# 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.

- Last checked: 2026-10-30
- 6 parades and tree lightings with 2026 dates
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/des-moines/christmas-parades/
- Christmas break (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/des-moines/christmas-break/index.md
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## Tree lightings and lighting nights

- **Holiday Promenade Tree Lighting with Santa** at Historic East Village, East Village. When: Fri, Nov 20, 2026. Time: 5–8 p.m. Price: Free. The first of five free Holiday Promenade Fridays (Nov 20–Dec 18) in the East Village. Official page: https://eastvillagedesmoines.com/promenade/ (checked 2026-10-21)
- **Outlets of Des Moines Tree Lighting** at Outlets of Des Moines, Altoona. When: Sat, Nov 21, 2026. Time: 5–7 p.m.; tree lit at 6. Price: Not listed. The outlet mall’s yearly kickoff to the season. Come a bit early so the kids have a good view when the tree switches on at 6. Official page: https://www.outletsofdesmoines.com/event/44913-annual-tree-lighting (checked 2026-10-31)
- **Tinseltown Tree Lighting** at Water Works Park, Killinger Family Stage, Des Moines. When: Sat, Nov 21, 2026. Time: 6–6:30 p.m.; Tinseltown runs 1–9 p.m. Price: Not listed; the Tour de Cycle ride has a registration fee. 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: https://www.waterworkspark.org/tinseltown-in-water-works-park/ (checked 2026-10-31)
- **Miracle on 86th Street Tree Lighting** at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, Urbandale. When: Tue, Nov 24, 2026. Time: 5:30 p.m. Price: Free. The mayor flips the switch on 100,000-plus lights; hot cocoa and cookies. Official page: https://www.urbandale.org/1100/Miracle-on-86th-Street (checked 2026-10-21)
- **Festival of Trees & Lights** at Community Choice Convention Center (Iowa Events Center), Downtown. When: Nov 25 – Nov 29. Time: From 11 a.m. Price: Tickets required. Benefits Blank Children’s Hospital. Official page: https://www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/festival-of-trees-lights-5 (checked 2026-10-21)
- **Waukee WinterFest** at Downtown Triangle, Waukee. When: Fri, Dec 4, 2026. Time: Tree lighting 6 p.m. Price: No tickets listed. 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: https://www.waukee.org/WinterFest (checked 2026-10-30)

## Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

- [Holiday Promenade Tree Lighting with Santa](https://littlesweekly.com/des-moines/events/holiday-promenade-tree-lighting-with-santa-historic-east-village/): next dates Nov 20, 2026
- [Miracle on 86th Street Tree Lighting](https://littlesweekly.com/des-moines/events/miracle-on-86th-street-tree-lighting-charles-gabus-memorial-park/): next dates Nov 24, 2026
- [Festival of Trees & Lights](https://littlesweekly.com/des-moines/events/festival-of-trees-and-lights-community-choice-convention-center/): next dates Nov 25–29, 2026

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6. Lists refresh Monday and Thursday. The email goes out Thursday evening.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### When is the Christmas tree lighting in Des Moines?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/des-moines/christmas-tree-lighting/).

### Are Christmas parades and tree lightings in Des Moines free?
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.

### Which are best for little kids?
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.

### How do you check these parades and tree lightings?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).