Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 9-11. 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.
Friday, December 9
Reading In Public Books x Horizon Line Coffee Pop Up
- Friday, December 9, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Horizon Line Coffee, 417 Walnut St B, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
- Friday, December 9, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 10, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 11, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
It’s finally here! Ballet Des Moines’ annual performances of The Nutcracker are happening this weekend and tickets are still available! This is Iowa’s only professional performance of this beloved ballet.
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 9, 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 is back again 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 a few more Fridays in a row and you don’t even have to worry about parking! There is free metered parking from 5-9 p.m.
We’re eyeing Storyhouse Bookpub this week, which is hosting a “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” storytime at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. followed by a pop up from 6-9pm with local artists, @ooomami & @shopdaniawesome for all the modern magical jewelry and stickers, cards & prints we’re obsessed with.
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Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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509 East 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Cool and curated vintage vendors at the carriage house in the East Village. We love poppin’ into these markets, especially when they’re decked out for the holidays. Stop in during the East Village Promenade or on Saturday to find Santa and all his friends vintage-style.
DMPS Student-Run Central Market Holiday Shop
- Friday, December 9, 3-5 p.m.
- Saturday, December 10, 12 – 6 p.m.
- 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA, 50320
Did you know that there’s a a student ran grocery store located on the southside of Des Moines? This weekend, DMPS students are operating a holiday market shop with handmade decor and gifts this weekend. Check it out!
The Supply Hive’s “Give Joy” Holiday Gift Shop
- Friday, December 9, 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 10, 2-5 p.m.
- Urban Dreams, 601 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50314
Family Friendly: The Santa Express with Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
- 225 10th Street, Boone, IA, 50036
- Various times throughout the weekend – selling out fast!
- Friday, December 9, 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, 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 10
- Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- The Santa Run will begin and end in Des Moines’ East Village at the corner of E. Walnut and E. 6th.
Running in a santa suit your thing? Why not? Join Fleet Feet Des Moines at its third annual 2022 Santa Run 5K! All participants get a Santa suit, and $15 of their registration goes to the charity of their choice from Fleet Feet’s charity partners. There is free covered parking next door on E. Sixth
West End Shop Hop
- Saturday, December 10, Store hours roughly 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Downtown’s West End, 9 different stores participating!
This is one of the most exciting events this weekend! Visit all nine shops and get your passport stamped at each location to enter to win several gift bags. Enjoy discounts at West End small businesses including Art Terrarium, The Cave DSM, VZZ Vintage, Thistle’s Summit, Copy + Paste, Golden Hour, Horizon Line Coffee, Moglea, and West End Salvage.
Moglea is offering 25% off in store with a passport & incredible deals on Moglea samples and best-quality seconds. They’ll be serving holiday cocktails until supplies run out. Red Dragon Herbs & Teas will also be popping up at VZZ Vintage from 8-12 p.m. with gifts and hot tea samples.
- Saturday, December 10, store hours vary, but activities all day!
- Along Ingersoll Avenue the The Roosevelt Cultural District
Once you’re done shopping on the West End, head straight to Ingersoll and the Roosevelt Cultural District for even MORE deals. The Peppermint Trail is a new event hosted by The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and Roosevelt Cultural District. More than 50 local shops, restaurants and businesses will be featuring peppermint or holiday-themed specials and decor at each stop along the Peppermint Trail encouraging our community #ShopLocal and #DineLocal this holiday season! In addition to holiday specials happening the day in both districts, there are other festive activities planned included in the graphic below. Click the link below to preview all of the deals going on.
- Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Iowa Cubs Team Store, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Santa Claus and Cubbie Bear are making a special Winter appearance at Principal Park to take pictures with you and your family! ☃️🎅⚾️ The Iowa Cubs are also in the middle of their 12 Days of Deals so check out the Facebook page at the link below to score a special gift for the baseball lover in your life.
- Saturday, December 10, 7-9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Sunday, December 11
- Sunday, December 11, 12 – 4 p.m. (also open on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Winterset Livery, 116 S. 1st Avenue, Winterset, IA, 50273
Still not shopped out? This brand new market in Madison County will feature 26 artists and food vendors in the newly restored Winterset Livery building. It’ll be hosted indoors and completely free. Check it out and let us know what you think.
- Sunday, December 11, 2 p.m. (more showtimes on Friday and Saturday!)
- Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Another classic performance this weekend! Head to a lovely matinee performance of A Christmas Carol from the Iowa Stage Theater Company. Stoner Theater is located within the Des Moines Civic Center, this flexible black box theater allows audiences to experience theater, comedy, improv and many other special presentations in an up-close and personal setting. Here’s what the Theater Company has to say: “A Christmas Carol has been a holiday tradition for Iowa Stage, and to celebrate our move to the Stoner we are creating a new version, with all new sets, to delight holiday audiences with the timeless tale of Scrooge’s ghostly visitations and Yuletide change of heart.”
- Sunday, December 11, 1-3 p.m.
- Rose Farm, 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk, IA 50211
Do you want to paint a snowman? Bring your own frosty to life during this 2-hour outdoor workshoppe led by artist local Christine Hilbert. Guests will escape from the cold and experience the coziness of our Shoppe while Hilbert shares various techniques for creating texture, pattern, and color. A complimentary beverage is included. $85 per pair. All materials provided.
- Sunday, December 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
- ARL’s Animal House Store, 5452 NE 22nd St. Des Moines, IA 50313
Find a special gift for the animal lover in your life (or yourself!) and pounce on great deals on pet toys, pet supplies, grab-and-go gift bundles and more for the holidays with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. You’ll find exclusive deals, dog biscuit decoration, building your own stockings for cats and dogs, a holiday themed photo booth, light snacks, and a cash bar. The event is free, but RSVP at the link below. The first 20 people will receive a free ARL tote bag!
