While DSMG is staying in for the next couple of weeks, curled up and cozy with a big ol’ mug of cocoa and enjoying time with our loved ones- we wanted to leave you with some ideas on how to make the most of this holiday transition!
If you’re staying in Des Moines for the holidays and are looking for some inspo on what to do, we’ve curated some of our fav guides from this past year on some of the best that DSM has to offer. Whether you’re looking to fill your time by yourself, with friends, or with your S.O/family, we’ve got ya covered. Enjoy the holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2024!
Written by Madison Stano, Des Moines Girl Contributor
Featured Photo by Shot By Joe on Unsplash
Home for the Holidays— Things To Do Around DSM
Explore the Des Moines Coffee Scene
Home of LOTS of small coffee shops, you can really get that caffeine kick at almost any place in town. These shops are also a great place to grab on the go, or stay in for a bit and catch up on your reading or perhaps some work/pesky tasks you’ve been procrastinating. What we love about it is the variety in atmosphere! From chill, slow vibes or more upbeat, conversational ones- our DSM coffee hot spots are the best. Treat yourself to a seasonal latte and really get in the holiday spirit.
Plan a Date For Yourself
The holidays are all about giving. Giving gifts, giving love, giving time- all for others. This holiday season, we challenge you to give to yourself! “Make sure your cup is full, before you refill others’”. It’s important to be on the lookout for your wellbeing, and Des Moines has lots of opportunity for that. Whether you want to discover new shops, try that restaurant you keep seeing reviews for, or simply explore the outdoors- take some time for yourself.
Try a New Lunch Spot
Is the office feeling a little dead with people OOO, or maybe you simply need to take a break and get outside of your WFH setup? Whatever your midday qualms may be, boost your mood with a trip to a local lunch spot! With the quietness of the holidays, take advantage in exploring some of the really cool locally-owned restaurants around Des Moines. Warm up with a cozy soup, salad, or heck- maybe some tacos and Ethiopian food. The cuisine here in the metro is truly limitless.
Set Time Aside For You & Your S.O.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed being around all of your family members? Maybe it’s making small talk with the uncle whose politics you don’t like, or having to wrangle your kids (or fur babies) in a crowded house full of people? The holidays can be a big stressor for many people, and you tend to forget to meet the needs of those closest to you while extending yourself to so many others. Make some time away from all of the chaos for just you and your significant other, and discover something new to do together!
Catch Up With An Old Friend at Brunch
DSM during the holidays feels both empty and full. People leave to visit family and friends out of town, but people who have moved away come back to see their loved ones. If you know one of those people, make a brunch date! Whether it’s an old roommate, a past high school pal, a family friend, or an old coworker- take time this holiday season to reconnect and reminisce. We’ve got the perfect guide for all the best places you can get your brunch on!
Invest in a New Hobby
If you’re on PlantTok or BookTok, you may be feeling the pressure to immerse yourself in all there is botany and reading. It’s time to go through the insane amount of liked videos about plant care or book reccs we know you have ;). Make some time to go out and push yourself to try something new! We’ve got the guide on all things book AND plant store around DSM, with experts at all who would be more than happy to get you started!
Create a Cozy Night In
Maybe going out isn’t really your vibe- and hey, that’s okay! We love our introverts and we know the best way for them to rest and recharge is by staying home. One of our best ways to do so is lighting a candle, picking your fav holiday (or non-holiday) movie/TV-show, and ordering takeout from your fav restaurant. Luckily, we have all the deets at some of the best places in the DSM metro to order takeout. From Thai and Italian, to Mexican and Mediterranean- we’ve got something for every palate.
Take Advantage of Weekly Happenings in DSM
With the holidays being a slower time of year, you might find yourself with more time to go out and do something new on the weekdays. Lots of Des Moines restaurants and bars host deals and events throughout the week that for a busy person, can be hard to get to on a normal basis. Use some of your free time (if you’re lucky to have any) in these next couple weeks to try out that bingo night you’ve always wanted to go to, test your skills at trivia, or enjoy a happy hour!
Also, be sure to check out some of our weekly deals on food/beverage to plan your next outing. (Disclaimer: Please double check with the business that these deals are still available during holiday hours):
Got some ideas we haven’t thought of? Or, maybe you’re ITCHING for a new guide? Let us know! We’d appreciate your insight and want to give the people what they want:) See you in 2024!
