Tree Lightings in the Des Moines Metro 2025
Kick Off the Holiday Season with Magical Lights and Family Fun!
There’s something so magical about that first flicker of holiday lights! Tree lighting ceremonies around the Des Moines Metro are one of our favorite ways to welcome the season, complete with hot cocoa, carols, Santa sightings, and plenty of community cheer.
Bundle up the kids, grab your mittens, and check out these can’t-miss tree lighting events happening around Greater Des Moines this holiday season.
Bookmark these other holiday guides for holiday planning:
Valley Junction Tree Lighting
Address: Historic Valley Junction
Date: Thursday, November 20 at 6 p.m.
The holiday season is in Valley Junction as many businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights. Enjoy a tree lighting with Santa at 6 p.m. Learn more about Jingle in the Junction here.
East Village Holiday Promenade + Tree Lighting
Address: Brenton Skating Plaza
Date: Friday, November 21 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Kick off one of Des Moines’ most beloved traditions in the heart of downtown! The East Village Holiday Promenade kicks off with the official tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza. Enjoy the twinkle of lights along the river, ice skating, and local shops and restaurants offering special treats and extended hours.
Tinseltown at Water Works Park
Address: Des Moines Water Works Park
Date: Saturday, November 22 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Tinseltown in Water Works Park. Mark your calendar, as Northern Holiday LLC will sell Christmas trees starting on November 22. Join Wright Outdoor Solutions and 104.1 EZ FM for the tree lighting ceremony, along with a special visit from St. Nicholas and his reindeer and holiday entertainment from Top Hat Carolers.
Outlets of Des Moines Tree Lighting Celebration
Address: Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona
Date: Saturday, November 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Outlets of Des Moines Annual Tree Lighting Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. featuring a special appearance from The Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Save the date!
Miracle on 86th Street
Address: Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Garden in Urbandale
Date: Tuesday, November 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join the Mayor and City Council at 5:30 PM as they flip-the-switch and light up the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park with more than 80,000 lights for the holiday season! They will have hot cocoa and cookies for you to enjoy as you walk around the beautifully decorated park. This event is free. Learn more about Miracle on 86th Street!
Winter’s Eve
Address: Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines
Date: Monday, December 1 from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the start of winter at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater with refreshments, festive songs, and the lighting of the Mayor’s holiday tree. Winter’s Eve is a fun way to celebrate the light of the season together as a community!
Clive Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Address: Clive Public Library
Date: Friday, December 5 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!
Windsor Wonderland Tree Lighting
Address: Colby Park in Windsor Heights
Date: Saturday, December 6 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Colby Park comes alive with the spirit of the holidays during Windsor Wonderland with FREE family fun! Beginning at 3PM, bring the family, your neighbors and friends for a carriage ride, meet Santa’s reindeer, hot chocolate and cookies, crafts, and MORE including pictures with Santa!
Dazzling the District
Address: Prairie Trail in Ankeny
Date: Saturday, December 6 from 2 to 6:30 p.m.
Spend the day checking off your gift list, meeting Santa at The Elements, playing games and entering to win some awesome prizes from the local District businesses! Information regarding the scavenger hunt and what businesses are participating can be picked up in The Town Square park once Dazzling starts.
The tree lighting will be at 6:30pm in Town Square Park followed by fireworks sponsored by The City of Ankeny!
There will be fun, festive activities for the whole family, and of course all the great things The District has to offer with dining, shopping and entertainment.
Holidays at the Town Center
Address: Johnston Town Center
Date: Saturday, December 6 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
Plan Your Holiday Adventures!
Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights across the metro or starting a new local tradition, these tree lightings are the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in Des Moines.
Tip: Many of these events also feature Santa visits, hot cocoa bars, live music, and shopping opportunities so arrive early, dress warm, and soak in the holiday cheer!
