If you are looking for fun ways to celebrate this holiday season – look no further. Check out all the fun stuff going on in Clive Iowa this Christmas season.
Brenton Skating Plaza
An outdoor skating rink located in downtown Des Moines. Skating season is November through March, and they have skating times throughout the week and on the weekend.
Jingle Bell Drop
Historic Valley Junction
November 17th
Join the “Jingle Bell Drop” on Thursday, November 17. This is an event to help kick off “Jingle in the Junction” series (held December 1, December 8 and December 15th from 5-9 p.m.)
Santa will be arriving in Valley Junction to drop 500 Jingle Bells on Maple Street at 6:00 p.m. Each Jingle Bell represents one free prize. Prize value ranges from $5.00 to $1,000. This is a FREE event with FREE prizes. There are 500 prizes with a total value of $10,000!
The businesses in Historic Valley Junction and the streets will be lined with over 150,000 twinkling lights. Business will be open for 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. for Holiday Shopping.
Jingle in the Junction (as mentioned above)
Historic Valley Junction
December 1st, 8th and 15th
Jingle in the Junction will take place the first three Thursday’s in December! The businesses in Historic Valley Junction and the streets will be lined with over 150,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy free horse and trolley rides, Santa, caroling and much more! Watch Bill Gordish carve beautiful ice sculptures, & Professor Von Air will create balloon magic!
Holiday Promenade
Historic East Village
November 18th, 5 – 9 pm
This is the holiday kickoff in Downtown Des Moines. Enjoy beautiful lights, shopping, food and more!
Tour De Lights
Adventureland
November 19th, 3:30 – 8 p.m.
A tradition! Get a chance to go through Jolly Holiday Lights before it officially opens to the public. Family Night on Saturday night, allows you to go through at your own pace. Sunday, November 20th is Fitness night and will include a 12 mile bike route option.
Jolly Holiday Lights
Adventureland
November 22nd – January 1st
Jolly Holiday Lights is back and at a new location! Come out and celebrate the holiday lights at Adventureland! Bundle up the family and enjoy a 2.5 mile ride through more than 100 magical light displays. 100% of admission fees go directly to Make-A-Wish® Iowa! Jolly Holiday Lights is a drive-through holiday light display that is set up annually by Make-A-Wish Iowa at Adventureland. $10 per car. You can also get your picture taken with Santa for $10 and enjoy a cookie and cocoa at Santa’s Wish Shop!
Festivals of Trees and Lights
Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union
November 23rd – 27th
Festival of Trees & Lights is a five-day public event that is the main fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital. This event features beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, children’s activities, food, shopping and more!
Santa Express
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
November 25th – December 18th
This is a yearly tradition at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s depot. Then entire family can enjoy a trip to the “North Pole”. On your way to visit Santa at the North Pole you will sing songs, fun activities, and more! You will also be served hot chocolate and a cookie, and you will get to meet, and receive a special gift from, Santa himself. Wear your pajamas!
Christkindlmarket
Cowles Commons
December 2nd – 4th
Experience a German-inspired Christmas Market. Vendors will sell old-world, handmade products from wooden vendor stalls. There will be polka music, traditional and choirs, and lots of fun for children at the KinderKorner.
Living History Farms Family Christmas
December 3rd
Another Central Iowa classic, Living History Farms Family Christmas! Bundle up for a horse-drawn wagon ride to visit the festive Flynn Mansion. Enjoy an old fashioned holiday social with dance music in the Church of the Land. Kids will enjoy printing their own holiday greeting cards, decorating cookies, making crafts, and visiting Santa Claus!
Holly Daze Family Glow Bowling
Warrior Lanes
December 4th
Grab the entire family and close friends and enjoy a holiday glow bowling party! $55 per lane for up to 5 bowlers. Includes 2 hours of glow bowling, shoe rental, 1 pizza, and a pitcher of pop. This is a alcohol free event!
Home for the Holidays
West Des Moines Historical Society
December 4th and 11th
Bring the entire family to celebrate the holidays at the historic Jordan House and Bennett School. The Jordan House will be beautifully decorated and will have refreshments and live music. The Bennett School will offer family-friendly crafts and activities. There is an admission.
Santa at the Zoo
Blank Park Zoo
December 10th & 17th
Bring the entire family for holiday fun at the Blank Park Zoo! After taking a photo with Santa and writing a letter to the North Pole, enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, explore the wonders of the Zoo, both inside and out. Make sure to bring your hat and gloves, so you can visit with all the animals indoors AND outdoors. Santa at the Zoo is free with regular zoo admission and free for zoo members.
The Nutcracker
Des Moines Civic Center
December 17th & 18th
Iowa Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker Ballet. Experience the adventures of a girl named Clara as she journeys to a distant land where a prince battles mischievous mice, flowers waltz and a Sugar Plum Fairy delights children of every age.
Iowa Dance Theatre has produced the ballet at the Des Moines Civic Center since 1997.The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by a team of dance professionals from Central Iowa. Set to the timeless music of Tchiavosky, Iowa Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet is a great holiday experience for the whole family.
This post is sponsored by Car City West.
