One of my favorite instagrammer/bloggers in NYC posts her & her husband’s “12 Dates of Christmas” each year on her blog. I thought that this year, I’d join in! You can do these with a significant other, a group of friends, or just by yourself. Some of these activities cost a little cash, others are free or cheap. You can pick an choose which Christmas events you’d like to join in on over the month of December. All of these are things taking place around Christmastime in the greater Des Moines area! Please feel welcome to comment any suggestions of your own on this blog post. Enjoy!
Take in the spirit of the Christkindlmarket & make sure to snack on hot spiced nuts
See Aladdin at the Civic Center— it may not be a “christmas” show, but you won’t regret it one bit!
Taste a new Seasonal Cocktail (or two) at Horizon Line Coffee
Get tickets to see “Elf: The Musical” at the Des Moines Community Playhouse
Watch “A Christmas Prince: Royal Wedding” with Gluhwein (from Aldi). Because you have to watch at least one cheesy rom-com during December. :)
Decorate for Christmas, with vintage records spinning in the background.
Go ice skating at Brenton Plaza! (A great way to burn some extra calories after those cocktails or a meal out!)
Drive around town & look at Christmas lights— you can’t go wrong with this one. (Here’s a map, if you’d like to plan out your stroll.)
Visit Jingle in the Junction
It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker! See this classic ballet at Hoyt Sherman!
Warm up inside the DSM Botanical Garden. Maybe you can trick your brain into thinking you’re spending Christmas in Hawaii… ;)
Stop in at Chocolaterie Stam for hot cocoa & bring a game to play as you sip!
There you have it! Some of the best winter/Christmas events in the Des Moines metro. I may not make it through all of these (this year) but I’m looking forward to some fun evenings and weekends out, and taking full advantage of this list in Decembers to come!