DSM HOLIDAY GUIDE
YOUR DSM HOME GIRL 2025-2026
HAVE YOURSELF A COZY
LITTLE CHRISTMAS
There is so much to do around Des Moines during the holiday season, but let’s be honest: sometimes it’s nice just staying home.
This holiday season I’m channeling my inner homebody and encouraging you to do the same!
I believe there is a way to support local and indulge in the festivities our town has to offer and still be home, be cozy, and remember what really matters this time of year: you and yours
So grab your fav blanket, turn on the fire, and sit on the couch as you flip through these pages and embrace your inner homebody this holiday season
your dsm home girl
GIFT GUIDE
YOUR DSM HOME GIRL
reminder to shop local when you can
FOR THE HOMEBODY
THE KNOWN CRAFTY DIY’ER
A THE STYLIST IN MIND
Bath Bombs homebody night-in full of self-care and reset. My favorite ones can be found locally, too! Linked here!
Movie Projector did someone say cozy move night in!? This cutie little thing turns any room into an instant home theatre.
Homebody Sweatshirt but I kind of love this, like a lot.
Candle Bar DSM is the perfect date night or girls outing where the DIY’er in your life will thrive making their own custom candle! We love a gift certificate experience gift!
Workshop Tickets is a fun way to turn a physical gift into an experience! Find a local event space hosting a workshop - painting, baking, you name it! Here’s a favorite spot of mine.
Local Boutique Gift Card to their favorite place to shop and bonus you’re supporting a small business while you’re at it!
A Color / Style Analysis is a fun experience gift that can be done solo or with a group! Finding confidence in both colors and style! Studio here!
good habits + goals are on the nice list
FOR THE WELLNESS OBSESSED
SELF START, ENTREPRENEUR
A THE ROUTINED GIRLY
Stakt Mat ... this is actually the coolest thing for someone who’s looking for a workout mat, that doubles as a step or block. Now that’s multi-tasking at it’s finest.
Good routines start with good sleep. That’s a given. The Hatch Restore 3 is perfect for anyone going into 2026 focused on better sleep health!
CoffeeHop Pass is for coffee lovers and networkers alike- all while supporting local. LOVE!
Walking Pad is great for those who work from home, are working towards those daily step goals, and keeps their energy alive during a season we’d all opt for couch surfing (and you can still totally binge your favorite show whilst walking!)
On the go girlies know not to get caught at 1% by noon. And before you think “a portal charger?!” thank me later (when you’re at 2% and not SOL!)
Bedding Before you say “bed sheets, for CHRISTMAS?!” take a look at these and their 7K+ reviews. Not a creature will be stirring when you are tucked in for nighttime with this set!
a holiday reset gifting ideas
FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS
WELLNESS CERTIFICATES / CLASS SUBSCRIPTIONS
SELF CARE X BEAUTY
EXPERIENCES
Face Foundrie locations in both WDM x Ankeny, the well(ness) rounded person on your list would love a focused facial!
Perspire for anyone on your list who is looking to up their self-care game
YogaSix offers membership options, even a two week pass, to jumpstart any health-related resolutions
Pure Barre is for anyone looking for a full-body workout that transforms you physically and mentally in a group setting (hello, accountability!)
Pause, located in West Des Moines features curated touch points such as Le Labo bath products, Osea skincare, state of the art modalities, and more, for the ultimate wellness oasis!
A safe glow, for any season? Heck yes! My favorite spot to get year-round color without compromising my skin health is Tanique, located in West Des Moines, Ames, and Ankeny!
Classy Nails is my favorite local spot for a gorgeous set of holiday nails and the ultimate relaxation!
SummerFridays
obsessedwiththis shampoo+conditioner set
GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVIN’
LOCALSPOTFEATURE
If you haven’t popped into Real Deals in Ankeny yet, you are seriously missing out! Owned by the incredible Lindsay, this shop truly embodies what it means to be a small business rooted in community The moment you walk through the doors, you ’ re greeted with a warm smile from the staff they make you feel like you ’ ve just stepped into a friend’s home rather than a store
The shop is a treasure trove of finds: from stylish clothing and accessories to unique home décor pieces, it’s one of those places where every corner has something fun and unexpected waiting for you The layout is inviting and cozy, and you’ll notice the subtle scent of fresh goods that makes the shopping experience even more enjoyable.
Stop in, shop a little I guarantee you’ll leave with something you didn’t even know you needed!
https://www.robin-riley.com
BRICK AND MORTAR
Little House on Main
beautiful
Tweedle
a
MoMere
fun gifting ideas for all the people on your list + yummy kitchen items that are the perfect add into hostess gifts!
https://www.hingeon5th.com
LOCALSPOTFEATURE
Founder Suzanne grew up in small-town Iowa, inspired by her entrepreneurial dad and her mom ’ s thoughtful gift-giving traditions from crepe-paper baskets to cinnamon-roll trees. Those heartfelt gestures became the foundation of give.
Launched in 2017, give offers curated, beautifully wrapped “give-ready” gifts for any occasion Every purchase also gives back a portion of sales supports local Iowa charities, with over $70,000 donated to date.
Suzanne believes thoughtful gifting never goes out of style it’s a meaningful way to show gratitude, celebrate life, and make an impact
PASSES/MEMBERSHIPS
The Ames Playard Ames
The Little Gym Johnston
Triad Gymnastics Ankeny
Skyzone Grimes
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE PLAYDATE SPOTS + COFFEE SHOP PAIRINGS
Ninja U Ankeny
DSM Children’s Museum
West Des Moines
Top Golf
West Des Moines
Rainbow of the Heartland Grimes
Best Day Coffee + Ironwood Park (Altoona)
Smokey Row + Kirkendall Library + Park (Ankeny)
Light Brite Coffee + Grimes Public Library (Grimes)
EVENTS
HOLIDAY CHEER
7 14 15 20 21
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever...The Des Moines Playhouse Presents, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Show dates and times run from Nov 7- 29th!
Champagne + Mistletoe ... Take an evening out to explore Uptown businesses as we kick off the holiday season Friday, November 14th! You’ll find a toast and a treat and special deals at participating businesses. Carriage Rides pick up and drop off at The Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum
Dome for the Holidays... Enjoy all the glow, without the snow. Immerse yourself in the warmth of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s newest dazzling tradition –Dome for the Holidays!
Jingle in the Junction ... businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, grab dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights
First Skate at Brenton Skating Plaza... Santa is stopping by with a few of his reindeer this winter! This event is free and fun for the whole family! Come and take pictures and enjoy the lights at Miracle on 86th Street
HOLIDAY CHEER
Festival of Trees and Lights.. beautifully decorated trees, special performances from local music and dance groups, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts and activities, and the chance to be inspired by impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s
Santa Express.. Take a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express, a journey that will take you from Boone to the North Pole, and return Santa will pass through the train, greeting children, and passing out a special gift.
Jolly Holiday Lights...Jolly Holiday Lights transforms the Iowa State Fairgrounds into a magical drive-through of twinkling lights and festive displays For more than 20 years, this beloved Central Iowa tradition has brought joy to families while supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa.
Winter Wonderscape...Featuring more than 200,000 dazzling lights throughout 17 acres of Reiman Gardens, this walk-through light show includes popular favorites, as well as fun new surprises.
Christkindlmarket... The unique cultural and educational experience, typical European-inspired food and drink, as well as diverse holiday entertainment make Christkindlmarket Des Moines the perfect family destination
HOLIDAY CHEER
5 5 6 6 6 DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
Waukee WinterFest...Waukee Downtown Triangle, Bring on the holiday cheer with your friends, family, and neighbors at Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration held in the Downtown Triangle! Santa makes his big appearance at 6 p m at the tree lighting
Santa and His Reindeer Night at Miracle on 86th Street...Meet Santa Claus and the reindeer! Santa is stopping by with a few of his reindeer this winter! This event is free and fun for the whole family! Come and take pictures and enjoy the lights at Miracle on 86th Street.
Santa & The Grinch at Bentley Ridge Tree Farm Bentley Ridge Tree Farm ...Santa and the Grinch will be spreading holiday cheer, handing out free goodie bags to all the kids, and posing for photos full of smiles and silliness Don’t miss this magical meet & greet perfect for families and little ones!
Jingle Bell Stroll...Gray’s Lake Park, Walk along the holiday-themed loop with games and craft stations Visit Santa Claus, listen to some holiday tunes, and pick up a hot chocolate to keep you warm as you wander around the loop
Family Christmas... Living History Farms, Hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the smells of a 19th-century Christmas: Cookie decorating Crafts Caroling Stories Parlor games Demonstrations at the Millinery, Print Shop, Drug Store, and Tangen Home Tours of the Historic Flynn Mansion Horse-drawn wagon rides!
HOLIDAY CHEER
11
16
23 24 DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
Ballet Des Moines Presents The Nutcracker...Hoyt Sherman Place, December 11-14 Join Ballet Des Moines as they introduce a new cast of characters into the annual holiday tradition of The Nutcracker.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas...Des Moines Civic Center, December 16-21 Discover the magic of Dr Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage
18
PJ’s with Santa.. celebrate the season (with Santa, of course!) at Center Grove Orchard. Don’t forget to purchase tickets to walk through the Winter Wonderland experience- a favorite of ours!
Pop ‘n Jolly...Des Moines Civic Center, December 23 at 6:30 p.m.; A holiday show spanning music from the decades! This show will have something for all generations as we walk down memory lane.
Christmas Eve Services.. Looking for a place to celebrate the reason for the season? Lutheran Church of Hope’s many campuses offer multiple services on Christmas Eve (and days leading up to!)
SIPS + BITES
YOUR DSM HOME GIRL
eat & drink local
DSM DATE NIGHT
Ruth’s Chris, West Des Moines
Proudfoot + Bird, DSM
Alba, East Village DSM
Oak, Park, Highland Park
DSM
HAPPY HOURS + APPS
WineStyles, District in Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Eatery A – Des Moines
Trailside Tap, Ankeny
CRAFTED COFFEES
Slow Down Coffee Co, Highland Park, DSM Mars Cafe, DSM St. Kilda Collective, Valley Junction
eat & drink local
LITTLE LUNCH SPOTS
Bubba, Des Moines Littleleaf luncheonette, Waukee
Arcadia, Polk City
BEST BRUNCH SPOTS
Early Bird Brunch – East Village, DSM + Ankeny
La Mie Bakery & Café – Des Moines
Home Grown, West Des Moines and East Village, DSM
ALWAYS
ROOM FOR DESSERT
Main Street Cafe, Ankeny
Scenic Route Bakery, Des Moines
Nadia’s French Bakery, Des Moines
POP UPS +
‘Tis the season for festive pop ups + holiday trivia!
Bartender’s Handshake
Address: 3615 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
Either/Or
Address: 6222 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
Jingle Bell Hop
Address: Bell Hop Tiki; 440 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
Joy Holiday Pop-Up
Address: Main Street Cafe & Bakery, Ankeny
Magnolias & Mistletoe
Address: Bubba Des Moines
Nice List
Address: 110 SW 5th Street, Des Moines
Rudolph’s Rooftop
Address: 401 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines
Snowglobe Des Moines {SnowGlobe DSM}
Address: 1514 Walnut Street, Des Moines
Santa Paws Pop-Up Bar
Address: Paws & Pints; 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines
‘
+ HOLIDAY TRIVIA
Sunday, November 23rd- Home Alone Trivia @ Miracle on Ingersoll
Sunday, November 30 - Home Alone 2 Trivia @ Miracle on Ingersoll th
Sunday, December 14 .. A Christmas Story
Trivia @ Miracle on Ingersoll (The Station) th
Tuesday, December 16 - Elf Trivia @ Bix + Co th
Sunday, December 21 - Christmas Vacation
Trivia @ Miracle on Ingersoll st
Tuesday, December 23 Christmas Vacation
Trivia @ Bix + Co rd
Trivia @ Miracle on Ingersoll th
Sunday December 28 It’s a Wonderful Life
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
YOUR DSM HOME GIRL
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Argo Christmas Lights
Opening December 1 through January 2 1023 NW 32nd Street, Ankeny
4118 SW Snyder Blvd, Ankeny
synchronized light show at an Ankeny neighborhood home that has been around since 2014
Gingerbread Lane, Ankeny
SE Richland Ct 50021, just off of SE 8th
Winter Wonderlights
Uptown Ankeny, Early November 8 –December 31
Beaverdale, Ashby and Wallace Avenue just East and West of Beaver Avenue
Brook Run Village Brook Run Drive, Des Moines
Buxton Family Lights 1832 SE Hillside Drive Ankeny
Deck the Halls House for a Good Cause 3608 Ashworth Road in WDM
Dogtown Lights- Drake Neighborhood; 2321 University Avenue
Elven Cache Creations Christmas light show, 1121 62nd St, West Des Moines
Fellowship Community Church December 13, 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 225 North Ave., Norwalk
Lights of Hope- Lutheran Church of Hope; Jordan Creek
Santa’s Rock n Lights
Living History Farms, Urbandale, November 29 – December 31
Venzke Animated Christmas Display, Through January 1, dusk to 9 p.m. 1335 N.E. Milan Ave in Ankeny, just off of 36th Street
Waterbury Luminaries, Christmas Eve Waterbury Road in Des Moines
Windsor Heights South of Hickman Road, Franklin Avenue, Marylynn Drive, and 72nd Street
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
POLAR EXPRESS NIGHT
Print each child a ticket and put on their coziest pajamas Hop in the car and drive around to look at Christmas lights Stopping at Smokey Row for hot chocolate is NOT optional! Then go home, turn on The Polar Express, and snuggle in for a cozy night on the couch.
BAKING DAY
Give your kids the magic of baking this season! Spend the afternoon creating holiday favorites then package them up and deliver them to your neighbors! And remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear...sing your favorite Christmas carol when they come to the door and check “caroling” off your holiday bucket list!
GIVING BACK CHRISTMAS EVE
Let your kids in on this little secret: when you try to be a blessing, you end up being blessed. Find an opportunity to serve with your kids this year. You can sponsor a family, donate or serve a holiday meal Here are just a few spaces to serve in DSM:
Angel Tree + Lutheran Church of Hope Hope Ministries Christmas Volunteering
Baking day for Santa! Decorate the sugar cookies, set out the glass of milk, and snuggle close as you read The Night Before Christmas together Before they go to bed, make sure they set some Reindeer Food outside so Santa’s Reindeer can stay energized as they fly through the night.
HOMEBODY HOLIDAY
holidays at home
iNCREASE THE COZY FACTOR
ALL THINGS COZY
light a candle
start a fire in the fireplace
add extra blankets + pillows
Christmas tree light only cozy holiday playlist (linked!)
FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREATS
BAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
FESTIVITIES
Mocha Rounds
GF Sugar Cookie Cut Outs
Pretzel Ring Bites (so easy for kids to do!)
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
THINGS TO DO AT HOME
Christmas movie marathon try new recipes
puzzles on the coffee table make a holiday craft family game night
IT’S NOT CHRISTMAS WITHOUT
Christmas Vacation (is it even the holidays if you don’t?)
Four Christmases (I said shish!)
Elf (son of a nutcracker!)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Illumination version)
The Polar Express (Always gets me at the end)
HOLIDAY MOVIES
TRADITIONS
We always attend Christmas Eve service at our church, Lutheran Church of Hope. The candelight service, signing “Oh, Holy Night” and watching the pure joy of the truest meaning of the season fill my children.
HOLIDAY MEMORY
Decorating the tree and unwrapping all of the ornaments from years past, sharing with my kids the memories tied to each of them Many of the ornaments also hold sentimental meaning to favorites from that year, achievements or milestones, making them extra special!
WISHING YOU A COZY HOLIDAYS!
I hope this Des Moines Holiday Guide got you in the festive spirit and inspired you to make your home feel extra cozy this season �� Here’s to feeling at home in the 515 during the holidays and all year long!