Carlisle Holiday Guide

Celebrate the Holidays in Carlisle

Deck the halls with help from local businesses in Carlisle. Find local coffee and seasonal treats, unique gifts, restaurants perfect for catering or your holiday parties, plus some of the prettiest lights found around the region!

• What To Do: Enjoy the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce’s Light Up Carlisle event, held annually on the second Saturday in December. With more than 20 local businesses displaying inflatables to celebrate the holidays, a town parade and a visit from Santa — this family-friendly event is fun for all. Local residents participate in lighting up the town as well, and there’s even a traveling trophy for the business with the best holiday decorations, so don’t miss it! Athletico Physical Therapy is hosting a Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, including cocoa bar from the local Morning Glory Coffee and treats from Carrie's Cookies. And keep your eyes peeled for special holiday programming at the Carlisle Public Library.
• Where to Shop: Find outdoor holiday décor and gift ideas from tools to garden accessories at the Carlisle Hardware store and more treasures from Papercake Creations and Bellflower Florist & Gifts. The Carlisle Community School District’s C-Store is a great spot to grab some team gear for each member of the family! And for anyone else in town, gift cards from El Gran Amigo or Fiss’ ice cream shop will do the trick. For additional ideas, explore the Chamber’s member directory.
• Special Holiday Moments: Enjoy a seasonal drink from local shop, Morning Glory Coffee, like the Candy Cane Mocha or the Eggnog Latte. Or stop into Smokey Row for a Grinch Lotus Energy Drink, Santa Shake or try the Christmas Cocoa; they also offer seasonal coffee beans to make at home or give as a gift. Looking for help with hosting this year? Pro Tip: Snag a fresh pie for your special meal from the local baker, Tuckerberry Farm!

Enjoy the Holidays Throughout Greater Des Moines

Shop, celebrate and support local this holiday season. Use DSM Local as your guide for all things holidays and enjoy the season in places near Carlisle, like Norwalk and Indianola.