Des Moines holiday dining events include Gay Men's Chorus, Chinese cuisine and European cheese tours

The holiday season is here, and Des Moines has some fun dining events in store for the month of December.

Here is a list of fun foodie things you can do in the weeks ahead. Events will be added as they come in, so keep checking back for additions and updates.

Interested in Iowa food news? Follow @briantaylorcarlson on Facebook, @BriinDSM on Twitter and @briindsm on Instagram.

Cheese Journeys 'Cheddar Odyssey'

WineStyles, 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy., #120, West Des Moines

Sunday, Dec. 2; 4 to 5 p.m.

Here's a chance to join the owners of WineStyles, BeerStyles and SALT, Andrea and Bryan McGinness, for two upcoming European cheese tours — one in England (April 1-5) and the other one in Italy (early September, more details to follow.).

At this gathering in West Glen, Cheese Journeys founder, Anna Juhl, will be on hand to talk about the Cheese Journeys "Cheddar Odyssey" tour in England in April and answer any questions. No RSVP necessary. For more information, call 515-224-9463.

Be sure to bookmark these frequently-updated dining guides:

• Where to eat in downtown Des Moines
• The essential East Village dining guide
• The ultimate list of local Ankeny restaurants
• The 2018 West Des Moines restaurant guide

CultureALL's Taste of China

Heavenly Asian Cuisine and Lounge, 225 5th St., West Des Moines

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a "Heavenly" Taste of China at CultureAll's "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner" community gathering for December with an authentic Chinese dinner at Heavenly Asian Cuisine and Lounge in Valley Junction. Dinner includes an appetizer, steamed rice and a choice of entree:

• Mongolian beef
• Stir-fried lamb with cumin
• Ma Po tofu (vegetarian)
• Stir-fried mixed seasonal vegetables (vegetarian)

Dinner will include complimentary hot tea, a culinary discussion of regional cooking styles and foods from the Gansu and Sichuan regions of northwestern and southwestern China and a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets are $40 per single admission or $75 per couple.

For tickets and more information, visit cultureall.org or call (515) 273-8569.

A Not-So-Silent Night Holiday Concert and Soirée

Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines

Wednesday, Dec. 5; 6 to 9 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus' performance of its annual holiday concert. The chorus will sing traditional holiday songs, Christmas carols and a few surprises to help everyone celebrate.

Following the concert, Salisbury House will host its first annual holiday soirée. Guests will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and can enjoy nibbles while admiring the historic house decked out in holiday décor. Guests are encouraged to 'dress to dazzle' in their holiday best, including sequins, furs, bows and festive ties.

Tickets are $40 and include the concert, self-guided tours, sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available with wine and beer. For more details and to purchase tickets visit salisburyhouse.org or call (515) 274-1777. Proceeds benefit Salisbury House.

Cocktails with Karli: All I Want for Festivus is Booze

Des Moines Social Club, 900 Mulberry St., Des Moines

Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19; 6 p.m.

Learn to create fun holiday cocktails in the month of December with these bartending classes hosted by Karli Sandos, a bartender at Proof.

• Dec. 5 - Hot Drinks: Enjoy mulled wine, cider, toddies — learn some great hot drink recipes and then spike them as needed.
• Dec. 12 - Decadent: Learn to make flips, eggnog, well-dressed Russians and, of course, enjoy some drinks made with Bailey’s Irish Cream. The drinks will be rich, but never cloyingly sweet.
• Dec. 19 - Sparkling: Craft festive cocktails using sparkling wine and champagne, just in time for New Year's Eve.

The cost is $90 for all three classes or $35 per class. All students must be 21 years of age or older. For more information or to register, visit desmoinessocialclub.org.

Cooking with Cass: Vegan Holiday Dinner

Des Moines Social Club, 900 Mulberry St., Des Moines

Thursday, Dec. 20; 6 p.m.

Make a vegan dinner for the whole family that’s just as good (if not better) than the traditional meal. This vegan cooking class taught by Iowa chef Cassandra Spence will cover everything you need to make a meal for your whole family this holiday season. Wine is included — just come ready to make amazing food, but be sure to save room for dessert. The cost is $50 per attendee. For more information or to sign up, visit desmoinessocialclub.org.

Do you have a dining event in the month of December and you don't see it on this list? Email Brian Carlson to have your event added.