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5 Things to Do This Week in Downtown Des Moines’ Winter Wonderland

Five Things to Do

December 22, 2023

Header image from Scott Bruxvoort.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, entertain visiting family and friends or perhaps curb cabin fever as the year soon comes to an end — here are five can’t-miss things to do this week in Downtown DSM.

Ugly Sweater Comedy Jamboree

Friday, Dec. 22 | Teehee’s Comedy Club
Don your ugliest holiday sweater and join the fun! Stand-up comedians will have you laughing all night long. Shows start at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with discounted tickets available when purchased in advance. Can’t make it Friday? Check out Saturday’s entertainment, too: Christmas With Us, a holiday hip-hop concert presented by Us Vs Them.
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Teehee's Comedy Jamboree 

Iowa Wild

Friday, Dec. 22, Saturday, Dec. 23, Thursday, Dec. 28 & Saturday, Dec. 30 | Wells Fargo Arena
Get your fill of Iowa Wild puck drops before the ball drops this year! This Friday and Saturday, the Wild will take on the Manitoba Moose followed by gameplay against the Colorado Eagles next Thursday and Saturday. Each game day includes special promotions, giveaways and themes — including the New Year’s Eve Bash presented by the Greater Des Moines Partnership on the 30th. You won’t want to miss this!
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Iowa Wild 

Live Jazz at The Continental

Saturday, Dec. 23 | The Continental
This Saturday, enjoy yummy craft cocktails, small plates and live jazz music starting at 8 p.m. at The Continental in the Historic East Village. Don't sleep on the seasonal drink menu, with flavors like peppermint eggnog, mulled wine, winter spiced punch, a festive seasonal sangria — and tasty holiday desserts, too!
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Cherry Delight at The Continental 

Rudolph’s Rooftop

Now – Sunday, Jan. 7 | Republic On Grand
Only a few more weeks to enjoy the festive ambiance atop the AC Hotel in the Historic East Village. The halls have been decked with twinkling holiday lights and decor, and a special holiday cocktail menu makes for the perfect pairing of one of the chef’s artisanal bites. Cozy up for a date night or stop in for an evening with friends! Pro tip: Don’t leave without taking a selfie with your crew and posting it to Instagram along with hashtag #downtownDSM!
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Rudolph's Rooftop 

Ice Skating in Downtown DSM

Open Daily, Weather-Permitting | Brenton Skating Plaza
Don’t let your holiday break pass you by without a visit to Downtown DSM’s outdoor ice-skating rink, with the best views of the city sights and twinkling lights. Visit the Des Moines Parks and Recreation website to view Brenton’s special holiday hours this week.
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Ice Skating at Brenton Skating Plaza

Looking ahead to NYE? Here’s a roundup of Downtown Des Moines New Year’s Eve events and activities.

And for last-minute holiday ideas, take a peep at these DSM buying guides for gifts and more. The North + Central, South, West and East Buying Guides are a curated list of shops, restaurants and services around the region and Downtown, too!

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.

 

Greater Des Moines Partnership

DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research. The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.