Altoona Holiday Guide

Celebrate the Holidays in Altoona 

Shop local ‘til you drop around Altoona this holiday season! And don’t sleep on this full line-up of winter activities and seasonal festivities that will keep you feeling merry and bright from now to the New Year.

• What To Do: Experience the bustling winter wonderland at Christmas in Olde Town on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Altoona’s historic downtown. This event features live music, walking tours, tree lighting and light show, horse-drawn wagons plus a visit from Santa! And look out for festive pop-up events at Brightside Aleworks, like Holiday Paint & Pints, a Christmas Book & Record Sale and local vendor markets.
• Where to Shop: Take a peep at the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce businesses for ideas on where to shop local — such as Hidden Treasures Gifts and Suzy’s Kitchen & Gifts. Stop by the Outlets of Des Moines to find unique and unexpected goods from Iowa artisans at the Midwest Local Vendor Market taking place on both Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Then, on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, pop over to the Vendor Fair at Delaware Elementary School to shop a delightful selection of vendors and enjoy Laotian cuisine from local food truck, Mala’s. You can also double-dip and attend Altoona’s Holiday Bazaar at the Townsend Community Center also on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, for fun music, festive food and — of course! — shopping.
• Don’t Miss This: Looking for family-friendly holiday fun? Stop into Bass Pro Shops’ Winter Wonderland, now through Christmas Eve, to snag a photo with Santa, enjoy free holiday giveaways on weekdays and additional special events like Christmas Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a Yuletide Breakfast. And if you want to enjoy a night out with just the adults, Prairie Meadows will countdown to the New Year over the final few days of December with festive live entertainment, tasty food and drinks, plus holiday-themed promotions including a special NYE menu at AJ’s Steakhouse.

Support Local, Shop Local: Your Holiday Guide to Greater Des Moines

This holiday season, shop local and celebrate with DSM Local! From one-of-a-kind gifts to festive events, you can find it right here in Altoona Discover more in nearby places like Pleasant Hill, Bondurant and Ankeny, too.