5 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in Greater Des Moines: Dec. 5-11
Greater Des Moines (DSM) is glowing with holiday cheer, and this week’s lineup is full of small-town sparkle and seasonal magic. Lighted parades, cozy carriage rides, vintage markets, decked-out homes — and yes, Santa’s making the rounds with treats in tow. Whether you’re sipping cocoa, shopping local or bundling up for a night of lights and music, there’s something merry happening in every direction across DSM. From hometown traditions in Adair and Marshalltown to twinkling festivities in Oskaloosa, here’s what’s coming up this week (Dec. 5-11).
Christmas Extravaganza
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 | Adair Community Building, Adair
Looking for a cozy hometown holiday celebration? Head to Adair for an afternoon of festive fun. This Saturday from 1-4 p.m., the Christmas Extravaganza takes over the Adair Community Building with a vendor holiday market, cookie decorating, a coloring table, live music by Pete Temple, hot chocolate and free face painting! Then stroll over to the Adair Fire Hall between 2-7 p.m. for the Festival of Trees — complete with decked-out trees and wreaths, nativity displays, a scavenger hunt and seasonal sips like cider and popcorn. A small-town event with a big heart and plenty of holiday charm!
LEARN MORE
Mahaska County Lighted Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 | Downtown Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa’s downtown is beautiful year-round, but during the holidays, it turns downright magical. Kick off your day with local shopping at 10 a.m., then enjoy a cozy horse-drawn ride from 3-6 p.m. Stick around for the 38th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade at 7 p.m., themed “Holiday Joys & Toys.” Don’t miss the Painting with Lights display, dazzling the square nightly through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Come early to sip cocoa, shop local and claim the perfect parade-watching spot. Can’t make it Saturday? Many downtown stores offer extended hours throughout the holiday season!
LEARN MORE
Women for Panora’s Future Holiday Homes Tour
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 | Panora Community Center & Various Panora Homes, Panora
Love a good holiday home tour? Panora’s got you covered. This Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m., explore five beautifully decorated homes and the Panora Church of the Brethren, all decked out for the season. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 day-of (available at the Panora Community Center). Expect twinkling trees, festive refreshments, raffle prizes and charming small-town hospitality. It’s all part of Women for Panora’s Future’s annual fundraiser, which supports local scholarships and projects. Bonus: Stick around for the evening Christmas program and soup supper hosted by Lutheran Church of Hope Panora. Cozy, festive and for a good cause!
LEARN MORE
Merry & Bright Celebration
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 | Bondurant City Park & Downtown Bondurant, Bondurant
This full-day holiday celebration in Bondurant is packed from morning till night! Start with a Winter Market and Santa sightings, then catch carolers, carriage rides and cocoa at City Park. Don’t miss the Santa’s Workshop activities at the library, the tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. or the lighted parade at 5 p.m. It all wraps up with a family movie night — think popcorn, pajamas and holiday magic. Some activities have small fees, but many of them are free (and all of them are festive!). Pro tip: the Santa visit at Reclaimed Rails Brewery is a family favorite!
LEARN MORE
Looking for more local holiday magic? Don’t miss Adel’s Hometown Holiday Celebration, Grimes’ Holiday Celebration and all the festive fun happening in Pella.
Mingle Holiday Pop
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 | 13th Street District, Marshalltown
Marshalltown’s 13th Street District knows how to throw a holiday party. From 5:30-8 p.m., stroll through shops lit with cheer and filled with pop-up vendors offering handmade gifts, sweets and sips. Meet Santa (and snap a free photo), check out 24 gourmet popcorn flavors at Lillie Mae Chocolates, sip Christmas cocktails at The Spot and grab a festive “Bad Santa” martini at The Flying Elbow. Plus, special discounts, treats and holiday tunes will be happening throughout the district. It’s the perfect excuse to cross a few names off your gift list — or just treat yourself to a little something merry.
LEARN MORE
The holidays are in full swing across DSM, and the best part? So many festive events in December are totally free to enjoy.
For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the calendar of events. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series. Plus, follow @DSMpartnership on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around DSM.