Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 5-7. 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 5
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
- Friday, December 5, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, December 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Friday, December 5, 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.
Very Merry Vino in the Village
- Friday, December 5, 5 p.m.
- Historic East Village
East Village is the place to be this Friday, it seems! This Friday, Vino in the Village returns with a special holiday twist. Pick up a guide and stroll your way through participating locations while you sip and shop. This event is FREE to all 21+ attendees, but get there early to make sure there is wine left to sip!
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, December 5, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month, experience DUALITIES, “a multimedia exhibition exploring the tension and dialogue between conceptual and material opposites.” Plus, the third floor gallery will feature a special exhibition by CASA (Creative Artists Studios of Ames) through the Rural Arts Program. As always, food and drink from local vendors will be available for purchase.
The Notebook at Des Moines Civic Center
- Showtimes All Weekend!
- Des Moines Civic Center,221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
There are still tickets available for the great modern love story, The Notebook! Catch a performance at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center on Friday night, Saturday afternoon or evening, or Sunday afternoon or evening. Tickets start at $45.
 Saturday, December 6
Val Air Holiday Fair 2025
- Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Looking for the perfect gift ahead of the holiday season? Look no further than the Val Air Holiday Fair! With over 70 local vendors, this isn’t your typical craft fair. Shop all of the awesome local finds, take a photo with a NINE FOOT DISCO SANTA, and shop local this holiday season! Admission is free, and the coffee and crafts will be flowing.
Grown-Up Book Fair at the Des Moines Public Library
- Saturday, December 6, Noon – 4 p.m.
- Des Moines Public Library (Central), 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50265
Live out your childhood dream and bring your adult money to the Grown-Up Book Fair! Shop all of your holiday reading needs (and pick up a little something for yourself!). Books, stickers, food, gifts, and more all from local independent bookstores and shops. Plus, 10% of all purchases will be donated to DMPL!
Holiday Pop-Up at 515 Brewing Co
- Saturday, December 6, Noon – 6 p.m.
- 515 Brewing Company, 7700 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325
Christmas Tree Mosaic Craft Party at Confluence Brewing
- Saturday, December 6, 2 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Handmake the perfect holiday gift or keep it as decor for your home at the Christmas Tree Mosaic Craft Party at Confluence Brewing! Create your own 8-inch mosaic and chill out with friends and solid holiday vibes. Spots are limited, so reserve your spot ASAP!
Dazzling in The District
- Saturday, December 6, 2 – 6:30 p.m.
- The District – Prairie Trail, 1515 SW Main St, Ankeny, IA 50023
- Saturday, December 5, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Create magical holiday memories at this free and family friendly outdoor event at Gray’s Lake! Brave the cold with friends and loved ones around the lake loop filled with activities, photo ops, music, and more! Pre-registration is required for this free community event (we think it’s so that they don’t run out of hot cocoa!).
- Saturday, December 6, 5:30 p.m.
- Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Join Capital City Pride at the Science Center of Iowa for a screening of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey. The first floor exhibits will also be open to all event guests! This event is open to the first 165 guests (limited by the size of the theater), and tickets are just $2 for kids and $3 for adults over 18. We’ll have free drinks, snacks, and goody bags, and you can also pick up some Capital City Pride merch if you need some Christmas present inspiration!”
Windsor Wonderland at Colby Park
- Saturday, December 6, 3 – 6 p.m.
- Colby Park, 1145 66th St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Walk through the Windsor Wonderland as Colby Park comes alive with holiday spirit and FREE family fun! Bring your family, friends, or ride it solo on the carriage ride. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, make a fun holiday craft, take your JC Penney-esque holiday photo, and so much more!
9th Annual Pho King Cook-Off
- Saturday, December 6, 3 – 6 p.m.
- Local Bites, 700 Locust St. Downtown Des MoinesÂ
Get your pho on this Saturday with the 9th Annual Pho Cook-Off with Iowa Asian Alliance. There will be endless pho stations to warm you up instantly, drinks, and merch. This is a 21+ event!
Grab a ticket before they’re gone!
Tinsel & Tease Christmas Party with Venus Moon Studio
- Saturday, December 6, 6-10 p.m.Â
- Venus Moon Studio & Shop, 6563 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
“Grab your gals and join us for our tinsel & tease christmas party! Tinsel and Tease is a 70’s themed xmas party where you can enjoy a private shopping experience, then head to the studio where you will decorate cookies and paint your own ornaments! We will be serving refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. To stick with that 60’s/70’s vibe we will be serving shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, jello cake, and of course, charcuterie!”
Taylor Fest at Wooly’s
- Saturday, December 6, 9 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Was Taylor your top artist of 2025? Unite with fellow Des Moines Swifties for Taylor Fest at Wooly’s and jam out to your top songs of 2025 (which we know were all from her new album). Tickets are $20 for the 9 p.m. event. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 7
Holiday Drag Brunch at Big Grove
- Sunday, December 7, 11 a.m.
- Big Grove, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Everyone loves a drag brunch, and this Sunday, go to one with a holiday twist! Enjoy all the sparkle, sass, and seasonal cheer with a festive brunch menu, regular drag favorites, and oh-so-much beer to keep the vibes up high. Reserve your table!
Our locally-inspired holiday content has dropped!
