5 Must-Do Holiday Activities in Des Moines

There’s nothing quite like an invigorating event or two to get you geared up for the holiday season. Be sure to dress warm and enjoy the best the Des Moines area has to offer before the new year.  

This 2.5-mile drive-through dazzling holiday lights features more than 100 sparkling displays. This 20-year tradition takes place at Adventureland for the first time and proceeds support Make-A-Wish Iowa, which has helped grant more than 700 wishes to Iowa kids since the event began in 1995.

2. Animals Open Presents at the Zoo
Saturday, Dec. 10 and 17
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th S, Des Moines
21 minutes from Springs at Jordan Creek

Have you ever witnessed a lion open a present? How about a red panda enjoying a holiday treat? Live the holidays on the wild side at Blank Park Zoo. You’ll also want to bring the children as Santa, Comet and Cupid will be there, too!

Feel the rush of The Polar Express in IMAX® this holiday season. Tom Hanks narrates an adventure-packed trip to the North Pole, based on the Caldecott medal-winning book of the same name.

Des Moines Camerata, a choral chamber group, will perform works from the English Renaissance period, along with seasonal songs. If choral music isn’t your jam, the library also features events, such as cookie decorating, gingerbread home construction and matinee movie time. Come help support the Des Moines Public Library in its 150th anniversary year!

Join the Iowa Children’s Museum as they celebrate 2017 a little early. Create party hats, noisemakers, and get ready for a big balloon drop at noon. This is a great event for the little ones and the whole family.

Are you planning on attending any of these Des Moines area events? Feel free to share your plans in the comments section below!