Holiday Shows & Performances This December in Downtown DSM 

_{Header image courtesy Ryan Morrison.}

Festive holiday shows and performances in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) are lighting up the season this December! From heartwarming productions to dazzling musical acts, Downtown DSM’s local venues are filled with unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Spend the month enjoying the magic of live entertainment while creating special memories and supporting the local businesses that make Downtown DSM such a vibrant destination year-round.

Holiday Shows & Performances in Downtown Des Moines

Max Wellman’s Home for the Holidays

Sunday, Dec. 1, Sunday, Dec. 8, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 | Varies | Noce Jazz Club
For the 15th year, Max Wellman will create vocal magic on stage including favorite songs like “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “The Christmas Song,” “Sleigh Ride” and more.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Tanner Taylor Trio

Monday, Dec. 2 & 9, Tuesday, Dec. 10 & 17, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 | Varies | Noce Jazz Club
Experience Vince Guaraldi’s classic score performed by the exceptional Tanner Taylor Trio, featuring piano, bass and drums.
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Sounds of the Season with the Des Moines Big Band

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2024 | 7 p.m. | Noce Jazz Club
Celebrate the season with holiday classics reimagined with a Big Band twist, from Duke Ellington’s “Sugar Rum Cherry” to a Zydeco groove on “Joy to the World.”
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Christmas with Lorie Line

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 | 7 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place
An intimate evening of piano music, heartwarming stories and a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas.
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Max Wellman’s Noce Christmas with Nate Sparks, Gina Gedler, Napoleon Douglas & More

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 6-7, 2024 and Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 | Varies | Noce Jazz Club
Enjoy vocalist Max Wellman and six-piece band led by Nate Sparks, joined by Gina Gedler, Napoleon Douglas and more special guests for this special holiday production.
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Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus: Thankful

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 | 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place
Light of the Season, the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus winter concert kicks off the holiday season with holiday tunes you’ll love.

• Dec. 7: 2 p.m. Show
• Dec. 7: 7 p.m. Show

Ballet Des Moines Presents the Nutcracker

Thursday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 | Varies | Hoyt Sherman Place
DSM’s professional production of The Nutcracker features Ballet Des Moines dancers and local dancers in children’s roles this holiday season.

• Dec. 12: 7 p.m. Show
• Dec. 13: 7 p.m. Show
• Dec. 14: 2 p.m. Show
• Dec. 14: 7 p.m. Show
• Dec. 15: 1 p.m. Show
• Dec. 15: 5 p.m. Show

Photo Credit: Jami Milne

Iowa Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker

Friday, Dec. 13 – Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 | 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. | Des Moines Civic Center
This version of The Nutcracker casts local students in a show choreographed and directed by dance professionals from around DSM. 
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A Christmas Carol

Friday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024   | Varies | Des Moines Stoner Theater
The Iowa Stage Theater brings the holiday tradition of Scrooge, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come (and Tiny Tim, too!) to the stage in Downtown DSM.
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Photo Credit: Joe Crimmings

Christmas with C.W. Lewis

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place
Experience a captivating theatrical portrayal of C.S. Lewis on Christmas Eve 1962, sharing heartfelt Yuletide stories that inspire laughter, joy and tears.
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Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 | 7 p.m. | Wells Fargo Arena
Hear incredible a cappella holiday music from this world-famous singing troupe.
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Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: Cool Yule Holiday Tour

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place
The lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa will perform a big band driven Jazz Pop holiday concert.
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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 | 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. | Des Moines Civic Center
Experience the magic of the spirit of the season, as Mannheim Steamroller celebrates over 35 years since their first Christmas album!
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In The Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra

Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 | 7 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place
The Glenn Miller Orchestra delivers timeless hits and holiday favorites with over 18 musicians and singers spreading festive cheer.
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A Magical Cirque Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 | 4 p.m. | Des Moines Civic Center 
Prepare for a nostalgic, enchanting variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing holiday favorites for all ages. 
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Pop N’ Jolly: A Holiday Show for All Generations

Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. | Temple Theater 
Celebrate the season at the first annual “Pop ‘n’ Jolly!” — a family-friendly event with timeless Christmas music and top local musicians.
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Des Moines Symphony: The Doo Wop Project New Year’s Eve Pops

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 | 8 p.m. | Des Moines Civic Center 
Ring in the new year with the Des Moines Symphony’s annual New Year’s Eve Pops featuring The Doo Wop Project, showcasing timeless classics from Frankie Valli to modern hits by Maroon 5. 
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We think you might also be interested in these additional holiday shows and performances: Lauren Vilmain: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, All I Want for Christmas: Gina Gedler and A NOLA Christmas!

Looking for more? Check out this list holiday events and festivities, and also these free things to do in Downtown Des Moines during December.

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