Best Things to Do in Des Moines This December
December transforms Des Moines into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive markets, and cozy indoor escapes. Whether you're ice skating downtown, browsing holiday markets in Valley Junction, or catching a show at the Civic Center, the city offers the perfect blend of seasonal charm and Midwestern hospitality. Bundle up and discover why December is one of the most magical times to explore Iowa's capital city.
Top December Experiences in Des Moines
Brenton Skating Plaza
This outdoor ice rink in Western Gateway Park transforms downtown Des Moines into a winter playground. Located just steps from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the plaza offers public skating sessions with skyline views and warming fires. Skate rentals are available on-site, and the atmosphere is especially magical during evening sessions when the city lights reflect off the ice.
It's the only outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Des Moines and creates an authentic winter experience you can't get anywhere else in the metro.
Visit on weekday afternoons for smaller crowds, and bring your own skates to save on rental fees.
Jolly Holiday Lights at Sleepy Hollow
Drive through over a million twinkling lights at this beloved Des Moines holiday tradition in northeast Des Moines. The route winds through Sleepy Hollow Sports Park with elaborate light displays, animated scenes, and festive music on your car radio. It's become a must-do December ritual for families across the metro area.
This is Des Moines' largest and most spectacular drive-through light display, offering a warm-car alternative to outdoor winter activities.
Go on weeknights to avoid weekend traffic backups, and bring hot chocolate in thermoses to sip while you drive.
Des Moines Civic Center Holiday Shows
The Civic Center in downtown Des Moines typically hosts spectacular holiday productions in December, from Broadway touring shows to seasonal concerts. The beautifully restored venue adds to the festive atmosphere with its grand architecture and downtown location near restaurants for pre-show dining. Check their December schedule for family-friendly matinees and evening performances.
The Civic Center brings world-class entertainment to Des Moines with productions you'd otherwise need to travel to Chicago or Minneapolis to see.
Park in the Walnut Street ramp for easy access, and arrive early to grab drinks at a nearby East Village bar like Hessen Haus.
Valley Junction Holiday Market
Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines hosts charming holiday shopping events throughout December in its walkable downtown district. Browse local boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores along Fifth Street, many offering unique gifts you won't find at suburban malls. The neighborhood's vintage storefronts and holiday decorations create a nostalgic small-town atmosphere.
Valley Junction offers the best locally-owned shopping experience in the Des Moines metro with a concentration of unique stores in a few walkable blocks.
Stop at Confluence Brewing after shopping for locally-brewed beer and wood-fired pizza in their cozy taproom.
Blank Park Zoo Jolly Days
The zoo on Des Moines' south side transforms for the holidays with festive lights, seasonal activities, and opportunities to see how animals enjoy winter weather. Many indoor exhibits provide warm respites, and special December programming includes visits with Santa and hot chocolate stations. It's a different experience than summer visits, with smaller crowds and a cozy atmosphere.
December zoo visits offer a unique perspective on the animals during winter months, and the holiday decorations make it feel special for kids.
Dress in layers since you'll move between heated indoor exhibits and outdoor viewing areas throughout your visit.
Downtown Farmers' Market Winter Market
While the massive outdoor Saturday market is seasonal, the Winter Market continues at various indoor downtown locations through December. Local vendors sell Iowa-grown produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and holiday gifts. It's a great way to support local farmers and makers while doing holiday shopping.
You'll find unique, locally-made gifts and Iowa food products you can't get at regular stores, all while supporting the local economy.
Arrive early for the best selection of baked goods and prepared foods, which sell out quickly.
Science Center of Iowa
This interactive museum near downtown Des Moines offers the perfect indoor escape during cold December days. With hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium, it provides hours of entertainment for families. December often features special holiday-themed programming and shows that complement the permanent exhibits.
It's the best rainy-day or cold-weather activity in Des Moines for families with kids of all ages, with enough variety to keep everyone engaged.
Combo tickets for exhibits plus IMAX or planetarium shows offer the best value, and weekday mornings are least crowded.
Local Brewery Taproom Tours
Des Moines' craft brewery scene thrives in December, with taprooms offering cozy atmospheres, seasonal beers, and holiday events. Explore neighborhoods like the East Village, Ingersoll, and Valley Junction where breweries cluster within walking or short driving distance. Many host special December releases, ugly sweater parties, and food truck partnerships.
Des Moines has developed an impressive local brewery scene, and December taproom-hopping offers a warm, social way to experience different neighborhoods.
Designate a driver or use rideshare services, and ask bartenders about limited-release winter beers that won't appear on regular menus.
Insider Tips for December in Des Moines
Downtown parking is easier in December than summer months. The Walnut Street and Court Avenue ramps offer hourly rates, but street parking is often free after 6pm and all day Sunday—perfect for evening events and weekend exploring.
December weather in Des Moines is unpredictable. Temperatures can range from the teens to the 40s, and snow is possible but not guaranteed. Always check forecasts before outdoor activities and keep a winter emergency kit in your car with blankets, snacks, and a phone charger.
Many Des Moines restaurants and attractions offer special December promotions. Check Catch Des Moines' website and individual venue social media for holiday deals, especially during the first two weeks of December before the rush of Christmas week.
If you're visiting holiday markets or shopping districts like Valley Junction or East Village, go on weekday evenings for a more relaxed experience. Saturday afternoons get crowded, especially the two weekends before Christmas.
The Des Moines metro area spreads out, and December driving can be tricky during snow or ice. Allow extra travel time between suburbs and downtown, and know that main roads like I-235, I-35, and I-80 get priority treatment for snow removal.
For indoor activities during extreme cold snaps (below 10°F), the Skywalk system connects multiple downtown blocks. You can walk between the Civic Center area, hotels, and some restaurants without going outside, though it's primarily a weekday business district amenity.
Common Questions About December in Des Moines
What to Expect in Des Moines This December
December in Des Moines brings classic Midwestern winter weather with temperatures typically ranging from the teens to mid-30s, occasional snow, and crisp, clear days perfect for outdoor activities when bundled up properly. The city embraces the season with holiday lights transforming downtown and neighborhood streets, while local businesses deck out storefronts in Valley Junction and the East Village. Indoor cultural venues like the Civic Center and Science Center of Iowa offer warm escapes during cold snaps, and the local brewery scene provides cozy gathering spots throughout the metro. Des Moines' December calendar fills with holiday markets, ice skating, seasonal performances, and community events that showcase the city's strong sense of local pride. Unlike summer when the city spreads out to parks and patios, December concentrates activity in walkable districts and indoor venues, creating an intimate, community-focused atmosphere. The holiday season here feels authentically Midwestern—festive without being overwhelming, welcoming without tourist crowds, and genuinely focused on local traditions rather than manufactured experiences.