Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 15 – December 17. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
This is our LAST weekend guide of 2023! Be on the lookout on social for promos between now and the new year of things happening around DSM. In the meantime, check out some of our past guides on fun things to do this holiday break like checking out the local coffee shops, doing some thrifting, trying some local brew on tap, etc.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Event
- Friday, December 17 – Sunday, December 19
- Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (6th Floor of the AC Hotel)
There’s nothing we love more than a good ol’ pop-up, ESP if it’s holiday-themed. This year, for the first time ever, the East Village is getting their very own on the rooftop of the Republic on Grand! From November 17 – January 7, you’ll have the chance to sip on crafted cocktails and some tasty snacks. If you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer with some of your fav people, Rudolph’s Rooftop is the perfect spot for a girls’ night out or date night with your S.O.
Friday, December 15
- Friday, December 15, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Moglea, 110 11th Street Des Moines, IA 50309
One of our fav DSM design shops is hosting a holiday open house this Friday! Enjoy some holiday treats and festive cocktails while enjoying 25% off EVERYTHING. That’s right, everything. Want somethin’ a lil extra? They’re offering free personalization on a product of your choosing- perfect for anyone looking for a unique gift to give a loved one. Be sure to stop by!
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 15, ends at 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Downtown Des Moines
This week’s highlights:
- Storyhouse Bookpub: Seasonal Sing-Along, Simply Sámone & Little G’s Treats Pop-Ups
- Artist Ramona Muse Lambert will be at Raygun
Your LAST CHANCE to explore the Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village! Bundle up in your favorite coat and chilly weather gear as you stroll through the streets of East Village. Almost every single business will have extended hours to make sure you can get your holiday shopping done! Whether it’s grabbing a clothing item from Marne, a book from Storyhouse Bookpub, a warm drink from Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen, or some stationary for your holiday gift-giving from Ephemera– there’s something for everyone.
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Friday, December 15, 6 p.m. – 1o p.m.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy the beauty of the botanical garden under the stars inside the classic domed conservatory at the Great Des Moines Botanical Garden. Every Friday from November 25 – March 29, you can experience the illumination of Dome After Dark, an event with live entertainment, food and drink, and so much more! Be sure to check out their programming for fun themed nights starting in December. This event is perfect for a date night or G.N.O during these chilly months!
- Friday, December 15 & Saturday, December 16, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
Saturday, December 16
Makers, Bakers & Brews: Holiday Vendor Market
- Saturday, December 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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East Village Holiday Bar Crawl
- East Village, Downtown Des Moines (Check in: Bellhop Tiki, 440 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309)
“Making spirits bright, and a little hazy in East Village”- this bar crawl is sure to be a big one! Hosted by all of your fav East Vill bars, Des Moines is really stepping out this weekend for some holiday cheer. For $15, your ticket gets you a wristband that will give you access to drink deals/specials across some local hot spots such as Ernie’s, Locust Tap, Beechwood and more! (Ugly sweaters are recommended, but not mandatory 😉 )
Refresh Retreat
- The Lotus Blossom, 14849 130th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
“Join us for an immersive day of exploring movement, meditation, journaling and other rituals for self-care. You will leave with a solid foundation for establishing lasting practices that integrate with YOUR lifestyle.” DM Wellness & Yoga is hosting an exclusive refresh retreat, created to give you inner peace during what can be a stressful time of the year. Kick off your holiday festivities with a refreshing, new perspective. (Sign-up ASAP as their are only 12 spots available to create a sense of community!)
Don’t Tell Comedy: East Village Edition
- East Village, undisclosed location 👀
Feeling a bit spontaneous this weekend? Don’t Tell Comedy is hosting another pop up event this Saturday, somewhere in the East Village. And you won’t find out where until day-of! But what we DO know is that this show is BYOB, chairs will be provided, it’s indoors, and the comedian is sure to make your belly hurt with laughter by the end of the night. Make it a fun night out with friends, or grab some tickets for you and your S.O. for a date night!
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Do you have the self-proclaimed “ugliest” sweater? Smash Park wants you to prove it! Adorn your ugliest, most festive sweater and enjoy $2 lemon drop, fireball, peppermint rumchata shots AND $10 apple cranberry sangria sociabowls all night long! You’ll have the chance to place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd for the ugliest sweater and win some gift cards and FREE jello shots. So if you West-siders are looking to get out and enjoy one last holiday ‘hurrah’ before next weekend, then this is your chance.
Storytime & Cocoa + Macrame Pop-Up
- Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
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Sunday, December 17
Wrap & Wine
- Sunday, December 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- The Cork 50131, 6205 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131
Take some stress & hassle out of your holidays! All proceeds from gift wrapping services will directly support Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, thanks to Gilbert Gonzales, Realtor! They have bundles to fit every need & budget, or you can choose to pay per gift. Enjoy discounted “candy cane” wine flights, and Smorgasboards Charcuterie will be offering “jarcuterie” for those really looking to de-stress & relax. Copies of the children’s book, Joni’s Wish, will be available for purchase and The Cork 50131 will have bottles of wine available, including a gift bag with festive tissue paper. (Walk-in’s are welcome, but pre registrants can enjoy some extra perks!)
Brunch with Santa
- Sunday, December 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast from Chris Cakes, other small bites, and a hot cocoa bar at “Brunch with Santa” at Willow on Grand this Sunday! Check out their full bar with signature holiday cocktails, bloody marys, mimosas & more for purchase. And yes the big guy himself, Santa, will dropping by for a visit. Your ticket also includes a cookie decorating kit and the Kid’s Craft Zone to keep all entertained + a face painter for an additional charge. (You read that right, this event is for adults and kiddos!) Visit their pop up shop in the cottage and get some last minute holiday gifts from The Boho Vase, The Vinyl Studio & Link x Lou!
Paint & Sip at Miracle on Ingersoll
- Sunday, December 17, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- Miracle on Ingersoll (The Station on Ingersoll), 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Do you like painting? Or sipping? Or, maybe even BOTH?! “Painting With a Twist” is hosting a holiday Paint & Sip event at Miracle on Ingersoll! Your registration gets you a festive cocktail (DSMG-approved), two-hours of instruction, all supplies, and a super cute craft to take home. This event is perfect for an afternoon out with your best gal pals before you leave town for the holidays.
Holiday Drag Brunch with Serv’d
- Sunday, December 17, doors open 10:30 a.m., show 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Decades Event Center, 1208 Grand Avenue West Des Moines, IA 50265
“Step into a world of sparkle, sass, and seasonal cheer this year with our annual Holiday Drag Brunch.” With fun, holiday-themed performances by some gorgeous queens, a full brunch and a complimentary mimosa- you and your best pals are sure to have some fun at this event! Also, be sure to commemorate this event by snapping a pic at the photo booth provided by SnapXP. (P.S., don’t forget to get some cash so you can tip your queens!)
Was hoping to find a few Winter Solstice related events for the weekend.