Given its ideal location in the middle of the Puget Sound metropolitan area, residents of the city of Des Moines are never at a loss for fun things to do. With the holiday season fast approaching, locals will have access to a host of Des Moines Christmas events that promise to make this winter memorable. Here are a few upcoming activities for the month of December that offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Des Moines Christmas Events to Check Out in 2019
Argosy Christmas Ship Bonfire
When: Nov. 29th – Dec. 23rd
Where: Multiple departure locations available
Website
Each year, Argosy Cruises carries out a Christmas tradition for communities along the Puget Sound coast, sending its “Official Christmas Ship” the Spirit of Seattle to dock at different ports for a holiday bonfire and festival. Stretching back all the way to 1949, the Argosy Christmas Ship has become a time-honored annual pastime for residents of the Pacific Northwest to enjoy.
While tickets can be purchased to travel with the ship for the whole of its journey, the Spirit of Seattle will also anchor for a Des Moines Christmas event on December 12th. From the shore, attendees can enjoy a live broadcast of the on-board caroling performances from choirs local to the Puget Sound region.
Des Moines Creek Park Run
When: Every Saturday
Where: Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium
Website
The holidays may be the laziest time of year, but the Des Moines Creek Park Run stops for no one. Every Saturday morning, Des Moines Creek becomes a hub for cardio enthusiasts, as residents run 5 kilometers across the length of the park.
Runners will be timed, but the Des Moines Creek Park Run is not a competition. Locals of all skill levels are encouraged to consistently attend and improve their speed over time, but the emphasis is on strengthening the health of all those who attend. The run is free to undertake, but those interested should register first in order to have their time recorded.
Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 6th, 2019
Where: Big Catch Plaza
Website
Hosted by Destination Des Moines, a local tourism organization, the tree lighting at Big Catch Plaza is one Des Moines Christmas event not to be missed. Hot chocolate, festive carols, cookies and even Santa Clause will all be present at this grand opening of the Christmas season in the Des Moines Marina District.
SantaCon 2019
When: Sat. Dec 14th
Where: Various locations
Website
The Puget Sound region is known for its eccentricity and charm, making it the perfect destination for an event like SantaCon. Every holiday season, SantaCon lands in Seattle, bringing with it a stampede of convention-goers in Santa Claus costumes. The full experience of the event is nothing short of dazzling, with a flurry of Santa outfits parading in public.
Though SantaCon is free for anyone to attend, registration is required first. Santa costumes are recommended to join in the “true” SantaCon spirit, but any Christmas-themed clothing will be acceptable. Convention attendance grows every year, meaning guests are encouraged to put extra creativity into their costumes to stand out among the crowd of red suits.
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