Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:
Friday, December 12th 2025 – Sunday, December 14th 2025
Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!
The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Give The Gift of Experiences
Holiday Markets in DSM
Tree Lightings in Des Moines
100 Things To Do in DSM Before You Die
The Nutcracker
Friday, December 12th 2025 & Saturday, December 13th 2025
Program Times Vary
Des Moines Civic Center – Des Moines, IA
Iowa Dance Theatre brings this beloved holiday classic to the Des Moines Civic Center. Follow Clara on her magical journey filled with enchanting music, beautiful choreography, and timeless storytelling. Learn More or Register Today!
Adventure Clubhouse: Hansel & Gretel
Friday, December 12th 2025
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Des Moines Community Playhouse – Des Moines, IA
Young children ages 4 – 6 can step inside the world of Hansel and Gretel through interactive storytelling, costumes, and imaginative play guided by The Playhouse crew. Learn More or Register Today!
Homeschool Sessions: Mammals
Friday, December 12th 2025
10:00–11:30 AM & 1:00–2:30 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
A free monthly program designed for homeschool families featuring hands-on exploration, stories, crafts, and outdoor learning centered around Iowa’s mammals. Learn More or Register Today!
Taylor Swift’s Birthday Skate
Friday, December 12th 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Skateland – Des Moines, IA
Celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday at Skateland this Friday with themed music, skating games, friendship bracelet trading, and photos with “Skater Swift.” Swiftie-inspired outfits encouraged. Learn More or Register Today!
Holiday Promenade
Friday, December 12th 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Historic East Village – Des Moines, IA
Enjoy a festive evening of local shopping, twinkling lights, treats, and family activities throughout one of Des Moines’ most charming neighborhoods. Learn More or Register Today!
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 13th 2025
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Holiday Hullabaloo – Des Moines, IA
Families can enjoy a special breakfast, photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, a holiday storytime, and early access to Holiday Hullabaloo’s attractions. Holiday Hullabaloo is a family fun holiday event decked from the halls to the walls to inspire the magic of the season! Learn More or Register Today!
The Peppermint Trail
Saturday, December 13th 2025
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ingersoll Avenue – Des Moines, IA
Spend the day along Ingersoll and Grand Ave exploring holiday specials, Santa visits, ice carving, trolley rides, giveaways, and festive activities. Be sure to check out all the local businesses participating! Learn More or Register Today!
Santa Run 5K
Saturday, December 13th 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Downtown Des Moines
Join this family-friendly 5K complete with Santa suits, hot chocolate at the finish line, and an afterparty at SingleSpeed Brewing. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Are you ready to run, run Rudolph? Learn More or Register Today!
Winter Holiday Nature Connections
Saturday, December 13th 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Learn about winter holidays from cultures around the world through crafts, stories, treats, and hands-on activities with Polk County naturalists at Jester Park Nature Center. This event is free to attend and is an an open-house style event. Learn More or Register Today!
Hike & Hot Cocoa
Saturday, December 13th 2025
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Enjoy a brisk outdoor walk and take in Iowa’s stunning winter views! Followed by warm hot cocoa and marshmallows around the fire. No registration required to participate! Learn More or Register Today!
Enchanted Nights Holiday Lights
Saturday, December 13th 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Maytag Park – Newton, IA
Stroll through glowing holiday displays, enjoy carriage and sleigh rides, see live reindeer, and take in festive performances. Walking is free; ride tickets available. Learn More or Register Today!
Historic Highland Park Holiday Shop Hop
Sunday, December 14th 2025
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Highland Park Historic District – Des Moines, IA
Pick up a passport, visit participating local shops, collect stamps, and enter to win a Highland Park Holiday Basket. A wonderful way to support small businesses right here in DSM! Learn More or Register Today!
Synchronized Lights & Live Nativity
Sunday, December 14th 2025
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Fellowship Community Church – Norwalk, IA
Enjoy more than 70,000 synchronized LED lights, an inspiring live nativity with animals, and free cookies and cocoa delivered right to your car! Visit Fellowship Community Church online for map and more details! Learn More or Register Today!
One Year Celebration!
Sunday, December 14th 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Creative Connection – Ankeny, IA
Celebrate the studio’s first birthday with free crafts, sensory play, cookies, and special discounts on upcoming classes and workshops. Holiday jammies encouraged! Learn More or Register Today!
Caring/Sensitive Santa
Sunday, December 14th 2025
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Merle Hay Mall – Des Moines, IA
A sensory-friendly Santa experience created for children with special needs, offering a quieter environment and more time for connection with Santa himself. Walk-ins are accepted, however reservation is recommended. Learn More or Register Today!
Blank Park Zoo’s Play + Do
Sunday, December 14th 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, IA
Families can explore this hands-on creative space inside the Discovery Center Waterlab, included with zoo admission. This is a fun and unique way to play at the Blank Park Zoo and is perfect for cold-days when outside play is just not possible! Learn More or Register Today!
