Christmas parades 2026Des Moines · Iowa’s capital

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Des Moines, 2026.

In 2026, Christmas parades and tree lightings near Des Moines run Nov 20 through Dec 4. Outlets of Des Moines Tree Lighting is Nov 21. Tinseltown Tree Lighting is Nov 21. This page lists six parades and tree lightings with 2026 dates.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?No 2026 parade posted yet.Not yetWhen’s the tree lighting?Holiday Promenade Tree Lighting with Santa: Nov 20 · 5–8 p.m. Plus 5 more.6 lightingsIs it free?2 of 6 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?1 daytime, 5 in the evening. Each card is marked.5 evening

Last checked · 6 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

20NovFriHoliday Promenade Tree Lighting with SantaTree lighting · 5–8 p.m.21NovSatOutlets of Des Moines Tree LightingTree lighting · 5–7 p.m.21NovSatTinseltown Tree LightingTree lighting · 6–6:30 p.m.24NovTueMiracle on 86th Street Tree LightingTree lighting · 5:30 p.m.25NovWedFestival of Trees & LightsLighting festival · From 11 a.m.4DecFriWaukee WinterFestTree lighting · Tree lighting 6 p.m.

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Des Moines

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

No 2026 Christmas parade posted here yet. We check parade organizers every week through early December.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Des Moines

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov21Sat

Tinseltown Tree Lighting

Water Works Park, Killinger Family Stage · Des Moines

Tree lightingEvening
Time
6–6:30 p.m.; Tinseltown runs 1–9 p.m.
Price
Not listed; the Tour de Cycle ride has a registration fee

Good to know: The lighting is the big moment of Tinseltown, a full afternoon in the park. St. Nicholas poses for photos with live reindeer from 4 to 7, and the Top Hat Carolers stroll the grounds.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec4Fri

Waukee WinterFest

Downtown Triangle · Waukee

Tree lightingEvening
Time
Tree lighting 6 p.m.
Price
No tickets listed

Good to know: Santa and the mayor light the tree in Triangle Park right at 6. Afterward Santa moves inside the Community Center for hot chocolate, cookies and visits.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Des Moines

Holiday Promenade Tree Lighting with SantaNext: Nov 20, 2026Miracle on 86th Street Tree LightingNext: Nov 24, 2026Festival of Trees & LightsNext: Nov 25–29, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Des Moines

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Des Moines: the FAQ

Holiday Promenade Tree Lighting with Santa at Historic East Village: Fri, Nov 20, 2026, 5–8 p.m. Outlets of Des Moines Tree Lighting at Outlets of Des Moines: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 5–7 p.m.; tree lit at 6. Tinseltown Tree Lighting at Water Works Park, Killinger Family Stage: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 6–6:30 p.m.; Tinseltown runs 1–9 p.m. Miracle on 86th Street Tree Lighting at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park: Tue, Nov 24, 2026, 5:30 p.m. The full list is on the tree lighting page.

Two of the six we list are free to watch: Holiday Promenade Tree Lighting with Santa and Miracle on 86th Street Tree Lighting. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with little kids: Festival of Trees & Lights. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

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 early December. How we choose and check.

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