Things to do in Des Moines: 11 family-friendly ways to celebrate the holidays in central Iowa

The Des Moines Register

Jordan Ripley, 5, of Indianola whispers to Santa

December is packed with holiday events in and around Des Moines.

Whether it's visiting Santa, taking a horse-drawn carriage or enjoying holiday lights in a limousine — there's something for everyone.

The Des Moines Register is sharing 11 family-friendly event this season:

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Cruising on your bike

Don your winter gear and sign up for the Beaverdale Holiday Lights bike ride — a casual jaunt through the decked-out neighborhood. Learn more at bikeiowa.com.

When: Dec. 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Ride begins at 6 p.m. at Beaverdale Bikes, located at 2706 Beaver Ave, Des Moines.

Viewing festive homes

The Bauer family in Clive goes all out for the holidays, decorating their yard with more than 30 inflatables. This year, they've transformed their home holiday displays into the 1st annual Toys for Tots Drive on Berkshire. Drop off unwrapped gifts at the tent, where Mr. and Mrs. Claus will meet your car. Check their Facebook page for details.

When: From 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, rain or shine

Where: 3465 Berkshire Parkway, Clive

Horse-drawn carriages are popular during the holidays

Relaxing in a horse-drawn carriage

Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through Pella's historic downtown. The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children 2 and older. Learn more at Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance's Facebook page.

When: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 15 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22.

Where: Purchase tickets near the information windmill in Central Park, at the corner of Franklin and Main Streets.

Taking photos with reindeer

The Celebration of Light at Ashworth Road Baptist Church includes 15,000 lights set to music, and this year will include a special treat — taking family photos next to real reindeer, which are visiting with Santa. Learn more at ashworth.church.

When: Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.

Where: Ashworth Road Baptist Church, 5300 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines

Reading 'The Night Before Christmas'

This family-friendly tradition, Light Up Urbandale, featuring Santa, real reindeer, family photos, kids activities and cookies and cocoa. At 5 p.m. they'll read "The Night Before Christmas," along with a musical performance and a tree lighting. Learn more at urbandalenetwork.org.

When: From 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2, 2018

Where: Lions Park, 72nd and Aurora Avenues in Urbandale.

Families and friends dressing up for the holidays

Riding a train to the North Pole

Enjoy the scenic view, departing from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s depot to the North Pole (and return). Kids and adults are encouraged to wear pajamas. Enjoy hot chocolate and meet Santa, who'll give kids a special memento. Coach tickets are $18 per person age 2 and up. Purchase online or call (800) 626-0319. Learn more at Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad.

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16.

Where: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, 225 10th Street in Boone, Iowa.

Seeing lights in a limousine

View holiday lights in style this year. Multiple companies in the Des Moines area offer limousine holiday lights packages where you cruise through neighborhoods or light displays. A 10-person stretch limo might cost around $350 for two hours, or a 20-person limo $450 for two hours.

When and where: Schedule individually with limousine companies.

Visiting Santa at the zoo

Meet Santa at the zoo, discover holiday displays in animal exhibits and write a letter at the North Pole. Santa at the Zoo tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for children; no cost for members. For more call (515) 285-4722 or events@blankparkzoo.org.

When: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15.

Where: Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines.

Enjoy holiday displays in shops and around communities

Shopping at boutiques

You have to get gifts anyway, right? The annual Jingle in the Junction events includes more than 150,000 lights plus decorated shops, visits with Santa and more. Learn more at valleyjunction.com.

When: Jingle in the Junction is from 5 to 9 pm. on Dec. 6 and Dec. 13.

Where: 5th Street, West Des Moines

Jamming to Christmas music

The 60,000-light display at Fellowship Community Church in Norwalk includes a synchronized Christmas music and lights and a live nativity with real animals. View a video from last year on their website. Call 515-981-0699 for more information.

When: From 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8.

Where: Fellowship Community Church, 225 North Avenue, Norwalk.

Viewing luminaries on Christmas Eve

This annual tradition captures the magic of candlelight. View luminaries along sidewalks of Waterbury Road on Christmas Eve.

When: Dec. 24 after dusk

Where: Waterbury Road in Des Moines