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Top Places to Visit Santa in Des Moines

It’s that time of year! Santa is going to be one busy guy this holiday season. There are several events and places to meet and see Santa. I have only listed a few popular events and places, but make sure to check out my calendar on the right hand side for a complete list!

1. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove – November 29 – December 21: Every Saturday & Sunday 

Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Saturdays 9 am – 12 pm and Sundays 11 am – 2 pm. Cost $7.95 ages 3 and older $5.95 ages 2 and younger. Check out the Center Grove website for more details!

2. Santa Express – November 28- 30, December 5-7, December 12-14 and December 19-21

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad  is offering the Santa Express again this year! A perfect event for your little ones. You will travel to the “North Pole” while singing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive a silver bell! Tickets are on sale! Make sure to reserve your ticket soon, because they will go fast. Check out the website for times and prices.

3. Santa at Jordan Creek Mall – November 21st – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Jordan Creek Mall and get pictures done! No specific times are listed. Check out the Jordan Creek Towncenter site for more information!

4. Santa at Valley West Mall – November 14th – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Valley West Mall, ride the train, and take pictures! Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5pm; and  Christmas Eve 10 am – Noon. For more information check out the Valley West Mall website.

5. Santa at Merle Hay Mall – November 16th – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Merle Hay Mall. There are no hours listed, hours may vary. For more information check out the Merle Hay Mall website.

6. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Now thru December 24th 

Get a FREE 4×6 studio with Santa, lots of kids activities and crafts! Games, trains, coloring, wildlife carousel, and SO MUCH MORE! For more information check out the Bass Pro Shops website for more information!

7. Windsor Wonderland – Saturday, December 6th at 6:30 pm 

Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park. Admission is $3.00 per person & 2 and under are free. Admission includes a hot dog, hot chocolate, activities and the viewing up the three classic movies; Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Windsor Wonderland flyer.

8. Santa at Blank Park Zoo – Saturday, December 6th & Saturday, December 13th 10 am – 2 pm  

This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For more information visit the Blank Park Zoo website for detail and scheduled events.

9. Holidays in Johnston – Saturday, December 6th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm  

There will be a gingerbread making contest, crafts, cookie decorating, entertainment, food and more! Santa will make an appearance on a fire truck! For more information and registration for for the Gingerbread House Making contest check out the Johnston Patch website!

10. Breakfast at the North Pole: Reiman Gardens – Saturday, December 13th 

There are two sittings available one at 8 am and 10:30 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out the Reiman Garden’s website.

11. Brunch with Santa: Urbandale – Saturday, December 13th 9 am – 11 am 

Bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale event page!

12. Breakfast with Santa at Pump it Up – Sunday, December 16th 

Jump your little hearts out and take a break and share breakfast with Santa! Private time with Santa will be first come, first serve. Pre-sale $8.00 per child. $10.00 per child for tickets purchased online. $12.00 per child for tickets purchased at the door. Check out the flyer here!

13. Breakfast with Santa at the Science Center of Iowa – Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st 

Enjoy a delicious buffet-style catered meal in the Food Chain Café, decked out specially for the season, snap a picture with Santa and share your wish list! Explore SCI, see science demonstrations and live programs. Science Center of Iowa members receive a discount! Check out all the information here.

 

DSM Activities & Events 12/12 – 12/18

 

 

1. Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman

When: Thursday, December 12th – Sunday, December 15th

What: Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.

2. Winter Market 

When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!

3. Cloth Diaper Garage Sale 

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Whether you want to sell or buy cloth diapers, this event is for you! Check out the Little Padded Seats page for information on how to sell or buy!

4. Reiman Gardens Breakfast at the North Pole

When: Saturday 9 am or 11 am

What: There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out Reiman Gardens website!

5. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am –  2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website!

6. Brunch with Santa

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at the Urbandale Senior Center … bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale website!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

8. Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill

When: Monday and Tuesday times vary!

What: This is an adult event! So make it a date day/night with your significant other! Enjoy the Terrace Hill decked out in holiday lights and decor, enjoy tea, desserts, sandwiches, and entertainment! For more information, times, and to purchase tickets check out the Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill event!

9. Rainforest Romp at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Tuesday 1 pm – 2 pm

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! General admission to the Science Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

10. Cloth Diaper 101 

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

11. Children’s Craft Days at Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

12. Ladies Night at Center Grove

When: Wednesday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: Make it a fun night out with friends at Center Grove Orchard! Enjoy appetizers, soup, bread, dessert and create a special holiday Pinterest craft. There will also be a drawing for a gift basket giveaway! $9.95 per person and reservations are required! Check out the Center Grove flyer for more information!

 

Decorating and Santa Visit

We have been crossing things off our 2013 Holiday Bucket List left and right! I love this time of year and having a little one makes it even better.

There are so many places where Santa is making an appearance. Make sure not to miss out! I created an awesome list just for you.

We have seen Santa twice now! We first saw him at the East Village Holiday Promenade, which went okay. Monte would not sit on his lap, but gave him a high-five! Travis and I took Monte to Valley West Mall’s Winter Wonderland. I think that Valley West Mall offers the best Santa set-up. They have a train and the area is decorated beautifully!

 

Monte did great with Santa! He sat on his lap and did not get upset!

Excuse his wild hair! 🙂 Afterwards, Santa handed him a coloring book and crayons and he looked right at him and said “thanks”. It made my heart melt, I might have teared up a bit also.

Not only did Travis and I accomplished almost all of our Christmas shopping, but we also decorated the house and tree!

Monte was a BIG helper with putting the tree together!

We gave him a Disney Christmas Book which plays Christmas music and he can “play” the piano with! He loves it!

We were also fortunate enough to be given another artificial Christmas Tree. We set it up downstairs and Monte got to decorate it however he wanted. I am so happy we thought of this idea, because every night he will take some “kid-friendly” ornaments off the tree and then place them elsewhere on the tree. It keeps him busy and he is so proud of himself when he does it!

Have you taken the kiddos to visit Santa yet? Where was your favorite place to go?

DSM Activities & Events 12/5 – 12/11

 

Make sure to check out the event calendar on the right hand side of the page! Also, for a list of places and times to visit Santa, check out my list I created “Places to visit Santa”.

1. Windsor Polar Express Movie Night

When: Friday 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the family to see the classic holiday movie Polar Express! There will also be several activities and toy train on display. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and hot dogs. $3 per person or $10 per family.

2. Peter Pan 

When: Friday, December 6th – Sunday, December 29th

Where and What: Bring the family to see a Disney classic at the Des Moines Playhouse. Showtimes vary on days and times. To purchase tickets and view the details check out the Des Moines Playhouse website.

3. Snowball Express to Santa 

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at Jester Park, your children will take a ride, on a pony through a Winter Wonderland to Santa! They will get their picture with Santa, drink some hot cocoa and eat cookies! $20 per child and reservations are not required. For more information check out the Jester Park Equestrian website.

4. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website.

5. A Flynn Family Christmas 

When: Saturday 4 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Celebrate Christmas at Living History Farms in beautiful decorated Victorian house! Frost cookies, make ornaments, dancing, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and so much more! For more information and admission prices check out the Living History Farms website!

6. Windsor Wonderland Breakfast with Santa 

When: Saturday 8:30 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, music, and a child/pet photo with Santa (for FREE)!$6 per ticket which includes the Santa picture and pancake breakfast. Check out the Windsor Heights website information and to purchase tickets!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove Orchard

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! For more information about the brunch and other events going on at Center Grove Orchard, check out their holiday flyer!

8. Nada Silent Night 

When: Saturday at 7 pm

Where and What: The Nadas are putting on their 11th annual Nada Silent Night at the Scottish Rite Temple! This could be made into a “date night” OR and event for the entire family. The admission to this event is one ticket and at least one unwrapped toy per person attending. The toys will be donated to U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots. A ticket is $20 and children 10 year and younger are FREE. You can purchase tickets here!

9. Jingle Bell Rock ‘n Run 

When: Sunday at 9 am

Where and What: This is another fun holiday run hosted by the Science Center of Iowa! Get dressed up in your festive attire and dash through downtown Des Moines and end at the Science Center. After the run there will be live music, and food catered by Hy-Vee. To register and more information check out the Science Center of Iowa event page.

10. Pajama Party with Santa 

When: Tuesday 6 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Bring your children to Jordan Creek Town Center, in the photo area. They can bring a blanket and/or a stuffed toy. You can also take a picture with Santa! Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and you can also donate $3 and received a personalized letter from Santa!

11. Pathways Connect – Discussion Group

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Pathways Connect uses the Pathways to Family Wellness magazine as a launching point for discussions on living a conscious, holistic lifestyle. We take articles from the current issue to spring board the conversation and help educate each other on the path to conscious and holistic living. We hope you will join us, and bring a guest! This meeting’s topics will include: “All Your Health Solutions…As Simple As I Can Put It “How do we lose health? One main answer is STRESS. Stress comes in the form of physical, chemical or psychological.Conscious Path – “Fear or Freedom” We will all experience fears in life, and the way to live in freedom from being controlled by fear is to see fear as a sign of growth and challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone. All gatherings are FREE and located at Little Padded Seats in Valley West Mall.

 

Festival of Trees and Lights

Sorry this post is a bit late 🙁 We have definitely been busy doing lots of holiday shopping and activities, but I want to make sure to share our fun experience at the Festival of Trees and Lights! You NEED to check it out next year! I do not know why I have never been until this year! This event is FULL of activities, beautiful lights, entertainment, food AND it helps an awesome cause … Blank Children’s Hospital.

According to their website, the Festival of Trees and Lights has brought in 6.5 million dollars to help support programs such as child life, and other unique programs and projects to help children who are in need. Another great thing about this event, it is all volunteer based. Every aspect is put on by volunteers and donations from local businesses and individuals.

It’s a wonderful feeling, to walk in and know that everything you look at and do is provided by volunteers.

There were so many trees decorated in different themes! Monte’s favorite tree was the one that they had decorated in Disney characters for their silent auction.

Inside where the trees were lined up, there was also a stage where about every hour, performers would perform. Local groups of singers, dancers, etc. You could also purchase snacks such as hot dogs, popcorn, sandwiches and more. There was even a special bakery section!

We headed back out where all of the kids activities were held! Each activity was one ticket, which you could purchase when you purchased your admission ticket to see the lights. They even had a special deal to purchase 22 tickets for $20.

You could ride the train … Monte did all by himself!

Decorate cookies and decorate ornaments

Play with legos!

There was also face painting available, a toss game, and more!

Not only was there activities for the kiddos, lights, entertainment, and food BUT there was also a place to do a little holiday shopping! There was a shop available to purchase gift items and Scholastic Books was also available to purchase books.

You can definitely make a day out of this fun holiday event. There is so much to do and it helps such a wonderful cause! We will be making this a yearly tradition for sure!

Have you attended the Festival of Trees and Lights before? What is your favorite thing to see and/or do?

Places to visit Santa

It’s that time of year! Santa is going to be one busy guy this holiday season. There are several events and places to meet and see Santa. I have only listed a few popular events and places, but make sure to check out my calendar on the right hand side for a complete list!

1. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove – November 30 – December 22: Every Saturday & Sunday 

Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Saturdays 9 am – 12 pm and Sundays 11 am – 2 pm. Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

2. Santa Express – November 29 & 30, December 3-7, and December 10-14 

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad  is offering the Santa Express again this year! A perfect event for your little ones. You will travel to the “North Pole” while singing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive a silver bell! Tickets are on sale! Make sure to reserve your ticket soon, because they will go fast. Check out the website for times and prices.

3.Santa at Jordan Creek Mall – November 22nd – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Jordan Creek Mall and get pictures done! No specific times are listed. Check out the Jordan Creek Towncenter site for more information!

4. Santa at Valley West Mall – November 15th – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Valley West Mall, ride the train, and take pictures! Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5pm; and  Christmas Eve 10 am – Noon. For more information check out the Valley West Mall website.

5. Santa at Merle Hay Mall – November 16th – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Merle Hay Mall. There are no hours listed, hours may vary. For more information check out the Merle Hay Mall website.

6. Santa at Southridge Mall – December 3rd – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Southridge Mall! Hours are not listed, hours may vary. Please check the Southridge Mall website for more information!

7. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Now thru December 24th 

Get a FREE 4×6 studio with Santa, lots of kids activities and crafts! Games, trains, coloring, wildlife carousel, and SO MUCH MORE! For more information check out the Bass Pro Shops website for more information!

8. Pajama Party with Santa – November 26th, December 3, 10, and 17th at 6 pm

Bring your children to Jordan Creek Towncenter, in the photo area. They can bring a blanket and/or a stuffed toy. You can also take a picture with Santa! Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and you can also donate $3 and received a personalized letter from Santa! For more information check out the Jordan Creek Town Center website.

9. Windsor Polar Express Movie Night – Friday, December 6th at 6:30 pm 

Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the family to see the classic holiday movie Polar Express! There will also be several activities and toy train on display. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and hot dogs. $3 per person or $10 per family. Visit the Windsor Heights website for more information!

10. Windsor Wonderland Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 7th 8:30 am – 12:00 pm 

Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, music, and a child/pet photo with Santa (for FREE)! $6 per ticket which includes the Santa picture and pancake breakfast. For more information visit the Windsor Heights website.

11. Santa at Blank Park Zoo – Saturday, December 7th & Saturday, December 14th 

This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For more information visit the Blank Park Zoo website for detail and scheduled events.

12. Holidays in Johnston – Saturday, December 7th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm  

There will be a gingerbread making contest, crafts, cookie decorating, entertainment, food and more! Santa will make an appearance on a fire truck! For more information and registration for for the Gingerbread House Making contest check out the Johnston Patch website!

13. Breakfast at the North Pole: Reiman Gardens – Saturday, December 14th 

There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out the Reiman Garden’s website.

14. Brunch with Santa: Urbandale – Saturday, December 14th 

Bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale event page!

 

 

 

 

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/28 – 12/4

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgivings! Now, the fun begins 🙂 Lots of holiday events are going on through out the Des Moines area. Here are some events and activities, but do not forget to check out my event calendar on the right hand of the page!

1. Frosty Returns with the Grinch 

When: Friday 6pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Meet Frosty, The Grinch, Flip the Penguin and Santa! Get your picture taken with one, and there will be special skating exhibitions! $5 to skate and FREE skate rentals! For more information check out the Southridge Mall event page.

2. Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure 

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: Is your kiddo a fan of the Disney gang? Or are you even a fan of the Disney gang? You have to see everyone at Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is a fun event for the whole family! To purchase tickets and to see show times check out the Iowa Events Center website.

 3. Festival of Trees and Lights

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: This is an event that has been going on in the Des Moines area since 1984! You do not want to miss the decorated trees, children’s area, food, shopping and entertainment. The revenue from this festival helps support the Blank Children’s Hospital. For more information about this events, times, and ticket prices check out the Iowa Events Center website.

4. Jolly Holiday Lights

When: Tuesday, November 26th – Wednesday, January 1st: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Where and What: A classic Des Moines event, that goes on everyday until the New Year. Grab your family, jump in a car and drive through to check out all the holiday light displays! All proceeds go to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation! $10 per car load,$20 per limo load, $45 per bus load.

5. Little Padded Seats 1-Year Anniversary

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Come out to Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall to celebrate their 1-year anniversary being located at Valley West Mall! There will be cake, prizes, specials, and much more! Get a little Christmas shopping done and stop by!

6. Spirit of the Season at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Saturday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Join others at the Science Center of Iowa to kick off their holiday events, every weekend up to the New Year! FREE general admission 5 – 8 pm. Tree lighting. FREE cocoa and cookie decorating. Holiday crafts. Discounted admission to see The Polar Express at the IMAX for $5. Fireworks to end the evening! Check out the Science Center of Iowa event page for more details!

7. Cloth Diaper 101 at Little Padded Seats 

When: Sunday 2 pm – 4 pm

What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

8. Pet Photos with Santa at Jordan Creek Town Center 

When: Monday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: This is the perfect opportunity for your furry, four-legged friend to see Santa. Cats AND dogs! Bring your pet out to Jordan Creek Towncenter in the photo area. There will be several packages of pictures to choose from.

9. Southridge Mall Tree Lighting and Santa

When: Tuesday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Bring the whole family to check out the beautiful lit tree and handmade ornaments. There will be entertainment, shopping and hot cocoa & cookies available! You can also receive a FREE picture with Santa! For more details check out the Southridge Mall event page.

10. Rainforest Romp and the Science Center of Iowa

When: Wednesday 10 am – 11 am

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! Genercal admission to the Sciece Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

11. Children’s Craft Days and Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm 

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

 

East Village Holiday Promenade & First Snow!

Yesterday it snowed our first “big” snow! Meaning snow stuck on the ground and is still on the ground!

I am so happy it did snow, because now I feel a little bit more comfortable listening to Christmas music and doing holiday festivities 🙂

Monte was ready for the big snow!

Even though we may not be completely finished with our 2013 Fall Bucket List, we did cross the first thing off our 2013 Holiday Bucket List last night … the East Village Promenade. It was a bit chilly, but it was a fun evening to get us in the spirit!

The East Village was decked out in lights all the way down the street. Monte thought those were awesome!

Our first stop was the State Historical Building where Santa, a DJ, and a chili supper was being held for Toys for Tots. I was not sure how well Monte would respond to Santa this year. Last year, he was a little young and I don’t think he really understood what was going on. This year, he smiled at him, but as soon as we got him on Santa’s lap, he was not a fan.

He did give Santa a high-five and “pounded it” with him. I’m glad it was not such a horrific experience!

After visiting with Santa, we headed to dinner at Quinton’s! Oh my goodness, if you have not been there, it is defiantly one place to check out! It’s a sports bar, but the various burgers and sandwiches they offer … are amazing!

While we were waiting for our food, chatting and some were playing foosball … a group of carolers came in!

After we stuffed ourselves with good beer, sandwiches, and burgers … we headed out to enjoy more lights and do a little window shopping. I have never really shopped in the East Village before and was surprised by all of the unique, local stores! Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe was a fun dog  bakery and supply store. They had a few small dogs, that Monte enjoyed seeing. Raygun where they offer t-shirts, local labels, and vintage merchandise. Sticks! I love all of the unique items available. My dad purchased a basset coffee cup for himself 🙂

Overall, the East Village Promenade was a hit! It was the perfect way to kick off this 2013 holiday season. I am excited!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Friday evening and has an awesome weekend! Enjoy this snow and some hot cocoa!

DSM Activities & Events 11/21 – 11/27

 

There are lots of holiday events going on this weekend! Make sure to check everything out, by clicking on the calendar on the right hand side of the page! Have a wonderful weekend!

1. East Village Promenade

When: Friday 5 – 9 pm

Where and What: Come kick off the Holiday season in the East Village! Visit Santa at the Historical building and at Brenton Plaza. There will be caroling, ice skating, holiday lights, lots of restaurants to eat at, free horse drawn hay rack ride, and much more!

2. Winter Market 

When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!

3. Tour De Lights

When: Family Night – Saturday at 4:30 pm & Fitness Night – Sunday at 4:30 pm

Where and What: This 2-day event is a chance to preview the Jolly Holiday Lights before it is open to the general public! Saturday evening is family night where you can walk, run, bike, or stroll! Sunday evening is fitness night where you can run or ride 1.5 or 3.5 miles from Water Works Park OR a 11 mile round trip route from El Bait Shop! Check out the event page for more information!

4. Jordan Creek Town Center Tree Lighting 

When: Friday 6 pm – 7 pm

What: Bring the whole family to the Jordan Creek Town Center where Santa will arrive, they will light the large tree and sing songs! There will also be a fire works show! Check out the Jordan Creek Town Center Events Page for more information!

5. Elf on the Shelf Pajama Party 

When: Friday at 7 pm

Where and What: If you will be celebrating Santa’s arrival at Jordan Creek Town Center, you need to check out this event also! Do you do the Elf on the Shelf every holiday season? This is the perfect event for your kiddos to get dressed in their pj’s and join others for the Elf on the Shelf story time. There will be activities and refreshments provided! For ages 3-10. FREE for all!!! For more information check out Barnes & Noble website.

6. Ugly Sweater Run 5k 

When: Saturday at 11 am

Where and What: The original Ugly Sweater Run 5k held at Principal Park. You can walk and/or run! Find your ugliest sweater and join thousands of others for this fun race! Enjoy hot chocolate and/or some beers after the run. There will be some fun festivities after the race also! $44 for a solo runner, children ages 8 and under are FREE! Register ahead of time at Ugly Sweater Run.

7. Disney On Ice: Passport to Adventure

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: Is your kiddo a fan of the Disney gang? Or are you even a fan of the Disney gang? You have to see everyone at Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is a fun event for the whole family! To purchase tickets and to see show times check out the Iowa Events Center site.

8. Jolly Holiday Lights 

When: Tuesday, November 26th – Wednesday, December 4th

Where and What: Get a picture with Santa and enjoy a cookie & hot cocoa at Santa’s Wish Shop until December 4th.  A classic Des Moines event, that goes on everyday until the New Year. Grab your family, jump in a car and drive through to check out all the holiday light displays! All proceeds go to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation!$10 per car load,$20 per limo load, $45 per bus load.

 

2013 Holiday Bucket List

I have added all of the events in the Des Moines Metro area where Santa may be this holiday season! Let me tell you, he is going to be one busy guy! There are a lot of events this holiday season for the whole family and even a few date night opportunities. Make sure to check out my events calendar on the right hand side of the page for EVERYTHING!

I posted my DIY 2013 Holiday Planner, now I just need to share our 2013 Holiday Bucket List!

2013 Holiday Bucket List 

1. East Village Holiday Promenade

2. Visit Santa

3. Drink Hot Cocoa

4. Bake and decorate cookies

5. Decorate Christmas tree and house

6. Watch Elf

7. Donate toys

8. Make a homemade craft

9. Watch Frosty the Snowman & Rudolph

10. Make a Gingerbread house

11. Make Epping Family Toffee & Dateballs

Make sure to check out the Bucket List tab on the top of my page. This is where I will keep track of everything we accomplish!

What items are on your Holiday Bucket List?