The Des Moines area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Dome for the Holidays in Des Moines on November 14 to Noon Year's Eve Party in Des Moines, on December 31. 11 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Iowa, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Des Moines for 2026, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Granger, Johnston and Urbandale
- First: Dome for the Holidays, Des Moines, November 14. Runs latest: Dome for the Holidays, Des Moines, through January 3
- Free: Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village, Tinseltown in Water Works Park, Gingerbread House Decorating, Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards, Winter Holiday Nature Connections, Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition, Pajama Storytime, DIY Wrapping Paper Party, Christmas Storytime, Noon Year's Eve Party and Noon Year's Eve Party
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Iowa Christmas train rides page.
Des Moines Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Des Moines, West Des Moines, Granger, Johnston and Urbandale
- Season
- November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 11
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, story time with Santa, holiday story time and holiday lights
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Des Moines Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Dome for the Holidays in Des Moines on November 14; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Dome for the HolidaysDes Moines · Nov 14 to Jan 3
- Holiday Promenade in the Historic East VillageDes Moines · Nov 20 to Dec 18
- Tinseltown in Water Works ParkDes Moines · Nov 21
- Gingerbread House DecoratingDes Moines · Dec 3
- Family ChristmasUrbandale · Dec 5
- Family Night at the Library! Holiday CardsWest Des Moines · Dec 7
- Winter Holiday Nature ConnectionsGranger · Dec 12
- Craft & Movie: Holiday EditionDes Moines · Dec 15
- Pajama StorytimeDes Moines · Dec 17
- DIY Wrapping Paper PartyJohnston · Dec 20
- Christmas StorytimeWest Des Moines · Dec 22 to Dec 23
- Noon Year's Eve PartyDes Moines · Dec 31
- Noon Year's Eve PartyWest Des Moines · Dec 31
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Des Moines? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Des Moines
7 confirmed events for kids in Des Moines, soonest first.
Des Moines: Dome for the Holidays
Holiday lightsGreater Des Moines Botanical Garden · Des Moines
- Host
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select evenings; closed Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25, Jan 1), 5 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Adults $18, youth 1 to 13 $13, under 1 free
- Ages
- All ages; Family Night activities for ages 2 to 8
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Dome for the Holidays turns the conservatory and Gardeners Show House into an indoor light display, so families can enjoy the glow without bundling up for the snow. Kids can join the annual gnome hunt, try playful interactive elements and look for the two holiday train displays, one with a prehistoric theme and an active volcano.
On Wednesday Family Nights (Nov 18 and 25, Dec 2, 9, 16 and 30, 5 to 8:30 pm), Glow Games and hands-on activities designed for children ages 2 to 8 are included with the ticket. Tickets are timed, and the garden is closed Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1. Private igloo reservations and dinner packages are also offered.
Parent tip: Buy timed tickets in advance, since door availability is not guaranteed. The free lot fills quickly, with overflow parking along Robert D. Ray Drive.
See dates and details from Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Des Moines: Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village
Story time with SantaFreeHistoric East Village Neighborhood Association and Downtown DSM, Inc. · Des Moines
- Host
- Historic East Village Neighborhood Association and Downtown DSM, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Historic East Village (Locust Street), Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- When
- Fri November 20, Fri November 27, Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Family-friendly
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 25th annual Holiday Promenade fills the Historic East Village with five festive Friday nights. Each week brings extended shop hours, holiday specials, lights, music and a different featured event along Locust Street.
For kids, the standouts are opening night on November 20, with the Tree Lighting with Santa Claus and Drag and a How the Grinch Stole Christmas story time, and the finale on December 18, with live ice sculpting and Santa. In between are a window display contest with Sing DMC caroling on November 27, a wine event on December 4 and an Elf movie screening at Wooly's on December 11. The promenade itself is free.
Parent tip: For Santa and the Grinch story time, aim for the November 20 opening night; Santa returns December 18.
See dates and details from Historic East Village Neighborhood Association and Downtown DSM, Inc. (opens in a new tab)Des Moines: Tinseltown in Water Works Park
Story time with SantaFreeDes Moines Water Works Park Foundation · Des Moines
- Host
- Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free admission; bike ride registration fees apply
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tinseltown turns Water Works Park into a winter wonderland for one afternoon and evening. Families can take photos with St. Nicholas and his live reindeer from 4 to 8 pm, join crafts and activities, and listen as St. Nicholas himself gives special readings of A Night Before Christmas. The Top Hat Carolers perform, and lighted displays glow across the park.
The Tinseltown Marketplace runs from 1 to 7 pm with local artists, craft vendors and holiday treats. A tree lighting ceremony takes place on the Killinger Family Stage from 6 to 6:30 pm. A self-illuminated bike, walk and stroll event follows from 7 to 9 pm, which has registration fees. A toy drive runs during the festivities.
Parent tip: St. Nicholas photos and story readings run 4 to 8 pm; the tree lights at 6 pm.
See dates and details from Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation (opens in a new tab)Des Moines: Gingerbread House Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeDes Moines Public Library · Des Moines
- Host
- Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 7:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required (waitlist)
- Ages
- Birth to preschool, children, teens
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Franklin Avenue Library provides everything needed to build a gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each registered family receives one house to decorate together, so siblings and grown-ups work as a team. There are two sessions on the same evening.
Only one person needs to register for the whole family. As of early November, the 5 pm session was full and the 6:30 pm session had reached capacity with a waitlist open, so join the waitlist if you are interested. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12. The Franklin Library is on DART Route 5.
Parent tip: Register one name per family; the later session takes waitlist sign-ups.
See dates and details from Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)Des Moines: Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition
Holiday showFreeDes Moines Public Library · Des Moines
- Host
- Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
East Side Library invites families to settle in for a festive holiday evening watching The Muppet Christmas Carol while making a Muppet-inspired craft. All supplies, snacks and drinks are provided, so there is nothing to bring but the family.
The program is listed for all ages and is free. The library notes that it cannot guarantee food served has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy or other allergens, which is worth knowing if your child has food allergies. If anyone in your group needs an accommodation, the library asks you to contact it ahead of time.
Parent tip: Snacks are provided but may contain allergens; plan accordingly for kids with food allergies.
See dates and details from Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)Des Moines: Pajama Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeDes Moines Public Library · Des Moines
- Host
- Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Forest Avenue Library hosts a special Pajama Storytime one week before Christmas. Kids are invited to wear their coziest pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle while they listen to stories, sip a warm beverage and make a fun craft.
The program is designed for children with their adults, and the library asks grown-ups to stay and take part with their child, since drop-offs are not permitted. Children under 10 must be with a caregiver over 12. It is a free evening program, and the timing makes it an easy wind-down before bedtime during a busy holiday week.
Parent tip: Come in pajamas with a stuffed animal; an adult must stay for the program.
See dates and details from Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)Des Moines: Noon Year's Eve Party
Holiday craftsFreeDes Moines Public Library · Des Moines
- Host
- Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- North Side Library, 3516 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Birth to preschool, children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
North Side Library celebrates the new year early with a Noon Year's Eve Party, counting down to noon so little ones can ring in the new year without staying up late. Caritas and More offers face painting, and Creations with a Twist makes balloon sculptures.
There will also be treats, crafts and more fun for the whole family. The party is listed for babies, preschoolers and school-age children, and it is free. Children under 10 need to be with a caregiver over 12, and the library notes that food served may have come into contact with common allergens.
Parent tip: Arrive by 11 am to enjoy face painting and balloons before the noon countdown.
See dates and details from Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in West Des Moines
3 confirmed events for kids in West Des Moines, soonest first.
West Des Moines: Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards
Holiday craftsFreeWest Des Moines Public Library · West Des Moines
- Host
- West Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265 (near Des Moines)
- When
- Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 3 and up
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The West Des Moines Public Library's monthly Family Night takes a holiday turn in December. Families join staff member Nate to make holiday cards to share with family and friends, with the holidays just around the corner.
The program is for ages 3 and up, and the library asks you to register each person attending, children and adults alike. It is meant as a family event, so at least one adult should attend with the children. Registration closes at 6 pm on the day of the program. The hour-long session takes place in the library's Community Room.
Parent tip: Register every person in your group, including adults, before 6 pm that day.
See dates and details from West Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)West Des Moines: Christmas Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeWest Des Moines Public Library · West Des Moines
- Host
- West Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265 (near Des Moines)
- When
- Tue December 22 and Wed December 23, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 6
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The West Des Moines Public Library offers a special Christmas story time on the two mornings just before Christmas Eve. Each session includes a puppet show along with Christmas stories, rhymes and songs, and it is planned for children from birth to age 6.
The program takes place in the library's Community Room on Mills Civic Parkway and lasts about 45 minutes. It is free, and no registration is listed. With school out for the holidays, it is a nice way to keep little ones busy while building excitement for Christmas, and families can browse the children's collection for holiday books afterward.
Parent tip: Choose either morning, since both sessions share the same plan; questions go to the Youth Services Department.
See dates and details from West Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)West Des Moines: Noon Year's Eve Party
Holiday eventFreeWest Des Moines Public Library · West Des Moines
- Host
- West Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265 (near Des Moines)
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:40 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Best for ages 2 to 6
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The West Des Moines Public Library welcomes the new year with a quick, high-energy party for its youngest patrons. A celebratory dance party starts at 11:40 am, and it finishes with a countdown and a balloon drop right at noon.
The library closes at noon on New Year's Eve, so this is its last hurrah before 2027. The party is best suited for ages 2 to 6 and their caregivers, and no registration is required. Because it is short and ends at closing, plan to arrive a little before 11:40 so you do not miss the fun.
Parent tip: Arrive a few minutes early; the library closes right after the noon balloon drop.
See dates and details from West Des Moines Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Granger
1 confirmed event for kids in Granger, soonest first.
Granger: Winter Holiday Nature Connections
Holiday story timeFreePolk County Conservation · Granger
- Host
- Polk County Conservation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 NW 128th St, Granger, IA 50109 (near Des Moines)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Families pick up a passport at the door and travel around Jester Park Nature Center, stopping at stations for winter holidays celebrated in Iowa, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Santa Lucia Day and Christmas. At each stop, kids learn about the holiday's origins, how it is celebrated in Iowa and the role nature plays in its traditions.
There are crafts, simple activities, stories and a few tasty treats along the way. It is an open house, so you can come and go anytime between 1 and 3 pm. The event is free, no registration is needed and all ages are welcome. The nature center is in Jester Park near Granger, northwest of Des Moines.
Parent tip: Drop in anytime from 1 to 3 pm and grab a passport at the door.
See dates and details from Polk County Conservation (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Johnston
1 confirmed event for kids in Johnston, soonest first.
Johnston: DIY Wrapping Paper Party
Holiday craftsFreeJohnston Public Library · Johnston
- Host
- Johnston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131 (near Des Moines)
- When
- Sunday, December 20, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration appreciated
- Ages
- Kids, teens, adults, all ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Johnston Public Library hosts a drop-in craft hour where families make their own DIY wrapping paper using their child's handprints and holiday stamps. It is a sweet way to personalize gifts for grandparents and other relatives the weekend before Christmas.
Families can come and go anytime between 2 and 3 pm. Registration opens November 22 and is appreciated so the library has enough supplies, but it is not required. Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and drop-offs are not permitted. The program takes place in the library's large meeting room.
Parent tip: Register after Nov 22 to help with supplies, and dress little ones in clothes that can handle a bit of paint.
See dates and details from Johnston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Urbandale
1 confirmed event for kids in Urbandale, soonest first.
Urbandale: Family Christmas
Story time with SantaLiving History Farms · Urbandale
- Host
- Living History Farms (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322 (near Des Moines)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 3 pm
- Cost
- Advance $12 ($11 members), door $13, under 2 free
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Family Christmas brings the 1900 town at Living History Farms to life for one afternoon. Families can hear carols and stories, decorate cookies, play parlor games and step inside historic buildings including the Flynn Mansion, Print Shop, Drug Store, Church of the Land and Tangen Home.
Kids can join a jingle bell toss and a snowball fight in the Flynn Barn, ride a horse-drawn wagon if the weather allows and take a photo with Santa. The buildings are heated, but much of the visit involves walking between them. Advance tickets cost a dollar less than tickets at the door, and children under 2 are free.
Parent tip: Buy tickets in advance to save a dollar, and bundle up for the wagon rides and the walk between buildings.
See dates and details from Living History Farms (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Iowa Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonDes Moines Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Des Moines in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Des Moines for 2026 on each host’s own page: Dome for the Holidays in Des Moines (November 14), Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village in Des Moines (November 20), Tinseltown in Water Works Park in Des Moines (November 21), Gingerbread House Decorating in Des Moines (December 3), Family Christmas in Urbandale (December 5), Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards in West Des Moines (December 7), Winter Holiday Nature Connections in Granger (December 12), Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition in Des Moines (December 15), Pajama Storytime in Des Moines (December 17), DIY Wrapping Paper Party in Johnston (December 20), Christmas Storytime in West Des Moines (December 22), Noon Year's Eve Party in Des Moines (December 31) and Noon Year's Eve Party in West Des Moines (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Des Moines, Iowa?
For families in and around Des Moines, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Dome for the Holidays (Select evenings, Nov 14 to Jan 3, 5 to 9 pm; Family Nights Wednesdays, adults $18, youth 1 to 13 $13, under 1 free); Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village (Fridays, Nov 20 to Dec 18, 5 to 8 pm, free); Tinseltown in Water Works Park (Sat, Nov 21, 1 to 9 pm, free admission; bike ride registration fees apply); Gingerbread House Decorating (Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 6:15 pm or 6:30 to 7:45 pm, free, registration required (waitlist)); Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition (Tue, Dec 15, 6 to 7:30 pm, free); Pajama Storytime (Thu, Dec 17, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Noon Year's Eve Party (Thu, Dec 31, 11 am to 12:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Des Moines section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in West Des Moines, Iowa?
For families in and around West Des Moines, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards (Mon, Dec 7, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free, registration required); Christmas Storytime (Tue, Dec 22 and Wed, Dec 23, 10:30 to 11:15 am, free); Noon Year's Eve Party (Thu, Dec 31, 11:40 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the West Des Moines section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Granger, Iowa?
For families in and around Granger, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Holiday Nature Connections (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Granger section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Johnston, Iowa?
For families in and around Johnston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: DIY Wrapping Paper Party (Sun, Dec 20, 2 to 3 pm, free, registration appreciated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Johnston section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Urbandale, Iowa?
For families in and around Urbandale, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Christmas (Sat, Dec 5, noon to 3 pm, advance $12 ($11 members), door $13, under 2 free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Urbandale section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Des Moines?
Yes. 11 of the 13 events here are free: Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village in Des Moines, Tinseltown in Water Works Park in Des Moines, Gingerbread House Decorating in Des Moines, Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards in West Des Moines, Winter Holiday Nature Connections in Granger, Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition in Des Moines, Pajama Storytime in Des Moines, DIY Wrapping Paper Party in Johnston, Christmas Storytime in West Des Moines, Noon Year's Eve Party in Des Moines and Noon Year's Eve Party in West Des Moines. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Des Moines this December?
Santa appears at Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village in Des Moines (November 20), Tinseltown in Water Works Park in Des Moines (November 21) and Family Christmas in Urbandale (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Des Moines?
Holiday story times on this page: Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village in Des Moines, Tinseltown in Water Works Park in Des Moines, Family Christmas in Urbandale, Winter Holiday Nature Connections in Granger, Pajama Storytime in Des Moines and Christmas Storytime in West Des Moines. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Des Moines Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Gingerbread House Decorating in Des Moines (Birth to preschool, children, teens), Christmas Storytime in West Des Moines (Ages 0 to 6), Noon Year's Eve Party in Des Moines (Birth to preschool, children) and Noon Year's Eve Party in West Des Moines (Best for ages 2 to 6).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Des Moines on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Dome for the Holidays in Des Moines (through January 3), Noon Year's Eve Party in Des Moines (through December 31) and Noon Year's Eve Party in West Des Moines (through December 31).
How much is Dome for the Holidays in Des Moines?
Adults $18, youth 1 to 13 $13, under 1 free. Dome for the Holidays is on Saturday, November 14, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select evenings; closed Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25, Jan 1), 5 to 9 pm at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village in Des Moines?
Free. Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village is on Fri November 20, Fri November 27, Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Historic East Village (Locust Street). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Tinseltown in Water Works Park in Des Moines?
Free admission; bike ride registration fees apply. Tinseltown in Water Works Park is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1 to 9 pm at Water Works Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread House Decorating in Des Moines?
Free, registration required (waitlist). Gingerbread House Decorating is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 7:45 pm at Franklin Avenue Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Christmas in Urbandale?
Advance $12 ($11 members), door $13, under 2 free. Family Christmas is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 3 pm at Living History Farms. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards in West Des Moines?
Free, registration required. Family Night at the Library! Holiday Cards is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at West Des Moines Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Holiday Nature Connections in Granger?
Free. Winter Holiday Nature Connections is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Jester Park Nature Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition in Des Moines?
Free. Craft & Movie: Holiday Edition is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at East Side Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Pajama Storytime in Des Moines?
Free. Pajama Storytime is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Forest Avenue Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is DIY Wrapping Paper Party in Johnston?
Free, registration appreciated. DIY Wrapping Paper Party is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Johnston Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Storytime in West Des Moines?
Free. Christmas Storytime is on Tue December 22 and Wed December 23, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am at West Des Moines Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Noon Year's Eve Party in Des Moines?
Free. Noon Year's Eve Party is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm at North Side Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Noon Year's Eve Party in West Des Moines?
Free. Noon Year's Eve Party is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:40 am to noon at West Des Moines Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Des Moines?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Des Moines Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
