Festival of Trees & Lights
Visitors can wander through a ballroom filled with 90 decorated trees of various sizes, cast a vote in the People's Choice contest, and follow a scavenger hunt to earn a prize. The event features live entertainment from local music and dance troupes, visits with Santa, and a gift shop offering holiday decor and toys. Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts, slide around a sock skating rink, and ride the Festival Express Train.
Nov 27 – Nov 29, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
$10 per person; children 2 and younger are free. Children's activities are included with admission.
Hours
Friday, November 27 - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 28 - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 29 - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ages
All ages (children 2 and under are free)
Neighborhood
Downtown
Food & Drink
The concessions area offers fresh-baked cookies, popcorn, snacks, chips, water and soda.
Parking
Parking is available in the Convention Center parking lots for a fee, on the streets (free on Sunday), or in nearby city parking garages.
Accessibility
Sensory Day on November 25 dims the lights, cuts noise and crowds, and offers a calming room.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring a card or set up digital payment before arriving, because the festival is cashless and cash will not be accepted at event purchases.
- If visiting on Sunday, consider street parking, which is free; convention center lots and nearby city garages are other options.
- Check children’s weights before riding the Festival Express Train; it is limited to children weighing 70 pounds or less.
- Children’s activities are included with admission, and children two and younger enter free, which may help families plan their visit budget.
- For sensory-sensitive visitors, consider Sensory Day, which includes dimmed lights, reduced attendance, a calming room and modified activities.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory Day on Wednesday, November 25 has dimmed lights, a quieter train, much smaller crowds, a calming room and a secluded Santa visit.
- Tree Farm Silent Auction: guests bid to take home decorated 5-foot trees that come with donated goods and services.
Links & Contact
Run by Blank Children's Hospital
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
What activities are available for children?
Children can enjoy crafts, slide on a sock skating rink, ride the Festival Express Train (for children 70 pounds and under), visit Santa, and participate in a scavenger hunt for a prize. Children's activities are included with general admission.
What food and drinks are available on site?
A concessions area offers fresh-baked cookies, popcorn, snacks, chips, water, and soda.
Is cash accepted at the event?
No, the Festival of Trees & Lights is entirely cashless.
What cause does the festival support?
The event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children's Hospital, supporting services such as the Child Life program and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach.
Can visitors vote for their favorite tree?
Yes, attendees can participate in the People's Choice voting to select their favorite decorated tree.
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.