Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:
December 1st 2023 – December 3rd 2023
Every weekend there are amazing 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.
Holiday Hullabaloo
Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
10320 Hickman Rd – Clive, IA
Holiday Hullabaloo is back for the season and it’s even bigger and better! Featuring $500,000 in holiday decor and activities housed in 50,000 sq feet of event space, it is Holiday Hullabaloo from head to toe! Don’t forget to make reservations for Brunch with Santa! “Holiday Hullabaloo is an indoor, immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests of all ages,” said White. “We’re currently on a mission to WOW our visitors and create family memories sure to last a lifetime.” Read on for all the details and how your family can experience Holiday Hullabaloo this holiday season!
Holiday Promenade
Friday, December 1st
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
East Village – Des Moines, IA
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association will spread holiday cheer throughout Downtown Des Moines during Holiday Promenade! This annual delight returns to the Historic East Village each Friday through Dec.15. The local shops, restaurants, and attractions are encouraged to remain open until 9 p.m. Join the festivities for an exciting, free celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. Be sure to read on for special programming throughout this event series!
Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show
Friday, December 1st
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Reiman Gardens – Ames, IA
The Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show is back at Reiman Gardens! Purchase your tickets online for this annual favorite holiday experience in Ames, IA! See the gardens light up in a wonderful, festive glow, check out large displays, and be sure to sip a delicious hot chocolate! Get your tickets today!
Santa’s Rock N Lights
Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd
5:10 PM – 8:30 PM
Living History Farms – Urbandale, IA
Des Moines’ light experience with the largest variety of displays including color changing light technology, larger than life light sculptures, and traditional lights. See over one mile of lights synchronized to music, over 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, HUGE 3D light sculptures of dinosaurs, reindeer & polar bears. Plus, experience the GIANT emojis, a world of snowflakes, guitar playing Santas, and so much more!
Dome After Dark
Friday, December 1st
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, IA
Enjoy the conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique and colorful lighting at this family-friendly event. The perfect date night, girls’ night out, or unique and memorable outing with friends and family, Dome After Dark is an event you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Raptors of Iowa
Saturday, December 2nd
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Hawks…birds of prey…raptors…no matter what you call them, this group of predatory birds is fascinating to watch and study. From the giant bald eagle to the petite American kestrel, Iowa’s raptors exhibit surprising diversity in what they look like, what they eat, when they’re active and where they live. This program will introduce you to Jester Park’s ambassador birds.
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 3rd
Scheduled Sessions Vary
Center Grove Orchard – Cambridge, IA
It’s the most wonderful time of year at Center Grove Orchard! If you’re looking for the perfect place to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, look no further than Center Grove Orchard. Nestled just east of Cambridge, this enchanting destination seamlessly merges the magic of winter with cherished family traditions to create an unforgettable atmosphere of joy and wonder. Experience the special tradition of Brunch with Santa and see all that Center Grove has to offer this season!
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Saturday December 2nd & Sunday – December 17th
Various ShowTimes
Des Moines Playhouse – Des Moines, IA
The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. *Note: A Charlie Brown Christmas will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.
Parents Night Out
Saturday, December 2nd
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RecPlex – West Des Moines, IA
Kids can enjoy a night at the RecPlex playing games, making crafts, getting in some healthy activities, and of course a pizza party! Parents can have a relaxing evening in, hit the town, or run those errands! Each Parents’ Night Out has a fun theme!
Adult Skate Night
Saturday, December 2nd
8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Skate South – Des Moines, IA
Adult Skate Night is back at Skate South! Grab your gear or rent skates and inlines at the counter. This makes for a great night out with the friends or a fun date night! Don’t forget to grab a snack or refreshment at the concessions!
Light Up the Carousel for the Holidays
Sunday, December 3rd
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines – Des Moines, IA
Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday music, and FREE carousel rides at Heritage Carousel in Union Park! Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and even take home a carousel ornament to hang on your own tree at home! The lighting will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.
