Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 16-18. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music? We have a separate guide for that. Click here to read the live music guide! 

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.

Photo by Lee Chinyama on Unsplash

  • Showtimes throughout the weekend!
  • Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Is there anything better than going into a cozy movie theater in the winter? What about in a historic renovated theater for arthouse and indie films? We’re so excited to hear that The Varsity Cinema is re-opening in the Drake Neighborhood after extensive renovations were made. Even better? You can start catching a variety of flicks later this month including Singin’ in the Rain, Decision to Leave, White Noise, Elf, and a documentary on the historic cinemas of Des Moines.
 
All the details.

LAST WEEKEND: East Village Holiday Promenade

  • Friday, December 16, 5-9 p.m. 
  • Historic East Village, Des Moines 

It’s the last Friday of Holiday Promenade and its finishing its season with a fireworks spectacular at 8 p.m. Check out all the deals and features at the link below from all your favorite shops and restaurants in the East Village. You don’t even have to worry about parking! There is free metered parking from 5-9 p.m.

This week, don’t miss Good Burt Shop at Zhoosh starting at 6 p.m. which makes one of our favorite boutiques popping up in one of our fave stores. 

  • Friday, Dec. 16, 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. 
  • Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Grab your ugly sweater and closest friends to enjoy a night out with festive drinks and dancing at the SnowGlobe Ugly Sweater Party in the Beer Hall! This party will be rocking around the tree with Christmas mixes from DJ JK. Doors are open 8:30 – Midnight. No reservation is needed. Must be 21+ to enter the Beer Hall. 

All the details.

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. 16, 6-9 p.m. 
Experience the Garden in a new light at Dome After Dark! Most Fridays from now through February 25, stroll through the lush conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique lighting and luminarias. This family friendly event will include food and drink available for purchase from Trellis Café. Normal admission rates apply!
see what it looks like

LAST WEEKEND: The Santa Express with Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

  • 225 10th Street, Boone, IA, 50036
  • Various times throughout the weekend – selling out fast!
Worth the drive! Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 18, bring the family, and enjoy a one hour to one hour and fifteen minute ride from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s depot to the North Pole (and return). En route, you will hear the story of Santa’s Scenic Valley Ride, and take part in other fun, family activities. Experience what has become a tradition for families from across Iowa, and beyond. $25 for coach, $50 for first class!
All the details + buy tickets.

  • Friday, December 16, 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18, 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 this Sunday!

Get your ticket.
  • Friday, December 16, 7-9:30 p.m. 
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Teehee’s is always a great weekend option, but we’ve got our eyes on this show this weekend. Matt Banwart’s stand up album recording will largely be about growing up in a small town in Iowa and his family. Matt originally started performing stand up comedy in Iowa in late 2016. Since then Matt has gone on to perform at colleges and comedy clubs across the country. He is a regular at comedy clubs all over Chicago and is the new host of Roast Battle. Recently Matt developed a following on TikTok for his stand-up clips and roasting all 50 states. Matt’s standup has been featured on Madison Comedy Week, Floodwater Comedy Festival, and the Redeye Comedy Festival.
 
All the details + buy tickets.

Saturday, December 17

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Hall of Laureates Holiday Open House: Tour the World Food Prize Building

  • Saturday, December 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 USA

This is particularly special to us because this is where our founder had her first internship ever! Just once, each December, the community is invited to join the World Food Prize at the Hall of Laureates for their Holiday Open House. Come and hear holiday music and experience the spectacular acoustics in this beloved historic building.This is a family-friendly event will have carolers spreading holiday cheer, light snacks and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. Guests will also be able to tour the Hall of Laureates and learn about the history, architecture, and art of our historic building. 

Take a look!

Pop Up At Thistle’s Summit with Ramona Muse Lambert

  • Saturday, December 17, 9 – 10:30 a.m. 
  • Thistle’s Summit, 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Thistle’s Summit (@thistlessummit)

more details.

  • Saturday, December 17, 11 – 2 p.m. 
  • Peace Tree Brewing Co. 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

It’s the perfect little market this weekend that we love to see thriving in our communities all throughout the year. Go check out some of your favorite vendors at Peace Tree, including Domestic Bones‘ traditional hand pies. SO yummy in this weather – vegan and gluten free friendly options!

all the details + specials

  • Saturday, December 17, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  
  • THE COLLECTIVE, 3523 6th Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313

A delicious local bakery is hosting it’s last pop-up at the place it first started. These delicious cinnamon rolls will be missed! They say: “We are having one final pop up at the place we first popped up, that Saturday morning two years ago, at THE COLLECTIVE. We really hope you can stop by and say farewell, we’d love to see you!” 

Final Pop Up Menu

DSM Mercantile Pop-Ups with @concrete_days @firstlightpottery @jessdessertsdsm 

  • Saturday, December 17, 9 – 5 a.m. 
  • DSM Mercantile, 3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Des Moines Mercantile (@dsmmercantile)

Brunch with Santa at Willow on Grand

  • Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312

Have yourself a cute holiday morning at Willow on Grand. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast from Chris Cakes. Santa will drop by for a visit, a perfect time to make those toy requests and take photos. We will also have cookie decorating as well as a kid’s craft zone to keep all entertained. Still have a few people to buy for? Stop in to our cottage, stocked with unique gifts provided by @thevinylstudio + fresh bouquets from @wildflowerdsm 🌿. Tickets between $15-30. 

More details + buy tickets

Midnight Munchies at Creme

Des Moines needed this! So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date night. 

  • Saturday, December 17, Late night hours until midnight!
  • Creme, Des Moines, IA, 50309
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @creme_dsm

Sunday, December 18

  • Sunday, December 18, 2 p.m. -3:30 p.m. 
  • Fox Brewing, 103 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Ring in the holidays with a gingerbread house decorating party! Your purchase includes a homemade gingerbread house kit, icing for construction, decorative candies, and one free drink from Fox Brewing during the event. All houses are homemade and fully edible. 
 
All the details + buy tickets.
  • 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.”

Grab tickets.
  • Sunday, December 18, 4-6 p.m.
  • Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines, IA 50315

Head to the Barrel Room in Confluence for a screening of the classic Christmas favorite- Christmas Vacation!  This will be a FREE and family friendly event. They’ll have tables and chairs set up, and the movie projected on the big screen. Bring some snacks, enjoy a few beers, and get into the Christmas spirit! 

 
  • Sunday, December 18, 5:30 p.m. 
  • Rooted Yoga + Fitness, 2708 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
  • Free with a food donation!
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rooted Yoga + Fitness (@rootedyogaandfitness)

More details.

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