Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 2-4. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Photo by Lee Chinyama on Unsplash
- All weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Have you seen pictures of those picturesque European holiday markets? This is Des Moines’ version! Christkindlmarket makes its in-person return at Principal Park this weekend making it a must-do holiday activity. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market whose goal is to educate and entertain the community by exposing them to European-style foods, products and activities. It’s pet and kid friendly so go out there and enjoy some candied nuts, authentic German foods, and warm mulled wine!
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 2, 5-9 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Des Moines
If you’re not in the East Village on Friday night, you’re doing it wrong. The annual Holiday Promenade kicks off with special events all night around the Historic East Village. Check out all the deals and features at the link below from all your favorite shops and restaurants in the East Village. This happens for five Fridays in a row and you don’t even have to worry about parking! Free metered parking from 5-9 p.m.
This week, don’t miss stocking up on Bread by Chelsa B and Pie Bird Pies at Eden from 6-8 p.m. You don’t want to miss these doughnuts, we promise.
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Fourth Annual Ceramics Invitational – First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, December 2, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3, 11 – 8 p.m.
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Molengracht Plaza, 700 Main St. Suite 203, Pella, IA 50219
Prefer a Dutch Christmas market to a German one? In less than an hour drive, you can experience a Dutch Christmas Market in Pella, Iowa! This festive event, now in its second year, will be held December 1-3, in conjunction with Pella’s Christmas Tour of Homes. Inspired by outdoor markets in the Netherlands, this cozy market will fill you with holiday cheer. Shop from artisan vendors, enjoy hot Dutch eats and drinks, and listen to live music.
Winter Wonderland Pop-Up at Nightingale Cocktail
- All weekend, 5-9 p.m.
- 435 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309
If you didn’t quite snag tickets to Exile’s Snowglobe experience, there’s more where that came from. Nightingale Cocktail in the East Village is presenting another holiday pop-up with immersive sounds, lights, and of course, festive cocktails. Cost of tickets purchased in advance or at the door will be credited towards your total purchase during your visit.
Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Friday, Dec. 3, 6-10 p.m.
Holiday Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Friday, December 3, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Wicked Wonderland Variety & Hypnosis Show at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
- Friday, December 2, 7:30 – 8 p.m. Photos with Santa, Variety Show starts at 8 p.m. Hypnosis show at 10 p.m.
Saturday, December 3
Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Historic Court District Downtown DSM
Oh you think farmers’ market season is totally over? Not in Iowa. But it is the last weekend of the Winter’s Farmers’ Market! End their season with a bang with this pretty impressive list of vendors who are willing to bundle up to give you the best of local products in the holiday season. Don’t let them stand in the cold for nothing!
- Saturday, December 3, 9 – 1 p.m.
- Cowles School, 6401 College Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA
Another holiday market that’s perfect for the full family. With free admission, this is the perfect Saturday morning activity to shop for gifts among 40 local vendors including Cowles student crafters. There will be a free Kid Zone hosted by Joujou and the DSM Children’s Museum.
- Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- All around Beaverdale: 2645 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Where are our Beaverdale people at? Stroll through Beaverdale Place on Saturday for fun samples and holiday deals at Happy DSM, Beaverdale Books, and Beaverdale Confections.
- Friday, December 2, 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m showtimes
- Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA, 50312
Does this show need an explanation?😊 20 minutes prior to each performance, local vocalists and instrumentalists will share their music in the west lobby. If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. They have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production. Show is on through December 18.
- Saturday, December 3, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- The Hall, 111 S 11th Street, Suite 200 | West Des Moines, IA 50265
With draws against Wales and England and a win over Iran in the Group Stage of the World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team has secured its position in the Round of 16 — the knockout round of the competition. To celebrate, Pro Iowa, the organization formed to bring professional soccer to Iowa, and the Des Moines Menace will host a free watch party on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. at The Hall, located at 111 S. 11th St. in West Des Moines. RSVPs are encouraged at the link below!
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, December 3, 5-7 p.m.
- Art Terrarium,106 11th St. Des Moines, IA 50309
LE Design is leading a festive workshop at Art Terrarium on Saturday evening. Create a holiday wreath as unique as you! Each participant will compete an 18″ wreath to keep or gift to a loved one. All materials and refreshments included! $60 for the class and their first two sold out so if you’re interested, act quickly!
Sunday, December 4
- Sunday, December 4, 2-6 p.m.
- Hello, Marjorie, 717 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
They’ve said it best: “It’s like the Scholastic Book Fair, but for adults, part 2. we’re excited to be partnering with @reddoorpress, @copyandpastedsm and @raccoonriverpress. We’ll have a featured cocktail menu to go along with the festivities.” Check it out!
