Festive Fun + Holiday Magic in DSM This Week: Nov. 14-20
The holiday season is officially starting to sparkle across Greater Des Moines (DSM), and this week’s lineup brings all the festive vibes and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re ready to take the kids to see Santa, laugh your way through a classic holiday play, wander under twinkling lights in Historic Valley Junction, catch a delightfully dark musical or soak up the magic of an Irish Christmas concert, the DSM region is full of ways to get out and enjoy the season. From Nov. 14-20, grab your coziest coat, your favorite people and maybe a peppermint mocha from your favorite local coffee shop, because these five can’t-miss events are making it easy to embrace the holidays in DSM.
Santa’s Wonderland
Monday, Nov. 3 – Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 | Bass Pro Shops, Altoona
If you’re looking for a little North Pole magic without buying a plane ticket, Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops is calling your name. This long loved (and totally free!) holiday experience brings Santa back to Altoona for photos, crafts, games, toy stations and enough festive cheer to keep the kids buzzing all season. Families get a free 4x6 professional photo with Santa, and kids can drop off letters to the big guy (complete with an email response if they include an email address). Reservations are free and recommended, and weekday visits even come with bonus giveaways. It’s wholesome, cozy and one of DSM’s favorite family traditions.
LEARN MORE
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Now – Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 | Des Moines Community Playhouse, Des Moines
If you need a good laugh and a reminder that holiday chaos is sometimes the best part, head to the Des Moines Playhouse for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The notorious Herdman kids — known for stealing, lying and stirring up trouble — take over the church Christmas play, turning everything upside down in the most unexpectedly heartwarming way. It’s loud, it’s funny, it’s nostalgic and it’s a perfect family outing to kick off the season. Running through Saturday, Nov. 29 in the Studio Theatre, this beloved production brings big laughs and a sweet reminder of what the holidays are really about.
LEARN MORE
Little Shop of Horrors, Presented by Simpson College
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 | Pote Theatre at Blank Performing Arts Center, Indianola
Ready for something a little quirky and delightfully weird between all the holiday sparkle? Simpson College’s production of Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect palate cleanser — part comedy, part horror, part musical mayhem. Follow Seymour, the shy floral assistant, as he discovers a mysterious plant with a murderous appetite and a knack for turning his life upside down. With doo‑wop, Motown and rock‑and‑roll influences, eccentric characters and a cult-following storyline, this show is wildly fun and full of dark humor. It’s a three‑night run only, so get your tickets while you can!
LEARN MORE
Studio 3 Live: An Irish Christmas with Michael Londra
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | Studio 3 at Iowa PBS, Johnston
If holiday music hits your heart in a special way, this one is pure seasonal magic. Emmy‑nominated tenor Michael Londra brings a Celtic twist to the classics with An Irish Christmas, blending Irish melodies, storytelling and traditional holiday favorites. From fiddles to pipes to heartfelt vocals, it’s warm, cozy and full of charm. The kind of performance that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment. Bonus: the show is being filmed for Iowa PBS’s Studio 3 LIVE series. General admission is $40. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday music season.
LEARN MORE
Jingle in the Junction
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 | Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines
Want to feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday movie? Jingle in the Junction delivers. On Thursday, Nov. 20, Valley Junction lights up with 100,000+ holiday lights, extended shop hours, sales, seasonal treats, horse‑drawn trolley rides, live ice carving, food vendors and festive music. Santa will be popping into the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office, and the big Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa kicks off at 6 p.m. It’s free, charming, and one of the most joyful ways to kick off the holiday season. Dress warm, bring your people and wander through the twinkle. Mark your calendars for Thursday, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 for more Jingle in the Junction magic.
LEARN MORE
From live music to holiday festivals, November in DSM is packed with free fun that won’t cost a thing.
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.