Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 13-15. 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.
- All weekend!
- Sunday through Thursday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- East Village, 401 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Warm up with a seasonal cocktail, while the decor and holiday soundtrack provide quintessential yuletide vibes. Perfect for a sunset view of the East Village during happy hour, or stop in during East Village Promenade!
Friday, December 13
Espresso Skate at Skateland
- Friday, December 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Skateland, 5621 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310
Yes, Sabrina Carpenter was also on our Spotify Wrapped, and yes, we’re proud of it! Jam out to all your favorite Sabrina Carpenter songs and skate the night away! Cute fits always encouraged.
Mixology: AI @ SCI – Computer Science Week
- Friday, December 13, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
Learn about AI at the SCI at this adults-only night full of science, drinks, and fun! Explore cutting-edge technologies in a vibrant and engaging setting and immerse yourself in the world of technology. All levels of tech enthusiasts are welcome to learn more about the future of AI!
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 6, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village
It’s that time of year again for the Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village! Our favorite neighborhood is all dressed up and feeling jolly. Almost every single business will have extended hours to make sure you can get your holiday shopping done! Check out this week’s specials at the link below.
Saturday, December 14
The Peppermint Trail at The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
- Saturday, December 14, ALL DAY!
- The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
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2024 Santa Run 5K
- Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.
- Fleet Feet Des Moines, 521 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Still haven’t checked off “Run a 5K” off your 2024 resolution list? Well, this is your chance at one of the last (and best) 5Ks in the city! This Saturday, keep your eye out for all the Santas running through Downtown Des Moines or sign up now to be one yourself! Registration includes a full Santa suit, a $10 gift certificate to Fleet Feet Des Moines, and a $15 charitable donation. Stick around after for the post-run celebration at SingleSpeed Brewing!
Highland Park Holiday Shop Hop
- Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Highland Park Neighborhood
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Historic Holidays at the Des Moines Heritage Center
- Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s giving Ghost of Christmas Past this weekend at the Des Moines Heritage Center! This weekend, it’s time for stories with Santa at 10:30 a.m. and photo ops through the afternoon. Browse vintage Christmas displays and model trains at this fun, free, and historic event!
Brilliant Crafts & Wares Fair at The Yacht Club
- Saturday, December 14, Noon – 6 p.m.
- The Yacht Club, 2617 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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Last Call Holiday Art Market at Mainframe Studios
- Saturday, December 14, Noon – 4 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Hot Cocoa Bar at Beaverdale Nutrition
- Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m.
- Beaverdale Nutrition, 2604 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Enjoy at delicious Hot Cocoa Bar this Saturday at Beaverdale Nutrition! Learn some healthy cocoa skills while indulging in delicious protein balls and a chance to win fabulous prizes! It is going to be a sweet time!
Jingle Bell Stroll at Gray’s Lake
- Saturday, December 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake Park, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Create magical holiday memories at this free and family friendly outdoor event at Gray’s Lake! Brave the cold with friends and loved ones around the lake loop filled with activities, photo ops, music, and more! Pre-registration is required (we think it’s so that they don’t run out of hot cocoa!).
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Smash Park
- Saturday, December 14, 5 p.m.
- Smashpark, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
There really is only one time of year to pull out your ugly Christmas sweater… Pull it out of the back of your closet and get some use out of it at Smash Park’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Is your fit especially atrocious? Great! Because there will be prizes for the top three ugliest sweaters.
Elf: Rowdy Screening at Fleur Cinema
- Saturday, December 14, 10 p.m.
- Fleur Cinema, 4545 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Leave the kids at home and grab your Elf-loving friends for a rowdy screening of this Christmas classic! Sing along with Buddy the Elf, shout your favorite quotes, and laugh out loud without fear of disturbing the other moviegoers… Plus, tickets are less than $4 (including service fees!)
Sunday, December 15
Ritual Cafe Holiday Market
- Sunday, December 15, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Take advantage of free Sunday parking in Downtown Des Moines and head over to Ritual Cafe for a holiday market! 10+ local vendors will have products available to purchase (aka the perfect opportunity to find a cute handmade gift!), and as always, Ritual will have amazing food and drink available for purchase.
Santa Paws Yoga at Paws & Pints
- Sunday, December 15, Noon
- Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
If you thought puppy yoga couldn’t get any better, do we have a treat for you! Head to Paws & Pints this Sunday morning for Santa Paws Yoga with adoptable dogs from AHeinz57. Class is $10 in advance or $15 at the door and includes a bloody mary or mimosa and a chance to meet your forever friend to take home for the holidays!
*LIMITED SEATS* Harry Potter Feast at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
- Sunday, December 15, 5 p.m.
- Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, 3201 15th Ave, Cumming, IA 50061
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