Santa in Des Moines

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Santa in Des Moines 2024

Is taking cute photos of your kids with Santa a holiday tradition in your home? Santa is coming to Des Moines this holiday season and now is the time to share with him your wish list! There are several opportunities to see Santa, sip on hot cocoa, capture a free photo, and more in Des Moines this time of year. Many of the options listed below require advance registration. Please make sure you read closely and plan ahead. Keep this page bookmarked as we add more opportunities for fun photo ops and visits with Santa.

** Please note: We are actively updating this guide. Make sure you have it bookmarked and check back regularly for updates!

Bookmark these other fun holiday guides to plan this season:

Holiday Hullabaloo | 2024 Sponsor

2100 NW 100th Street in Clive, Iowa

November 29 to December 24

Capture the magic of the season and make your holiday preparations easier at Holiday Hullabaloo – the perfect event to help moms and grandparents check “photos with Santa” off their holiday to-do list. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, finding time to create meaningful memories can be a challenge, especially when juggling family schedules and festive duties. Holiday Hullabaloo offers the perfect solution by providing not just any Santa, but the warm, welcoming, and picture-perfect Santa Claus everyone dreams of. Skip the long lines at the mall, avoid the last-minute rush, and make an event out of it – bring your little ones, decked out in their holiday best, and snap treasured photos in a relaxed, festive setting. Whether those memories go on your fridge, a holiday card, or shared with grandparents far and wide, you’ll have a keepsake for years to come.

For grandparents, this event is the perfect opportunity to be part of the holiday magic alongside their grandkids. Instead of standing on the sidelines, imagine the joy in their hearts as they watch their little ones beaming next to Santa. And it’s not just about the photos — it’s the entire experience. From Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen cookie decorating to Toyland’s games and giggles, there’s so much to enjoy together. The best part? You’ll walk away not only with adorable holiday photos but with the deep satisfaction of knowing you’ve created priceless memories while also supporting Dorothy’s House and helping other families in need this season. Purchase tickets and learn more.

Hours:

  • Fridays: Noon to 7 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sundays: Noon to 6 p.m.

November 29 (Opening Day): 1:30 to 6 p.m.

December 23: Noon to 6 p.m.

December 24: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER

Santa’s Wonderland

Bass Pro Shops

November 3 – December 24

Santa’s Arrival: November 2 at 5 p.m.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is proud to invite families to the beloved tradition of visiting Santa Claus this holiday season during the annual Santa’s Wonderland experience. Visit your local store to be one of the millions of families to take a FREE photo with Santa. Photo sessions will start on Saturday, November 3 through December 24. Reservations are recommended. To learn more and make a reservation, visit www.basspro.com/santa.

Santa's Wonderland, Bass Pro Shop, Santa's Wonderlan Bass Pro, Santa visits, free santa picture

Homemaker’s – Free Picture with Santa

Homemaker’s Furniture Store

More details to come!

Photos with Santa

Jordan Creek Town Center

November 22 – December 24

101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Sit and chat with Santa at the Jordan Creek Mall. Participate in fun events such as Pet Night. Different time slots are available. Make your reservation ahead of time!

Photos with Santa at Valley West Mall

Valley West Mall

More details to come!

Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night + Tree Lighting

Brenton Skating Plaza in Downtown Des Moines

November 22 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Opening night of Brenton Skating Plaza. The night will consist of a visit from Santa, a tree-lighting ceremony, an ice carver, and more.

Christmas in Olde Town

Altoona, Iowa

November 30 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Christmas in Olde Town is one of the most anticipated events of the year where the entire community gathers to celebrate the holiday season! This year, we have an extra special guest joining us – Santa Claus himself! We have other exciting activities in store, including our hot chocolate bar, s’mores station, coloring contest, crafts, entertainment, and many more surprises! Mark your calendars, and get ready for a joyous and memorable time!

Winter, Des Moines, Iowa, ice skating, Brenton Skating Plaza, downtown Des Moines

Brunch with Santa

Center Grove Orchard

Details coming soon!

Breakfast with Santa

Holiday Hullabaloo; Horizon Event Center

November 30 at 8 a.m.

Join Holiday Hullabaloo for a meal with Santa! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa has a special gift for each child. They will capture the moment in a photo of your child with Santa. Mrs. Claus will decorate a sugar cookie with each child and read a holiday story. Learn more and purchase tickets. Reservations are required.

Santa Comes to Pella

Downtown Pella

Various days throughout November & December. Take a look here.

He’s holly, he’s jolly, he’s making a list and checking it twice, and the big man in red is coming to Downtown Pella! Stop by the North Pole (Information Windmill in Central Park) for a visit and photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus! And…if you make the NICE List you’ll even get a candy cane!

Winterset Festival of Lights

Winterset, Iowa

November 29; 5 to 10 p.m.

Take a drive to Winterset and begin your holiday cheer with the Winterset Festival of Lights. All around the Madison County Courthouse, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, food, live and lighted window displays, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and photos with Santa. At 7:15 PM, a lighted parade featuring holiday movies will make its way around the courthouse square.

Festival of Trees and Lights

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

November 29 – December 1

Blank Children’s Hospital is proud to announce the 41st Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will be at the Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in 2024. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season. The 41st Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will feature beautifully decorated trees, special performances from local music and dance groups, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts and activities, and the chance to be inspired by impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s. In addition, visitors can shop at the Holiday Gift Shop for gifts and more. Purchase tickets here.

DECEMBER

Santa Express

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22

Join the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad for what has become a tradition for families across the Midwest. Take a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express, a journey that will take you from Boone to the North Pole, and return. Santa will pass through the train, greeting children, and passing out a special gift.

On your journey, you will cross the 156-tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge.

Purchase tickets here.

Waukee WinterFest

Waukee Downtown Triangle

December 6; 6 to 8 p.m. 

Bring on the holiday cheer with your friends, family, and neighbors at Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration held in the Downtown Triangle! Santa makes his big appearance at 6 p.m. at the tree lighting. After the tree lighting, visit with the jolly man in person at the Community Center over hot chocolate and cookies and participate in open houses and activities with the Waukee Downtown Businesses. 

Santa at Bloom

Bloom Women’s Wellness

December 6; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate with Bloom Women’s Wellness while supporting Ruth Harbor for Christmas gifts for women + children. Bring your family to meet Santa & stuff their tree to support Ruth Harbor. They will also have a hot cocoa bar and a wreath-making event to celebrate 3 years of business!

Clive Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Clive Public Library

December 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Mark your calendars, Clive Parks & Recreation has set a date for its annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting that will be held in front of Clive Public Library. Enjoy kid-friendly activities. Special guest appearance from the North Pole!

Holidays at the Town Center

Johnston Town Center

December 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual event will feature free ice skating, a visit with Santa and his reindeer, samples from local businesses, tree lighting, and a new holiday light show! Take a look at the full schedule and details here.

Breakfast with Santa

Holiday Hullabaloo; Horizon Event Center

December 7, 14 and 21 at 8 a.m.

Join Holiday Hullabaloo for a meal with Santa! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa has a special gift for each child. They will capture the moment in a photo of your child with Santa. Mrs. Claus will decorate a sugar cookie with each child and read a holiday story. Learn more and purchase tickets. Reservations are required.

Skate with Santa

The RecPlex in West Des Moines

December 7 & 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Preregister to join Santa for a special public skating session at the RecPlex. Bring the kids and a camera to capture photos as you skate around with Santa.

Jingle Bell Stroll

Gray’s Lake Park – Southeast Picnic Area

December 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Walk along the holiday-themed loop with games and craft stations. Visit Santa Claus, listen to some holiday tunes, and pick up a hot chocolate to keep you warm as you wander around the loop. Santa Claus will be available for photos. The event is designed for children 13 and under. Pre-registration is required from November 1 to December 1. 

Breakfast with Santa

Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge

December 21; 8 to 10 a.m.

Join West Des Moines Parks & Recreation for this fun, festive, holiday breakfast featuring Santa Claus himself! The event features an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, catered by “Chris Cakes”. Photos on Santa’slap will be available…so be sure to bring your camera! A take-home craft is included. Must register.

Erin Huiatt

Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!

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