Monday.  

Where: Either/Or, 6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Dates: November 24 – January 5

Santa Paws
Our furry friends deserve to celebrate the holidays too, right? Paws & Pints is launching their own pop-up this year, Santa Paws. Their entire resort will be transformed into a winter wonderland, perfect for pups and humans alike. Reminder that dogs aren't allowed in the indoor restaurant, but are allowed on the patio or in the park.

Where: Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines
Dates: November 30 – December 11

For a list of all the holiday pop ups happening in Greater Des Moines, click here.

ICE ICE BABY  

Brenton Skating Plaza
If you’re having trouble harnessing the holiday spirit, let us suggest an evening skate under the stars with a skyline (and giant Christmas tree) as the backdrop. You’ll be dreaming of a white Christmas in no time. This Des Moines bucket list activity runs from November – March and is fun for the whole family, no matter your skill (or lack thereof) level.

Where: 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
When: Open daily starting November 24. Check hours here.

Johnston Town Center Ice Rink
New to the list is the brand-new Johnston Town Center Ice Rink, which is fresh enough that it hasn’t even required a Zamboni yet. The rink uses synthetic ice and is the first of its kind in the metro. And if you have your own skates, you skate for free!  

Where: Merle Hay and NW 62nd Avenue
When: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

CHRISTMAS ON THE BIG SCREEN  

Sure, you can quote Elf and Christmas Vacation front to back, but have you ever seen them on the big screen with a giant bucket of buttered popcorn? That’s next level.  

Flix Brewhouse – Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Krampus, Jack Frost, A Christmas Story, Love Actually, White Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Holiday, It’s a Wonderful Life (various days and times)
The Palms in Waukee – The Polar Express, White Christmas (various days and times)
Cinemark Century Jordan Creek – Elf, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, White Christmas,
Varsity Cinema – Elf, A Christmas Story, The Muppet Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, (various days and times)

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN  

Bass Pro Shops Santa Wonderland
One of the most popular FREE places to get a photo with Santa, with beautiful backdrops, this one fills up fast. They release spots a week ahead at 12:01 a.m. each night, so set that alarm to reserve a spot here.

Where: 1000 Bass Pro Drive Northwest, Altoona
When: November 4 – December 24

Valley West Mall
Another good free option, this one includes a fun little train for the littles as well. They will also have pet photos with Santa on select days as well. Reserve your time here.

Where: 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines
When: November 21 – December 24

Jordan Creek Mall
Iowa’s largest mall has one of the most popular Santas. So popular in fact, that reservations are highly encouraged. Book a photo experience starting at $19.99.  

Where: 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
When: November 22 – December 24 

Brunch with Santa
Have a delicious brunch with Santa on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Center Grove Orchard this holiday season! Meet Santa, tell him your wishes, and enjoy a delicious brunch buffet. Tickets start at $10.95.

Where: 32835 610th Avenue Cambridge, IA 50046
When: Saturdays and Sundays November 30 – December 23

Other Holiday Resources:

Catch Des Moines

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Des Moines, IA 50309-2350

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