Winter Wonderland Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Des Moines, United States, Des Moines, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Winter Wonderland Destinations

Winter Wonderland Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. Blank Park Zoo's Zoobilee Lights

Experience over a million twinkling lights illuminating the zoo after dark, with animal-themed displays and holiday entertainment.
  • Unique Light Show: A one-of-a-kind light display themed around animals.
  • Holiday Entertainment: Seasonal music, activities, and performances adding to the festive atmosphere.
  • Animal Encounters: Opportunities to see the animals during nighttime hours in a special holiday setting.

2. Jordan Park's Winter Wonderland

Ice skating on the outdoor rink, hot cocoa by the fire, and holiday-themed decorations make for a magical winter experience.
  • Outdoor Ice Skating: One of the few outdoor ice skating rinks in Des Moines.
  • Festive Atmosphere: Holiday music, decorations, and activities create a warm and cheerful environment.
  • Fire Pits for Warmth: Cozy up by the fire pits to stay warm while enjoying the winter activities.

3. Greenspace's Winter Glow

Stroll through a beautiful lighted garden trail with festive music and holiday treats, all while supporting local charities.
  • Charity Support: Proceeds go towards local non-profit organizations.
  • Beautiful Light Display: A unique, outdoor light display set within a tranquil garden setting.
  • Festive Music and Treats: Seasonal tunes and holiday treats add to the magical experience.

4. Adventureland Resort's WinterFest

Spend a day at Adventureland amusement park, transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday shows and activities.
  • Amusement Park Transformation: A unique transformation of an amusement park for the winter season.
  • Holiday Shows and Activities: Special holiday performances and activities add to the festive atmosphere.
  • Roller Coasters in Winter: Experience popular roller coasters during the winter season.

5. Greensquare's Ice Rink

Skate under the stars on a picturesque outdoor ice rink located in downtown Des Moines.
  • Downtown Location: Ice skating in the heart of Des Moines' bustling city center.
  • Nighttime Skating: Ice skate under the twinkling city lights after dark.
  • Skate Rental: Skate rentals are available for those who don't have their own equipment.

6. Des Moines Social Club's Winter Carnival

Enjoy a festive winter carnival filled with games, activities, and live performances in downtown Des Moines.
  • Downtown Location: A fun-filled event located in the heart of downtown Des Moines.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy live music, dance, and comedy performances throughout the carnival.
  • Unique Games and Activities: Participate in games and activities specifically designed for winter.

7. Salisbury House's Holiday Lights

Visit the historic Salisbury House adorned with thousands of twinkling holiday lights and festive decorations.
  • Historic Home Tour: A rare opportunity to tour a beautiful, historic home during the holiday season.
  • Holiday Light Display: Thousands of twinkling lights create a stunning visual display.
  • Festive Decorations: Beautifully decorated rooms filled with holiday cheer.

8. Temple for Performing Arts' Nutcracker Performance

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker ballet performed by the Des Moines Ballet at this historic venue.
  • Historic Venue: Performed at one of Des Moines' most beautiful and iconic performance venues.
  • Des Moines Ballet: Enjoy the talents of local ballet dancers in this classic holiday production.
  • Holiday Tradition: A must-see holiday tradition for families and ballet enthusiasts alike.

9. Des Moines Botanical Center's Holiday Showcase

Marvel at the botanical center transformed into a winter wonderland with festive plants and decorations.
  • Unique Plant Display: See rare, holiday-themed plants not typically found in other settings.
  • Festive Decorations: Beautifully decorated rooms filled with holiday cheer.
  • Holiday-Themed Tours: Guided tours highlighting the botanical center's festive winter transformation.

10. John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park's Winter Wonderland

Stroll through an outdoor sculpture park adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
  • Outdoor Sculpture Park: An unique opportunity to view sculptures in a winter setting.
  • Twinkling Lights and Decorations: Lights and decorations enhance the beauty of the sculptures during the winter season.
  • Warming Stations: Heated buildings nearby offer a warm refuge from the cold.

11. Principal Park's Winterfest

Enjoy winter activities such as ice skating and hot cocoa at the home of the Des Moines Cubs baseball team.
  • Baseball Stadium Transformation: A unique transformation of a baseball stadium for winter activities.
  • Ice Skating and Other Activities: Ice skating, games, and other winter activities to enjoy at the stadium.
  • Hot Cocoa and Food Vendors: Warm up with hot cocoa and delicious food from local vendors.

12. Grey's Lake Park's Winter Carnival

Join the community at Grey's Lake Park for a winter carnival filled with games, activities, and live performances.
  • Community Event: A chance to connect with other Des Moines residents during the holiday season.
  • Live Performances and Music: Enjoy live music, dance, and comedy performances throughout the carnival.
  • Ice Skating and Other Activities: Ice skating, sledding, and other winter activities to enjoy at the park.

13. Des Moines University's Holiday Light Show

Drive through a beautiful holiday light show at Des Moines University, featuring animated displays and holiday music.
  • Driving Tour: A unique driving tour experience during the holiday season.
  • Animated Light Displays: Animated light displays create a magical, festive atmosphere.
  • Holiday Music Synchronization: Holiday music plays in sync with the lights for an immersive experience.

14. Des Moines Art Center's Holiday Decorations

Visit the Des Moines Art Center to admire festive holiday decorations and art exhibitions.
  • Art Exhibitions: Enjoy special holiday-themed art exhibitions.
  • Festive Decorations: Beautifully decorated rooms filled with holiday cheer.
  • Art Center Experience: A chance to explore and appreciate diverse art collections during the holiday season.

15. Wells Fargo Arena's Holiday Spectacular

Experience a festive holiday spectacular featuring ice skating, music, and other winter-themed activities at the Wells Fargo Arena.
  • Ice Skating Show: A professionally choreographed ice skating show.
  • Holiday Music and Entertainment: Live music, dance, and comedy performances adding to the festive atmosphere.
  • Variety of Activities: A range of winter-themed activities for all ages to enjoy.