Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 12-14. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.Â
Friday, December 12
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
- Thursday, December 11, 5 – 9 p.m.; Friday; December 12, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, December 13: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, December, 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Friday, December 12, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village
It’s that time of year again for the Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village! Our favorite neighborhood is all dressed up and feeling jolly. Almost every single business will have extended hours to make sure you can get your holiday shopping done! Check out this week’s specials at the link below.
Mars Cafe Christmas Party
- Friday, December 12, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
- Mars Cafe, 2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Kick off the weekend with some holiday cheer at the Mars Cafe Christmas Party! Wear your best ugly sweater for double the chances to win a $100 gift card. Hang out for live holiday music at 7 p.m. and seasonal drinks and treats all evening. Don’t forget to check out the rest of what the Drake Neighborhood has to offer, including partners Shelf Love DSM and NOS Books!
EDM Night at xBk Live
- Friday, December 12, 8 – 11 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
“EDMnite has been home to the freshest and bounciest tunes you’ve ever heard. House to dubstep, trance to hardstyle, DJ Stillwater and DJ Greaze are sure to play something your neighbors will hate.” Tickets are free, but space is limited, so show up early to make sure you get to jam out!
Speakeasy Comedy Show
- December 12 and 13, shows at various times!Â
- Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company, 309 Court Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
If you ask us, nothing better than a little comedy in the winter! Speakeasy Comedy is a pop-up Comedy Club that hosts shows all over the Des Moines area. This weekend, they’re at Court Avenue.Each show will feature a national touring headliner and a surprise cast of local and traveling comedians.Â
 Saturday, December 13
The Peppermint Trail at The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
- Saturday, December 13
- Ingersoll Avenue
The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand are getting festive this Saturday for The Peppermint Trail! Enjoy holiday events all day, including trolley rides, photo ops, giveaways, and more. Check out local businesses and finish up your holiday shopping with special deals for the day. Check out the full schedule because this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Annual CASA Holiday Sale
- Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames, 130 S. Sheldon Ave., Ames, IA,50014
“Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA) invites the community to its annual Holiday Art Sale… This one-day event will feature artwork for the holiday season by local artists. The sale will be held on the basement level of the building and occupy studios filled with handmade artwork from ceramics and fiber art to vibrant 2D and 3D works, all created by our talented CASA artists. CASA is a non-profit arts organization and has nearly 40 members. Its mission is to foster a community of local artists through creating, education, exhibitions and its open house events.”
Santa Run 5k with Fleet Feet
- Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.
- Fleet Feet Des Moines, 521 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Still haven’t checked off “Run a 5K” off your 2025 resolution list? Well, this is your chance at one of the last (and best) 5Ks in the city! This Saturday, keep your eye out for all the Santas running through Downtown Des Moines or sign up now to be one yourself! Registration includes a full Santa suit, a $10 gift certificate to Fleet Feet Des Moines, and a $10 charitable donation. Stick around after for the post-run celebration at SingleSpeed Brewing!
Winter Wellness Market & Sale at Capital Health
- Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Capital Health, 900 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
DIY Lip Balm Workshop at AllLove Wellness
- Saturday, December 13, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
- AllLove Wellness, 8527 University Blvd, Clive, IA 50325
- Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
A little weather can’t stop our local artists! Rescheduled due to the snow, check out the Holiday Art Market at Mainframe Studios. Over 60 artists are hosting open studios (aka 60+ chances to find that perfect gift)! Browse the art, sip and munch on food and drink, and support local art this holiday season.
- Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Des Moines Yacht Club, 2613 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Holiday Pop-Up at 515 Brewing Co
- Saturday, December 13, Noon – 6 p.m.
- 515 Brewing Co., 7700 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325
Bring a friend, grab a pint, and slurp some soup while you shop the Holiday Pop-Up Market at 515 Brewing Co. Find that perfect gift (or treat yourself) at this cozy event supporting local creators. Check out the full list of vendors below!
Sunday, December 14
Historic Highland Park Holiday Shop Hop
- Sunday, December 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Highland Park Neighborhood
Just in case you haven’t gotten your fill of holiday markets, Highland Park has you covered (with a fun little twist!). Stop at any participating business, pick up a passport, and get a stamp at every stop for a chance to win a Highland Park Holiday Basket. Visit some of your favorite local businesses or discover a new one all day long!
Christmas Book & Record Pop-Up at Confluence Brewing
- Sunday, December 14, Noon – 7 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1285 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Sunday, December 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
- SingleSpeed Brewery, 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Sunday, December 14, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Animal Rescue League, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313
We didn’t forget your furry friend amidst all these holiday markets! Head over to the ARL for a shopping event you won’t want to miss. Treat the animal(s) or animal-lover in your lift with exclusive deals on all things pet ahead of the holidays. Stick around for free snacks, cockTAILs for purr-chase, door prizes, raffles, games, and more!
