Des Moines Holiday Boutique
Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts and seasonal goods across hundreds of artisan vendor booths. The boutique features live entertainment on the Holiday Entertainment Stage, wine tastings at the Iowa Wine Village, and seasonal drinks at the Holly Jolly Cocktail Bar. Guests can also visit Santa Claus, take part in an interactive giant coloring wall, or check out youth-run stalls at the Kids Market.
See more Christmas markets near Des Moines
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
The event offers wine tastings at the Iowa Wine Village, seasonal drinks at the Holly Jolly Cocktail Bar, and food and drinks for purchase at concessions.
Parking
Parking is available north of the EMC Expo Center with entrances off of the following streets: 3rd Street, 5th Avenue, Crocker Street. The EMC Expo Center surface parking lots offer the closest and most convenient access to the facility. Parking Lots are Cashless and Credit Cards Are Now Accepted. City parking garages are located throughout downtown with convenient skywalk access to the EMC Expo Center. Street parking is available throughout downtown with the convenience of parking meters.
Accessibility
The EMC Expo Center is wheelchair accessible with ADA parking available south of Crocker Street, though wheelchairs are not provided for rent.
Pets
Pets are not permitted, except working guide and service animals trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy adult tickets online before opening day, because the discounted advance rate ends when the show opens.
- Bring a card rather than cash, since the parking lots, bars and concessions at the EMC Expo Center are all cashless.
- Leave wagons and grocery-size carts at home, because only strollers and small pull-behind or push carts are allowed in the crowded aisles.
- For lighter crowds, come during the evening hours on Saturday or Sunday, when the show is outside its peak times.
- Teachers and school staff should bring a valid ID on Sunday to get free admission on Teacher Day.
Special Events & Promotions
- Hallmark star Tyler Hynes appears on the Holiday Entertainment Stage on Friday, and regular admission covers it.
- Girls Night Out is Friday evening, and there's also a Saturday Night Out. Both are themed nights, and regular tickets get you in.
- Teacher Day is Sunday: educators and school staff get in free with a valid ID. It's one ticket per ID and doesn't extend to family members.
- New this year: the Kids Market on Sunday, where young entrepreneurs run their own stalls.
- Join the mailing list to get a promo code for a discount on adult tickets.
Links & Contact
Run by Marketplace Events
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow?
Seeing the whole show takes 2 to 3 hours. For quieter aisles, come on Saturday or Sunday evening.
Can I bring a stroller or a shopping cart?
Strollers and small pull-behind or push carts are fine. Grocery-size carts and wagons are not allowed. Strollers and carts aren't available to rent, and the aisles get crowded.
Can I bring my own food?
No, but food and drink are sold inside. All the bars and concessions at the EMC Expo are cashless.
Do I need a special ticket for Girls Night Out or Saturday Night Out?
No. A regular admission ticket gets you into any of the themed nights.
I bought something and need to return it. Do I have to pay to get back in?
No. Check in at will-call with the product, and the person returning it gets one ticket.
Browse Christmas in Des Moines
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.