Markets open Nov 19–Dec 3 near Des Moines in 2026. Christkindlmarket Des Moines opens Dec 3 and runs through Dec 13. Jingle in the Junction opens Nov 19 and runs through Dec 17, with free admission. Jolly Holiday Lights opens Nov 20 and runs through Jan 3. The last opening date on this page is Dec 3.
Most Des Moines holiday markets open between Nov 19 and Nov 20 this year.
By date
Opening date, city and hours are first, when the organizer has posted them. Tap one for prices, stroller notes and what’s there for little kids.
Holiday market · to Dec 17 · 5th Street and Railroad Park, 401 Railroad Pl.20NovFriJolly Holiday LightsWinter wonderland · to Jan 3 · Iowa State Fairgrounds3DecThuChristkindlmarket Des MoinesGerman-style market · to Dec 13 · Principal Park, 1 Line DriveNothing matches that filter yet.
Markets
Dates, hours and prices come from each organizer’s, venue’s or city’s own page.
Open Nov 19–Dec 17, 2026
5th Street and Railroad Park, 401 Railroad Pl. · West Des Moines, IA · Valley Junction, about 5 miles away
Good to know: Shops stay open late on Thursday nights and three blocks of 5th Street get street entertainment under more than 100,000 lights.
Open Nov 20–Jan 3, 2026
Iowa State Fairgrounds · Des Moines, IA · about 4 miles away
Good to know: One ticket covers the vehicle. $1 of each ticket goes to Make-A-Wish Iowa. The pricing page lists a flash sale through Friday, Nov. 13 at 11:59 p.m. The organizer’s pages do not post a parking plan. Check the organizer for details.
Open Dec 3–13, 2026
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive · Des Moines, IA · about 1 mile away
Before you go
TimingGo when it opensWeekday afternoons and opening hour are the least crowded, which makes a stroller much easier.
DressLayer upOutdoor markets get cold after dark. Mittens and a blanket for the stroller help.
StrollerCheck the stroller noteSome markets get packed on weekend evenings. A carrier can be easier there.Keep planning
November: things to do in Des MoinesEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in Des MoinesEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in Des MoinesFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in Des MoinesIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in Des MoinesStorytimes for ages 0–6, by day and branchSledding in Des MoinesSledding hills and snow tubing, with height rules
Thanksgiving weekend in Des MoinesParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in Des MoinesKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas parades in Des MoinesParades and tree lightings with dates and start times
The Nutcracker in Des MoinesBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas tree farms in Des MoinesChoose-and-cut farms, wagon rides and kid notesTree lighting in Des MoinesDates, times and what the organizer posts for kids
Playgrounds in Des MoinesParks with a playground, restrooms and shelters
Splash pads in Des MoinesSpraygrounds with addresses and last season’s hoursBirthday party places in Des MoinesStarting prices, ages and what’s included
Youth soccer, basketball and learn to skate in Des MoinesSoccer, basketball and learn to skate for kids under 6, with sign-up dates
More things to do with kids in Des Moines this weekDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Most Des Moines holiday markets open between Nov 19 and Nov 20 this year. The first Christmas market on this page opens Nov 19, 2026. The last opening date on this page is Dec 3. Jingle in the Junction opens Nov 19 and runs through Dec 17. Jolly Holiday Lights opens Nov 20 and runs through Jan 3. Christkindlmarket Des Moines opens Dec 3 and runs through Dec 13.
Jingle in the Junction at 5th Street and Railroad Park, 401 Railroad Pl.: Thu Nov 19, Thu Dec 3, Thu Dec 10 and Thu Dec 17. Free entertainment on 5th Street. Jolly Holiday Lights at Iowa State Fairgrounds: Nov 20 – Jan 3. $25 per vehicle; bus, limo or RV $50; season pass $65. Taxes and fees not included. Christkindlmarket Des Moines at Principal Park, 1 Line Drive: Dec 3 – Dec 13. Not listed.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines (Des Moines, IA · about 1 mile away): Dec 3 – Dec 13.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines at Principal Park, 1 Line Drive opens Dec 3 and runs through Dec 13. Dates are from each market’s own page.
Jolly Holiday Lights (Des Moines, IA · about 4 miles away): Nov 20 – Jan 3, $25 per vehicle; bus, limo or RV $50; season pass $65. Taxes and fees not included.
Jolly Holiday Lights: A drive-through show, so the little ones can stay buckled in.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.
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