Week of Christmas in Downtown DSM: Top 5 Can’t-Miss Events
This week, Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is bustling with holiday magic and exciting entertainment to close out the season in style. Whether you’re looking to enjoy festive traditions, catch a live performance, cheer on the home team or indulge in holiday-inspired food and drinks, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. As we countdown to Christmas, Downtown DSM offers plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories. Keep reading to discover the must-attend events happening this week!
A Christmas Carol
Friday, Dec. 13 - Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 | Stoner Theater
Experience the timeless magic of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Tony Award nominee Larry Carpenter and directed by Davida D. Williams. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his unforgettable Christmas Eve journey as he’s visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Witness his transformation from a miserly curmudgeon to a compassionate friend, embracing the true spirit of charity and forgiveness. This heartwarming classic, filled with holiday cheer and powerful lessons, is a must-see for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the joy of the season with this beloved tale!
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Photo Credit :Joe Crimmings
Holiday Promenade – Final Night of the Season!
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 | Historic East Village
Don’t miss the grand finale of the Holiday Promenade in Historic East Village this Friday! Wrap up the season with an evening full of festive fun, including free admission to Brenton Skating Plaza from 5 to 8 p.m., a captivating holiday drone show at 8 p.m. and musical Grinch story time at Raygun with Storyhouse Bookpub at 6 and 6:30 p.m. Explore East Village’s vibrant bars, restaurants and shops for last-minute holiday cheer. Plus, the trolley will run from 5 to 9 p.m. to help you get around. Celebrate the season’s Holiday Promenade finale in style!
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A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 | Wooly’s
Get ready for an unforgettable night at Wooly’s with Elton & Billy: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John! This isn’t just a concert. It’s a full-on tribute experience packed with the music and magic of two legendary piano men. From Elton’s iconic “Rocket Man” to Billy’s timeless “Piano Man,” enjoy hours of chart-topping hits that span decades. Andy Anderson as Elton John and Tony Bohnenkamp as Billy Joel bring these legends to life with spot-on performances, dazzling outfits and a talented-backing band. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Don’t miss this epic celebration of rock ‘n roll history!
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Iowa Wild Game
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 | Wells Fargo Arena
Get ready for an action-packed week of hockey with the Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena! Don’t miss the excitement as they take on the Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m., with thrilling events to make the night even more memorable. Join the fun with Santa-Con and the annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Outlets of Des Moines. Enjoy $2 beers (courtesy of 100.3 The Bus) until the end of the first period and $3 off Fireball drink specials all evening. It’s a perfect night of high-energy hockey and holiday cheer. Grab your tickets and be part of the action!
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Holiday Food & Drinks
See Dates Below | Several Downtown DSM Venues
These Downtown Des Moines restaurants are open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day:
Photo Credit: Mulberry Street Tavern, Surety Hotel
Indulge in the holiday spirit this week with festive food and drink pop-ups in Downtown DSM! From creative cocktails to seasonal treats, these cheerful spots offer a delightful way to celebrate the season. Gather your friends and family and enjoy the magic of the holidays! And don’t miss out on these Downtown DSM holiday favorites before they’re gone:
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Holidays at Hello, Marjorie – available through Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
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Naughty List at Good News Darling – available through Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
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Nice List at Secret Admirer – available through Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
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Winter Wonderland at Nightingale Cocktail – available through Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 (drink pictured below)
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Magnolias & Mistletoe at Bubba – available through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
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Rudolph’s Rooftop at The Republic on Grand – available through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
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SnowGlobe at Exile – available through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
If you’re looking to find a holiday party just outside of Downtown DSM, don’t miss Merry Synthmas, featuring Electronidoll and special guests at xBk Live!
For these events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Downtown DSM, visit the events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.
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DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research.
The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.