This Week’s Can’t-Miss Holiday Magic Around DSM: Nov. 28-Dec. 4
The last days of November and the start of December are filled with lights, laughter and holiday spirit across the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region. Whether you’re ready to cruise through a dazzling drive-thru light show, sip cocoa by the courthouse, meet Santa downtown or catch a holiday movie with the family, this week’s events offer the perfect mix of cozy traditions and twinkling new memories. From magical parades and historic town celebrations to classic community moments that only happen once a year, there’s no shortage of festive cheer waiting just around the corner. Keep scrolling for five can’t-miss holiday happenings from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 that’ll help you officially ring in the most wonderful time of the year.
Winterset Festival of Lights
Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 | Madison County Courthouse, Winterset
It’s hard to beat the magic of Winterset’s Festival of Lights. This beloved Madison County tradition is everything you want from a small-town holiday celebration — live music, steaming cups of hot chocolate, glowing window displays, a Christmas movie at The Iowa Theater and a lighted parade winding through the historic square. Santa makes a cheerful appearance, of course, and the whole evening feels like something straight out of a holiday card. Bundle up and bring your crew for a night filled with twinkle lights, nostalgia and that warm-fuzzy feeling you can only get from a community coming together to celebrate.
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Jasper County Courthouse Lighting: Newton Lighted Parade & Holiday Festival
Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 | Jasper County Courthouse, Newton
Newton’s holiday spirit lights up the night (and the courthouse) with this festive holiday tradition. The Jasper County Courthouse becomes the glowing centerpiece of an evening filled with small-town charm. There’s a lighted parade packed with sparkling floats, a holiday market full of unique gifts and goodies and horse-drawn carriage rides to soak in the sights. Kids can visit with Santa and sip on hot chocolate while the whole community gathers to kick off the season together. Pro tip: show up early to browse the market and find your perfect viewing spot before the lights go on and the fun really begins.
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Perry Lighted Holiday Parade
Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 | Downtown District, Perry
Looking for that classic holiday feeling? You’ll find it in Perry. Their Lighted Holiday Parade is a day-after-Thanksgiving tradition that delivers all the cozy cheer. Local businesses and families deck out their floats with lights, garland and festive flair while downtown glows under holiday lights. Parade-goers line the streets, shops stay open late and everyone counts down to that magical moment when the lights go out and the parade begins. Afterward, head over to the historic Hotel Pattee to meet Santa and warm up. This small-town celebration is the perfect way to ease into the holiday season.
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Santa’s Rock N Lights
Friday, Nov. 28 – Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | Living History Farms, Urbandale
Load up the car, crank the holiday playlist and head to Living History Farms for Santa’s Rock N Lights — a drive-thru holiday light show that’s become a local favorite for good reason. This mile-long light display is synced to music, with dazzling displays, larger-than-life sculptures, color-changing tunnels and more. It’s been voted one of the best light experiences in the metro, and it’s easy to see why. Buy your tickets online ahead of time (they sell out fast!) and get ready for a magical ride that’s fun for all ages. Pajamas, snacks and holiday sing-alongs encouraged.
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Christmas in Olde Town Altoona
Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 | Historic Downtown Altoona, Altoona
Downtown Altoona transforms into a winter wonderland for one magical afternoon during Christmas in Olde Town. From 2-4:30 p.m., the streets fill with holiday cheer: meet Santa, roast marshmallows at the s’mores station, sip famous hot cocoa and spot live reindeer while you’re at it! There are also carriage rides, crafts, live entertainment and plenty of festive photo ops to capture the moment. It’s family-friendly, joy-filled and totally free. The kind of event that brings the whole community together to celebrate the season with warmth and wonder.
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December is filled with free festivities across DSM — and you won’t need to spend a dime to join the fun.
Looking for even more ways to enjoy Greater Des Moines (DSM)? Check out the online calendar of events for seasonal happenings all across the region. You can also stay in the loop on concerts with the weekly Live Music This Week in DSM blog series. And don’t forget to follow @DSMpartnership on Instagram for the latest can’t-miss moments and insider finds.