Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 20-22. 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 20
Kay’s Spiritual Ways End of Year Sale
- All Weekend Long!
- Kay’s Spiritual Ways, 501 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Looking for a few last minute gift ideas? Looking to treat yourself ahead of the hectic holiday season? Shop small AND shop the sales at Kay’s Spiritual Ways! This weekend only, get 40% all in store and online purchases. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Winter Solstice Hike at Jester Nature Park
- Friday, December 20, 4:30 p.m.
- Jester Nature Park Center, 12130 NW 128th St, Granger, IA 50109
If you’re willing to bundle up and brave the cold, celebrate the winter solstice in nature on a hike at Jester Nature Park! A naturalist will lead the hike. No registration required, and dress for the weather!
Festivus at 515 Brewing Co.
- Friday, December 20, 5 p.m.
- 515 Brewing Co., 7700 University Ave Suite C, Clive, IA 50325
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Cookies for Santa Cookie Workshop at Chacha’s Hiland Bakery
- Friday, December 20, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- Chacha’s Hiland Bakery, 3615 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50313
Make cookies fresh ahead of the holidays and fit for any holiday festivity with experienced bakers at Chacha’s Hiland Bakery! Enjoy an evening of cookie decorating (and some cookie eating) ahead of the holiday season. Tickets are $45 per cookie decorator.
FINAL East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 20, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village
It’s the FINAL 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.
Ricochet’s Ugly Sweater Party
- Friday, December 13, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Ricochet, 400 Locust St suite 105, Des Moines, IA 50309
Take that ugly sweater for one more spin before the season ends at Ricochet’s Ugly Sweater Party! Get there early to get your share of a free keg of Shiner Cheer and Jello shots (while supplies last). Stick around until 11 p.m. for the ugly sweater contest and a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Saturday, December 21
Holiday Slay Ride Drag Brunch at The Garden
- Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m.
- The Garden, 525 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
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Santa & Cookies at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
- Saturday, December 21, 10:30 a.m.
- SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
SingleSpeed already throws a great brunch party every weekend, and this weekend, enjoy a holiday twist! All morning, get your picture taken with Santa, decorate a sugar cookie for dessert, and sip on cocoa from the hot chocolate bar with your meal!. Count us in.
Santa at Big Grove Brewery
- Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Santa is back for the season at Big Grove Des Moines! Bring your family and friends for a photo op with the man himself in the Crescent Room until 2 p.m.! Candy canes and cocoa available while supplies lasts. Check one last time if you’re on the nice list…
Jingle Jazz at Central Library
- Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m.
- Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Enjoy a free holiday concert by the Beaver Creek Jazz Festival at Central Library. The library will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Though the weather be cold and dreary, the tunes will be cheery, and we hope to see you there!”
Emo Nite at Wooly’s
- Saturday, December 21, 9:45 p.m.
- Wooly’s, Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Embrace your inner and outer emo at Emo Nite! Pull together your best emo fit and get your tickets for a night full of your favorite emo hits Marko from Sugarcult. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 9:45 p.m. event.
Sunday, December 22
FREE SHOWING: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Fleur Cinema
- Sunday, December 22, Noon and 10 p.m.
- Fleur Cinema, 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Start off the holiday week with a Christmas classic: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! Fleur Cinema will host not one, but TWO free showings of the film on Sunday. Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your holiday cheer!
White Elephant Party at Carl’s Place
- Sunday, December 22, 1 p.m.
- Carl’s Place, 1620 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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