Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines Parent
Quick answer: The 2026 Des Moines-area tree lighting season kicks off Thursday, Nov. 19 at Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, followed by the East Village Holiday Promenade at Brenton Skating Plaza (Nov. 20) and Tinseltown at Water Works Park (Nov. 21). Most tree lightings in Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Johnston, Windsor Heights and Ankeny are FREE and include a visit from Santa.
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. [ERIN: add your family’s favorite tree lighting memory or tradition here.]
Bundle up the kids, grab your mittens, and check out these 12 can’t-miss tree lighting events happening around Greater Des Moines this holiday season.
2026 Des Moines Tree Lightings at a Glance
| Date (2026) | Tree lighting | Town | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov. 19 | Valley Junction (Jingle in the Junction) | West Des Moines | 5–8 p.m. | Free |
| Fri, Nov. 20* | Jordan Creek Town Center | West Des Moines | 6 p.m. | Free |
| Fri, Nov. 20 | East Village Holiday Promenade + Brenton Skating Plaza | Des Moines | 5–9 p.m. | Free (skating extra) |
| Sat, Nov. 21 | Tinseltown at Water Works Park | Des Moines | Lighting at 6 p.m. | Free (Tour de Lights $20) |
| Sat, Nov. 21* | Outlets of Des Moines | Altoona | Evening | Free |
| Tue, Nov. 24 | Miracle on 86th Street | Urbandale | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Free |
| Mon, Nov. 30 | Winter’s Eve | West Des Moines | 5 p.m. | Free |
| Fri, Dec. 4 | Clive Mayor’s Tree Lighting | Clive | 5:30–7 p.m. | Free |
| Fri, Dec. 4 | Waukee WinterFest | Waukee | Lighting at 6 p.m. | Free |
| Sat, Dec. 5 | Holidays at the Town Center | Johnston | 4–6 p.m. | Free |
| Sat, Dec. 5 | Windsor Wonderland | Windsor Heights | TBA | Free |
| Sat, Dec. 5* | Dazzling the District | Ankeny | Afternoon, lighting at dusk | Free |
*Expected date based on past years. Confirm with the organizer before you go; we’ll update as soon as it’s announced!
Tree Lightings the Weekend Before Thanksgiving
Valley Junction Tree Lighting (West Des Moines)
Address: Historic Valley Junction, 5th Street, West Des Moines
Date: Thursday, November 19, 5–8 p.m. FREE
The holiday season OFFICIALLY starts in Valley Junction! Jingle in the Junction kicks off with a tree lighting with Santa, extended shop hours, and three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. Jingle in the Junction continues Thursday nights Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Learn more about Jingle in the Junction here.
Jordan Creek Town Center Tree Lighting (West Des Moines)
Address: Jordan Creek Town Center Amphitheater, 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy.
Date: Expected Friday, November 20 at 6 p.m. (2026 date not yet announced)
Kick off the festive season in style with Santa’s grand entry, live holiday tunes in the amphitheater, and a magical finale. Watch in wonder as Santa lights the blue spruce with a fireball across the lake, followed by lakeside fireworks! Check Jordan Creek events for updates.
East Village Holiday Promenade + Tree Lighting (Des Moines)
Address: Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Dr.
Date: Friday, November 20, 5–9 p.m. FREE
Kick off one of Des Moines’ most beloved traditions in the heart of downtown! Opening night of Brenton Skating Plaza brings a visit from Santa and the official tree lighting, plus ice skating, twinkling lights along the river, and East Village shops and restaurants offering special treats and extended hours. The Holiday Promenade continues every Friday through December 18, 5–8 p.m.
Tinseltown at Water Works Park (Des Moines)
Address: Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy.
Date: Saturday, November 21; activities start at 1 p.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m. FREE
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. Stick around for food and craft vendors at the Des Moines Biergarten, and the Tour de Lights bike/walk/stroll from 7 to 9 p.m. ($20, registration required). Learn more about Tinseltown here.
Outlets of Des Moines Tree Lighting Celebration (Altoona)
Address: Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Dr. NW, Altoona
Date: Expected Saturday, November 21 (2026 date not yet announced)
This free celebration usually brings live holiday music, Santa sightings and a special guest (last year it was The Grinch!) before the big tree lights up.
Thanksgiving Week Tree Lightings
Miracle on 86th Street (Urbandale)
Address: Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Garden, 3400 86th St., Urbandale
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE
Join the Urbandale Mayor and City Council as they flip the switch and light up the park with thousands of twinkling lights! Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as you stroll the park, and park in the Urbandale Public Library lot. The lights stay up through mid-January. Read our full Miracle on 86th Street guide.
Winter’s Eve (West Des Moines)
Address: Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines
Date: Monday, November 30 at 5 p.m. FREE
Celebrate the start of winter with refreshments, festive songs, and the lighting of the Mayor’s holiday tree. It’s short and sweet, which makes it perfect for little ones on a school night!
Early December Tree Lightings
Clive Mayor’s Tree Lighting (Clive)
Address: Clive Public Library, 1900 NW 114th St.
Date: Friday, December 4, 5:30–7 p.m. FREE
Clive Parks & Recreation hosts its annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting in front of the library. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, treats, and a special guest appearance from the North Pole!
Waukee WinterFest (Waukee)
Address: Triangle Park, Downtown Triangle (Ashworth Dr. & 6th St.), Waukee
Date: Friday, December 4; tree lighting at 6 p.m. sharp. FREE
NEW to our list! Cheer with Santa and Mayor Courtney Clarke as they light the tree in Triangle Park, then visit Santa at the Waukee Community Center over hot chocolate and cookies. Downtown businesses host open houses, and you can bring nonperishable food to donate. See the WinterFest details here.
Holidays at the Town Center (Johnston)
Address: Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 4–6 p.m. FREE
Free ice skating, a visit with Santa and his reindeer, samples from local businesses, a tree lighting and a holiday light show. Bring a bag of nonperishable food for the Johnston Food Pantry to hop on the free carriage ride!
Windsor Wonderland (Windsor Heights)
Address: Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights
Date: Saturday, December 5 (time TBA). FREE
Colby Park comes alive with free family fun: tree lighting, reindeer, hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, and photos with Santa. Windsor Heights residents can also grab a free gingerbread house kit for the contest! Get the Windsor Wonderland details here.
Dazzling the District (Ankeny)
Address: Town Square Park, The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Date: Expected Saturday, December 5 (2026 date not yet announced)
An afternoon of holiday fun with a scavenger hunt and Santa visits, capped off by the tree lighting in Town Square Park and fireworks sponsored by the City of Ankeny! Check The District for updates.
Tips for Tree Lightings with Kids
- Arrive early. Parking fills fast at Jordan Creek, the East Village and Valley Junction. Plan on 20–30 minutes to park and walk.
- Dress warmly. Iowa nights in late November can dip into the 20s. Hats, mittens, and a blanket for the stroller are a MUST!
- Check the weather. Outdoor events sometimes change plans for snow or ice, so check the organizer’s Facebook page the day of.
- Bring cash and a donation. Several events (Johnston, Waukee) collect food pantry donations, and food trucks don’t always take cards.
- Double up. Pair Jordan Creek and Valley Junction, or Clive and Waukee, for a two-stop West Metro night.
Des Moines Tree Lighting FAQ
The season starts Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, with the Jingle in the Junction tree lighting in Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines. The East Village Holiday Promenade tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza follows on Friday, Nov. 20.
Yes! Every tree lighting on our list is free to attend. Some have optional paid extras, like skate rental at Brenton Skating Plaza or the $20 Tour de Lights at Tinseltown.
Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines ends its tree lighting with lakeside fireworks, and Dazzling the District in Ankeny follows its tree lighting with fireworks sponsored by the City of Ankeny.
Santa appears at Valley Junction, Jordan Creek, Brenton Skating Plaza, Waukee WinterFest, Johnston’s Holidays at the Town Center, Windsor Wonderland and Dazzling the District. St. Nicholas visits Tinseltown at Water Works Park.
Shorter weeknight events like Urbandale’s Miracle on 86th Street (one hour, Nov. 24) and West Des Moines’ Winter’s Eve (Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.) are easiest with little ones. Both are free and wrap up before bedtime.
The Miracle on 86th Street lighting is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Garden. The lights stay up through mid-January.
Dress in layers with hats and mittens, bring a blanket for strollers, and pack a nonperishable food item. Johnston and Waukee both collect donations for local food pantries.
More from Des Moines Parent
Bookmark these other holiday guides for holiday planning: Holiday Events in Des Moines, Where to See Santa in Des Moines, Christmas Lights in Des Moines, and Miracle on 86th Street in Urbandale. Want the best family events in your inbox every week? Sign up for DSM Weekly!
