Celebrating the Holidays in Des Moines, Iowa!

One event beginning November 4 is entitled "Sneak a Photo with Santa." This is a one day event taking place on 909 Robert D. Ray Drive at the Des Moines Botanical Center. The event begins at noon and lasts until 2pm. Admission is $10 and for more information, just call 515 323 6290, or visit: http://www.botanicalcenter.com/

Another exciting holiday event taking place in Des Moines is the Gift Mart taking place at the Hy-Vee Conference Center on 5820 Westtown Pkwy in West Des Moines. This event takes place at the Junior League of Des Moines and will last November 16-18 from 5:30-9:30 and 9am-9pm. For more information on this event please call 515 279 5339. Admission is $25 on the 16th, and $5 in advance and $7 at the door on the 17th and 18th. This event is a three-day shopping extravaganza featuring thousands of unique gifts and foods from retailers throughout the country. The proceeds for this event will go to promoting and continuing literacy and leadership development in Des Moines.

Coming up on the 16th of November there will be a special event involving the Valley Junction stores. The merchants in Valley Junction will be opening their doors for extended hours and the whole neighborhood will be sparkling with the holiday spirit. There will also be carolers and a visit from Santa, as well as carriage rides. This event will occur from the hours of 5pm-9pm. For more information, please call 515 222 3642.

Another exciting event taking place in Des Moines, Iowa will occur on November 17 on Locust Street between E. 4th and E. 5th in the East Village. From 5pm-9pm merchants in this area will also be featuring extended hours, musicians & carolers, horse & carriage rides with Santa as well as a reggae band playing at the State Historical Building from 7-9pm.

The Festival of Trees and Lights will begin on November 21 and end November 26 in Des Moines on 501 Grand at the Iowa Events Center Complex from 11am-7pm and ending at 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. For more information on this event, please call 515 241 6494.

The "Jolly Holiday Lights" will begin November 21 and end January 1, 2007 on 2201 George Flagg Parkway at Waterworks Park. This event lasts from 5:30pm-10:00pm and will cost $9 per car and $45 per bus. For more information on this event please call 515 334 2636.

Another event in Des Moines Iowa is the Lighted Christmas Parade 1226 2nd Street at the Perry Chamber of Commerce. This Parade will begin at 7pm and more information is available by calling 515 465 4601, or visiting: http://www.perryia.org/
A Holiday Open House will be taking place November 30 on 217 5th Street in West Des Moines. This event is located in the Valley Junction from 5-9pm and more information is available by calling 515 222 3642.

Holly and Ivy will be taking place on Grand Avenue from December 1-December 3. This event is taking place at Terrace Hill and Salisbury House from 10-4 on Friday and Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday the 3. This event is $15 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. This is a tour of two of the Midwest's grandest landmarks and other rarely seen mansions, decorated in Holiday attire. There will also be Festive Entertainment, as well as beautiful decorations and refreshments. For more information on this event, visit http://www.seedesmoines.com/asp/visitors/detail_calendar.asp?id=10725.

"Tuba Christmas" is another can't miss event taking place in Des Moines on December 2, 2006. This event will be held at 3850 Merle Hay Road Suite 101 Des Moines, IA in the Merle Hay Mall. The event begins at 11am and is FREE admission! It includes a 60 piece brass ensemble with tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium playing holiday music.

If the Tuba Christmas isn't enough holiday music for you, Des Moines will also be hosting a special "Sleigh Ride Christmas Concert." This event is also on December 2 at the Merle Hay Mall, and begins at 1 following the Tuba concert. Admission is also FREE! The Greater Des Moines Community Band will be performing a spectacular concert.

A "Jingle Bell Bash" will be held in Des Moines from December 6-December 10. This is a wonderful event with Broadway stars, music, lights, and a fun cast party following. There will also be desserts and more live music and dancing for only $35 a person. Also, there are dinner options for an additional price. It is also important to mention that the Jingle Bell Bash will donate $10,000 to Star 102.5's Christmas wish to grant wishes of friends and neighbors in need. For more information on this event please call, 953-BELL or log onto www.jingle-bell-bash.

There are lots of other fun and exciting holiday events taking place in Des Moines this year. For more information, just visit: http://www.seedesmoines.com/default.asp